Getting into a car accident is stressful but even more complicated when multiple vehicles are involved. Multi-car accidents – pileups or chain-reaction crashes – often lead to messy insurance claims, disputes over fault, and plenty of confusion.
In South Carolina, multi-car accident claims can be even trickier due to comparative negligence laws, which affect how much compensation you can recover based on your level of fault. With multiple drivers and insurance companies pointing fingers, knowing where you stand is hard. If you’ve been in a multi-car accident, here’s what you need to know about fault, liability, and getting compensated.
What Causes Multi-Car Accidents?
These often occur in high-traffic areas like highways and intersections, where one driver’s mistake can quickly become a pileup. Some of the most common causes include:
- Rear-End Collisions – If a driver isn’t paying attention and slams into the car in front of them, it can set off a chain reaction of rear-end crashes.
- Sudden Braking – Multiple vehicles can collide if a driver slams on their brakes and the cars behind them don’t have enough space to stop in time.
- Bad Weather Conditions – Rain, fog, or icy roads can make it harder to stop or see other cars, increasing the likelihood of a pileup.
- Speeding or Aggressive Driving – When people are tailgating or weaving in and out of lanes, they have less time to react to sudden stops, making accidents more severe.
- Intersection Crashes – Multiple vehicles can be involved in a wreck if someone runs a red light or makes an unsafe turn.
Regardless of the cause, multi-car accidents often leave drivers arguing over who’s at fault. And unfortunately, it’s rarely as simple as blaming just one person.
How Fault Is Determined in a Multi-Car Crash
Determining fault is usually straightforward when only two cars are involved in an accident, but things get complicated with three or more vehicles.
It depends on several factors, including:
- Traffic Laws – Was anyone speeding? Did someone ignore a stop sign?
- Vehicle Damage – Where is the damage located? This can help show the order of impacts.
- Police Reports – Officers at the scene often include their fault assessment in their reports.
- Dashcam or Surveillance Footage – Video evidence can clarify who hit whom first.
- Witness Statements – Bystanders who saw the accident unfold can provide helpful details.
You may still be eligible for compensation if you’re less than 51 percent at fault. But if you’re found to be 51 percent or more at fault, you won’t be able to recover damages at all. That’s why proving your level of responsibility (or lack thereof) is so important in multi-car accident claims.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover
If you’ve been injured in a multi-car accident, you may be entitled to different types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses – Covers hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and any ongoing treatment
- Lost Wages – Covers lost income if you’ve missed work because of your injuries
- Property Damage – Pays for vehicle repairs or replacement if your car was totaled
- Pain and Suffering – Accounts for physical pain, emotional distress, and overall impact on your quality of life
Insurance companies will do their best to reduce the amount they have to pay you, so keeping good records – like medical bills, receipts, and a journal of how your injuries affect your daily life – can help strengthen your claim.
How Insurance Adjusters Evaluate Multi-Car Crash Claims
After a multi-car accident, each driver’s insurance company investigates by reviewing the police report, speaking with witnesses, and assessing vehicle damage. They aim to minimize payouts, so they may argue that you were partially at fault to reduce your compensation. Be cautious when speaking to adjusters – avoid admitting fault or speculating and stick to the facts. If an insurer is pushing back or you’re unsure about a settlement offer, legal help may be necessary to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
Steps to Take After a Multi-Car Accident
If you’re in a multi-car crash, follow these steps:
- Check for Injuries – Your health comes first – call 911 if anyone needs medical help.
- Move to a Safe Spot – If possible, get your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents.
- Call the Police – A police report is crucial for determining fault and filing insurance claims.
- Exchange Information – Collect all involved drivers’ names, contact details, insurance info, and vehicle descriptions.
- Document the Scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Get Witness Statements – If anyone saw the crash, ask for their contact info for future reference.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear.
- Notify Your Insurance Company – Report the accident, but avoid recorded statements without legal advice.
- Get Legal Help – If the claim is complicated, an attorney can help protect your rights.
Following these steps can help safeguard your health, finances, and legal standing after a multi-car accident.
Why Having a Lawyer Can Make a Difference
Multi-car accidents involve multiple insurance companies, conflicting accounts, and complex liability issues, so having an experienced car accident attorney can make a huge difference.
A lawyer can help you:
- Gather and present substantial evidence to prove fault
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Fight back if the insurance company tries to reduce or deny your claim
- Represent you in court if necessary
Consider speaking with a personal injury attorney if you were involved in a pileup crash and have questions about your legal options. The right legal help can make all the difference in getting the compensation you need to recover.
Contact a Lawyer to Discuss Your Next Steps After a Multi-Car Crash
Getting into a multi-car accident is frustrating, and dealing with insurance companies can be just as stressful. Understanding how fault is determined, what compensation you can recover, and how to handle the claims process can help you avoid costly mistakes.
At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we understand how overwhelming multi-car accident claims can be. Our team works hard to protect accident victims and help them get the compensation they’re entitled to. If you need legal guidance after a multi-vehicle collision, we’re here to help. Call us today at (843) 832-1120 or visit us online to get started with a consultation.
