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Action Guide
Multi-Vehicle Pileup? Steps from Attorney Raffi Naljian
Multi-vehicle pileup accidents create complex liability situations with multiple drivers, insurance companies, and potential claims. Attorney Raffi Naljian helps accident victims navigate the complications of chain-reaction collisions. When several vehicles are involved, determining fault and pursuing compensation requires careful analysis of how the accident unfolded.
Involved in a multi-car pileup?
Raffi Naljian
California Personal Injury, Litigation & Criminal Defense Attorney
Raffi Garabed Naljian is an active California attorney listed under State Bar #238919. The State Bar profile lists personal injury, litigation, criminal law, and business law among his self-reported practice areas, and Naljian Law Offices describes a Glendale practice handling criminal defense and civil litigation, including personal injury matters.
View Full ProfileIs This the Right Attorney for Your Case?
Pileup accidents often involve disputed liability among multiple parties. Raffi Naljian has experience sorting through the complexities of multi-vehicle crashes, identifying how the chain reaction started, and pursuing claims against appropriate parties. Also searched as: Rafi Nanaljian, Raffi Nalian, Rafi Naljian.
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What to Do Next
- 1Call 911—multiple injuries may require emergency response
- 2If safe, move to the shoulder away from traffic
- 3Seek medical attention for all injuries
- 4Get information from ALL drivers involved
- 5Take photos of all vehicles and their positions
- 6Note the sequence of impacts if you observed it
- 7Get contact info for all witnesses
- 8Be careful about statements—fault may be shared
Evidence Checklist
- Information from all involved drivers
- Insurance details for every vehicle
- Photos showing vehicle positions
- Police report documenting all parties
- Witness statements about the sequence
- Photos of damage to each vehicle
- Medical records for your injuries
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage if available
Complex liability requires experienced handling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Only getting information from the car that hit you directly
- Assuming the car behind you is automatically at fault
- Not documenting damage from multiple impacts
- Giving inconsistent statements to different insurers
- Accepting the first settlement without full evaluation
- Not identifying all injured parties
- Missing that you were hit multiple times
How the Process Typically Works
1
Scene Management
Ensure safety and document all vehicles involved
2
Investigation
Reconstruct the accident sequence
3
Liability Analysis
Determine fault percentages among drivers
4
Multiple Claims
Pursue claims against appropriate parties
5
Resolution
Coordinate settlements with multiple insurers
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- •Medical expenses from the collision
- •Lost wages during treatment
- •Vehicle damage from all impacts
- •Pain and suffering
- •Future medical needs
- •Rental car costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is at fault in a multi-car pileup?
Fault in a pileup depends on how the chain reaction started and each driver's actions. Multiple drivers may share fault, and investigation often reveals the primary cause.
Can I claim against multiple drivers?
Yes. If multiple drivers share fault, you may be able to pursue claims against each of their insurance policies, potentially increasing your available recovery.
What if I was pushed into the car ahead?
Being pushed forward by an impact doesn't necessarily make you at fault for the subsequent collision. Investigation of following distances and reaction times is needed.
How is fault determined in chain-reaction crashes?
Fault analysis considers who started the chain reaction, whether drivers maintained safe distances, road and weather conditions, and each driver's actions.
What if there's not enough insurance to cover all injuries?
In severe pileups, multiple claims may exceed available insurance. An attorney can help identify all available coverage and maximize your recovery.
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Important Disclosures
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website or submitting a contact form. Results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.