Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents

Contact a RI Accident Lawyer If You Are Hurt in a Multi-Car Crash

Typically, a car accident that involves multiple vehicles will encompass more physical injuries, extensive property damage, and more complex legal issues than an auto accident involving only two drivers. Often referred to as a “pileup”, a multi-vehicle accident can make it difficult to determine who is at fault and can include conflicting stories from different parties. If you are hurt in a multi-vehicle pile-up in Providence, it’s especially important to seek the expertise of a skilled Providence car accident attorney to sort through the legal complexities that occur when more than two cars are involved in a crash. Attorney David Tapalian is well-versed in the complicated negotiations surrounding multiple insurance companies after a multi-vehicle collision. Varying witness statements can make it difficult to prove who is liable for the crash and each drivers’ insurance company will aggressively pursue action against the other motorists involved to avoid accepting fault on behalf of their own insured and having to compensate numerous parties for expensive personal injury and property damage losses.

Filing a Car Accident Claim After a Crash in Providence Involving Multiple Vehicles

The most difficult factor to determine in a pileup is who is to blame when there are several drivers involved. Fault is not as clear cut as when only two cars are involved in a collision. For instance: Driver A is texting and driving and goes through a stoplight and Driver B is speeding too fast to hit the brakes in time to avoid Driver A. The impact that ensues causes both drivers’ vehicles to collide into your car. Both Driver A, using a cell phone, and Driver B, speeding, would be accountable for the injuries caused to you. In Rhode Island, all parties can be held equally responsible for the injuries and damages that they cause under the “joint tortfeasors” and “comparative fault” rules. As an experienced Providence Car Accident Lawyer, David Tapalian can effectively navigate the complex legal issues of joint and several liability as well as comparative fault.

The “comparative fault” rule applies to multiple vehicle accidents in RI, regardless of what portion of the collision each party is responsible for. If three cars are in a pile-up, Car A may be assigned 50% of the liability, while Car B and Car C are each assigned 25% of the responsibility. When a large number of vehicles are involved in a multi-car crash, assigning fault is even more complicated. For example, eight vehicles were involved in a serious pileup on I-95 near Providence that severely injured all parties involved. Ultimately, three of the cars were found liable for the crash with each responsible for a different percentage. Situations like these can become very complex and having a highly experienced Providence car accident attorney can make all the difference.

It can be difficult to determine and understand who you should receive compensation from when there are conflicting parties and various insurances companies involved in a multi-car accident. Tapalian Law will meet with you to discuss the incident, review the police report, speak with witnesses, and walk you through how to file a claim to hold the driver(s) responsible for the crash accountable. In many situations, the driver(s) can be liable for your medical bills and lost wages, as well as any emotional trauma, and pain and suffering that you may have experienced.

Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Crashes involving multiple vehicles often result from a distracted or careless driver, such as one speeding or operating impaired by alcohol. They also occur frequently in poor visibility weather conditions like rain or snow. Heavy traffic and busy intersections during morning and evening commutes are also prime conditions for collisions encompassing several vehicles. Countless auto accidents on I-95 in Providence occur because cars are following too close behind each other. When one vehicle stops short on the highway and there isn’t enough space for the ones following to safely slow down, several cars can crash resulting in a domino effect of rear-end collisions.

Statute of Limitations for a RI Auto Accident

Rhode Island has a three (3) year statue of limitations, or deadline, in which a car accident claim must be filed. Therefore, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in RI right away. When multiple vehicles are involved, timeliness is even more crucial as it can take longer to sort through the complexities of an accident involving several drivers and insurance companies. Even if you believe you may be partially at-fault, you may be eligible to seek a portion of damages from the other driver(s), so it is important to contact a qualified RI personal injury attorney to determine your eligibility for compensation.

Call an Experienced RI Car Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation

At Tapalian Law, we want to seek what is fair and just for you. With a team of incredibly experienced Rhode Island personal injury experts, we will guide you through the correct procedures to move forward and create a plan to ensure you have the best chance of being reimbursed from those involved in your multi-car pileup. You don’t pay us anything unless we win you compensation. Attorney David Tapalian is a car accident lawyer in Providence with over 20 years of experience and will work with you personally and directly on your claim. However, due to the RI statute of limitations on filing a car accident claim, the longer you wait, the harder it is to recover losses from the collision. Call Tapalian Law today at 401-552-5000 or contact us online to set up a free consultation.