How to Deal with your Insurance Company on a Chain Reaction, Multi-Car Accident in Virginia | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Best personal injury lawyers in VirginiaYou’ve seen them in the movies, and maybe even in real life. One car hits another car, who winds up slamming into another car that rear ends another car. Before you know it, you have a mult-vehicle wreck (also known as a chain reaction car wreck).  These wrecks can be a real headache for those involved, especially injured victims.

If you or a loved one was involved in a chain reaction wreck, here are some tips:

  • Obtain a copy of the police report. Why? Because you may not be sure which car actually caused the crash. The police report should have the requisite information to help determine which vehicle initiated the accident and whose insurance you should file a claim to recoup damages for car repairs. 
  • Collect the contact information of the individuals involved in the accident, just in case testimony is required for a trial.
  • Do NOT give a recorded statement to any of the insurance company adjusters that may be contacting you. Talk to an attorney first if you’ve suffered an injury. Why? Because if you decide to file a personal injury claim, the adjuster can use your statements against you. For example, you may be feeling fine the day after the wreck, but later discover you’ve suffered brain damage from the wreck. The adjuster could use your statements against your injury claim by aruing that you felt “fine” after the accident.  

If you suffered serious injuries in the chain reaction wreck (e.g., traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, broken leg, bone fracture, etc.) it is likely you’ll be forced to miss time from work and may even suffer a permanent decrease in your quality of life. These are the types of damages that can be compensated for if you decide to take legal action and pursue a personal injury claim. To learn more about those damages, read this in-depth legal article. 
I strongly recommend obtaining the services of an injury lawyer. These cases can become extremely complicated, especially if you have legitimate claims against multiple insurance companies. Depositions may need to be taken, you may need to see a medical specialist (depending on the severity of your injury), and insurance companies routinely employ delay tactics and dubious strategies to try and reduce any potential legal claims arising from the accident

 

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