Between physical injuries, medical expenses, and emotional distress, the aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash in Atlanta can be overwhelming. Accidents involving multiple vehicles often present challenges when determining who was at fault. That’s where the experienced car accident attorneys at Bayuk Pratt step in. We have a proven track record of success against powerful insurers and significant litigation experience in court. Our law firm has recovered over $300 million for injured clients throughout Atlanta.
If you need help holding the at-fault party(s) accountable without costly upfront fees, contact Bayuk Pratt for a free consultation with an Atlanta multi-vehicle car crash lawyer. We fight to make things right for you, and you owe us nothing unless we win.
What Are the Main Causes of Multi-Vehicle Crashes in Atlanta?
Multi-vehicle accidents rarely stem from a single factor. Often, a combination of behaviors and conditions creates the scenario for a collision. Atlanta’s busy highways, such as I-75, I-85, and the Perimeter (I-285), are notorious for heavy traffic, aggressive driving, and high-speed collisions. Add alcohol, bad weather, road defects, or mechanical flaws to the mix, and you have all the ingredients for a serious multiple-car pileup.
The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety highlights several leading causes of multi-car collisions:
- Tailgating – Drivers who follow too closely leave no room to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic. This chain reaction often leads to rear-end collisions, which can escalate into multi-car pileups.
- Distracted driving – Texting, eating, or adjusting in-car controls divert a driver’s attention from the road. Even a brief lapse in focus can cause a crash involving multiple vehicles.
- Speeding – High speeds reduce a driver’s ability to stop safely or maneuver around obstacles. When a speeding driver loses control, the resulting collision can be catastrophic, especially during peak traffic hours.
- Impaired driving – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs make poor decisions and react slowly to road conditions, which can trigger collisions involving multiple motorists.
- Sudden lane changes – Weaving through lanes without signaling confuses other drivers, increasing the likelihood of crashes. Aggressive driving, such as cutting off vehicles, also plays a role.
- Construction – Road work creates temporary closures, narrowed lanes, and potentially poor signage, making crashes more likely, especially on Atlanta’s congested roads.
How Do You Determine Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Collision?
Establishing fault in a multi-vehicle auto accident requires a comprehensive investigation. Unlike single-vehicle accidents, multi-car crashes involve overlapping accounts, conflicting evidence, and shared liability. At Bayuk Pratt, we focus on gathering and analyzing key evidence to piece together how the accident occurred. Examples of evidence include:
- Police reports – Law enforcement officers document the scene, interview involved parties, and often include preliminary findings on fault in a police accident report. Their objective account provides a foundation for building your case.
- Video evidence – Dashcams, traffic cameras, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses may have captured the moments leading up to and during the crash. This evidence can clarify critical details, such as the actions of the drivers and the timing of the collisions.
- Witness accounts – Statements from bystanders and other drivers can fill in gaps and offer valuable perspectives on how the accident unfolded. Witness testimony is particularly helpful in identifying negligent behavior, like speeding or failing to signal.
- Vehicle damage analysis – The location and severity of damage on each vehicle tell a story about the collision. For example, rear-end damage might indicate a failure to stop, while side-impact damage could point to improper lane changes.
Could More Than One Person Be Held Liable in a Multi-Car Crash?
Liability in multi-vehicle accidents is rarely straightforward. More than one party may share responsibility depending on the circumstances. Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law adds another layer of complexity. You can only recover compensation if you’re less than 50 percent responsible for a crash, but your compensation will be reduced by your degree of fault.
Here are some findings that car accident attorneys may make when determining fault for a multi-vehicle car crash:
- The driver who caused the initial collision bears primary fault.
- A driver who speeds into the crash site may also share liability.
- Government agencies may play a role in liability through poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage.
- Manufacturers of defective parts can be financially liable.
What Are the Most Common Atlanta Multi-Vehicle Crash Injuries?
The injuries sustained in multi-vehicle crashes are often severe due to the intensity of multiple impacts. The most prevalent car accident injuries we see include:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones, especially to the arms, legs, and ribs
- Internal bleeding
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Scarring and disfigurement
If you suffered serious injuries from a car accident in Atlanta, a seasoned attorney can evaluate your case and place a value on your case that accounts for past, current, and anticipated future losses.
What Should You Do After a Multi-Vehicle Accident?
Your priority after any type of crash is seeking medical care. After that, taking thoughtful steps and precautions can help preserve your right to seek compensation:
- You will need to notify your insurer. Keep your statements strictly factual. Do not discuss fault or speculate about what happened.
- Get a copy of the police accident report. The information in the accident report can serve as a starting point for investigating the multi-vehicle crash.
- Keep every accident-related receipt, invoice, and bill. These records can document your financial losses and assist in calculating compensation for your car accident case.
- Do not skip medical appointments or treatment. The insurance company may take that as a sign that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
- Talk to an Atlanta multi-vehicle car accident attorney. An accident lawyer in Atlanta can gather evidence, determine liability, and pursue maximum compensation from every at-fault party.
Does Georgia Have a Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Georgia law establishes a strict deadline for filing car accident lawsuits. Generally, car accident victims have two years from the crash date to take legal action. Failing to file a lawsuit within the allotted time likely means forfeiting your right to pursue compensation.
Some exceptions may extend or shorten the deadline for your car accident claim. For example, claims against a state or municipal government agency have a notification deadline that is shorter than the general statute of limitations. It’s best to contact an Atlanta car accident lawyer as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on money based on a technicality.
Contact an Atlanta Multi-Vehicle Car Crash Lawyer Today
Recovering from a multi-vehicle crash can be a long and arduous journey. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. The battle-tested attorneys at Bayuk Pratt bring decades of experience and knowledge to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer.