5 Steps to Protect Your Rights in a Multi-Car Collision

Pile-up auto accidents come with their fair share of unique concerns, especially when it comes to health and legal processes.

A multiple driver car accident scene is nearly impossible to understand without hours and possibly days of study. The financial, legal and potentially criminal ramifications of a multi-car crash can be staggering, even if you have competent legal advice.

That said, there are numerous things you can do to protect yourself and look out for your own financial well-being in the event you are involved in a pile-up auto accident.

For starters, download and print our free Accident Report Form and place it in your glove compartment.

The key here is not to become your own attorney or traffic investigator but to assert and assiduously exercise your rights while making certain you have a clear picture of the facts - weeks or even months later - when a proper understanding of the incident will be crucial.

Step #1: Call Emergency Services

It’s highly unlikely that your state doesn't require a multi-car accident to be reported to the police. Always follow the law. Contact the police and report the facts: time, location and that more than one vehicle was involved.

Also, be sure to contact emergency services, even if you believe there were no injuries and even if everyone says they are uninjured.

Unless you want to be answering the question "Are you a doctor?" on the witness stand months later, it’s best to leave the decision-making to the professionals.

Step #2: Watch What You Say

Unless you’re an attorney (and even if you are) it is highly advisable you refrain from answering any unnecessary questions at the scene. Car accidents can expose you to civil liability and potential criminal charges. Treat every question as if it is being asked by a police officer and only answer questions you are legally required to answer. Provide only the documents you are legally required to provide. And by no means should you admit fault to anyone.

What most people don’t realize is there’s absolutely nothing you can say at an accident scene that will help you in any way. It is always in your best interests to remain silent and consult an attorney at your earliest opportunity. From that point forward, let them do the talking.

Remember this point well: the police cannot compel you to testify or answer any question. If you are pushed, ask for a lawyer.

Step 3: File an Insurance Report

Have your attorney report the accident. This may sound strange, but your likelihood of obtaining a favorable insurance settlement will be greatly enhanced if you don't inadvertently implicate yourself as an at-fault party during your insurance company report.

Your attorney knows how to answer questions and provide a factual report without implicating their client. That's what you pay them for. Let them do their job and you'll be a lot better off in the long run.

Step #4: Take Photos

Your best possible option after a multi-vehicle auto accident is to obtain a full and complete photographic record of everything you possibly can at the scene. Start with the paperwork. Don't write down information, photograph it. Get pictures of license plates of every vehicle at the scene, including any emergency vehicles or tow trucks.

If possible, get pictures of the insides of the other vehicles at the scene, and take pictures of the other people. Photograph the surrounding area in as much detail as possible. Take special note of any surveillance cameras such as those at ATMs or convenience stores. Get a complete picture of all the road signs and road conditions. Even try to get pictures of the sky so you know what the weather was like.

Most importantly, get photos of all the damage, starting with your own car. Take pictures from as many angles as is practical.

The reason these pictures are important is because they allow you to construct a factual record of the incident weeks or months later. This will give you a significant advantage against others involved in the accident if they don't have a similar archive of photos.

Step #5: Consult a Pile-Up Crash Injury Attorney

Your likelihood of minimizing potential problems after a serious car accident will be significantly increased if you simply follow these best practices:

●      Retain an attorney.

●      Let them do the talking.

●      Get a complete and accurate record of exactly what happened.

●      Assert your rights.

If you do these things, the process will go much better for you.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a multi-car collision? As highly knowledgeable Colorado injury attorneys, we at the Babcock Law Firm understand the ins and outs of car accidents and are ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.

About Mack Babcock

Colorado car accident and personal injury attorney Mack Babcock spends his life continuously striving for excellence. In his most recent venture as founder of the Babcock Law Firm, LLC, Mack uses his extensive legal experience, insight and professional relationships to help Colorado's injured motorists obtain all of the legal compensation afforded to them under state and federal laws.