Multi-vehicle pileups in Washington are all too common. They are also among the most dangerous and deadly on our roads. These crashes not only involve multiple vehicles, but they are also frequently marked by numerous points of impact that cause a chain reaction of injuries.
The cause of multi-vehicle pileups can vary, but driver negligence is often a key factor. However, because several drivers may share responsibility, determining fault and pursuing compensation can be extremely complicated.
At Fuller & Fuller, our Washington multi-vehicle crash lawyers have been helping victims of complex car wrecks for more than 50 years. When you are injured or a loved one is killed in an accident involving what could potentially be several parties, we are here to listen to your experiences and help you determine the best way to move forward.
Injured in a Multi-Vehicle Pileup in Washington? Talk to a Lawyer for FREE
To schedule a FREE and confidential case review at our Olympia or Tacoma office, call Fuller & Fuller at 800-570-4878 today. We seek justice for victims of serious injury in and around Thurston, Pierce, Grays Harbor, and Lewis counties.
Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Pileups in Washington
While every pileup has unique circumstances, some of the most common causes on Washington roads include:
- Adverse weather conditions such as ice, fog, and heavy rain, all common occurrences in our state.
- Following too closely and tailgating, which are violations of RCW 46.61.145.
- Distracted driving, including texting, GPS use, and eating, some of which are illegal while driving in Washington.
- Driving too fast for conditions, even when under the legal speed limit.
- Impaired driving from alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.
There are more than 2.5 million registered vehicles in Washington State. That means, at any given time, there can be hundreds of thousands of drivers on the road. All it takes is two or three negligent drivers on a busy road to cause a crash that involves several vehicles, significant property damage, and numerous injuries.
When you are injured in a crash involving multiple vehicles, having an experienced legal team on your side is one of the best ways to protect your rights and interests. Fuller & Fuller is here when you need us to guide you through the legal process and help you pursue all of the damages you may be owed.
Steps to Take After a Multi-Vehicle Pileup in Washington
When you are involved in a multiple-vehicle pileup, your safety is the priority. This means the first thing you should do is check for injuries and call 911. Even if you think your injuries are minor, call for medical help right away. It’s a good idea to let EMTs evaluate you on the scene of the accident.
Once you have checked for injuries, move your vehicle to a safe space if possible. If it’s drivable, move it to the shoulder to avoid further collisions. Be sure to stay inside your vehicle if it is unsafe to exit. Once emergency personnel and law enforcement arrive, be sure to cooperate with directions, but avoid making any statements that could suggest you are to blame for the crash.
If your injuries allow action on the scene of the accident, gather as much evidence as possible. This includes:
- Exchanging insurance and contact information with all involved drivers
- Taking photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, and surrounding areas
- Collecting witness names and phone numbers
This information can be useful when building your case, but severe injury can prevent you from collecting it. If your injuries don’t allow for action on the scene of the wreck, working with a specialist in accident and injury law can help ensure all proper evidence is gathered after the fact.
Even if you are cleared by EMTs and even if you feel fine, seek medical care and document your injuries. Not all injuries are visible at the scene. Whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue damage often appear hours or days later. You should always undergo a thorough exam after a car accident.
Keep thorough records of:
- Emergency room visits
- Diagnostic tests
- Physical therapy sessions
- Prescription medications
- Time missed from work
Documenting out-of-pocket medical expenses and time away from work can help your car accident attorney when calculating damages. Documentation helps to prove the full extent of your financial losses.
When to Call a Car Accident Lawyer After a Multi-Vehicle Pileup
It’s a good idea to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible if your injuries are serious, will require time away from work, and might necessitate long-term treatment. It’s also advisable to speak to an attorney if multiple drivers are disputing liability or an insurance company is pressuring you to accept a quick settlement. It’s best to speak to an attorney before speaking to an insurance company, and it’s also best to speak to an attorney before accepting any offers from an insurance company. Talking to a lawyer first helps to protect your rights and prevent you from accepting less than you are due.
Marya Fuller and John Mango are accident and injury law specialists with decades of experience helping victims of multi-vehicle pileups in Washington seek the fair and full compensation they are due. During your cost-free consultation, they will listen to how your injuries have impacted your life, discuss the legal process of seeking compensation, and help you decide whether filing a lawsuit is the right action for your claim.
How Is Liability Assessed After a Multi-Vehicle Pileup in Washington?
There are several ways to establish whose actions played a role in a car accident. These include the review of traffic camera and dash cam footage, analyzing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts. However, determining liability in a multi-vehicle pileup is rarely straightforward. Because several drivers may have contributed to the chain of events, insurance companies might be quick to dispute fault to avoid paying full compensation to victims. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side helps to ensure you are not found at fault for a crash you did not cause.
What If I Played a Role in the Crash?
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that even if you are partly at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will, however, be reduced by the percentage of fault attributable to your actions. For example, under this system, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can still recover $80,000 of that total award.
Accidents are often complicated. There are several factors that can contribute to their occurrence and severity. Even if you believe you might have played a role in a multi-vehicle pileup, it’s best to talk to a lawyer before you accept blame.
How Fuller & Fuller Can Help
At Fuller & Fuller, we have spent more than 50 years standing up for injured people in Tacoma, Olympia, and across Washington. We understand the complexities of multi-vehicle accidents and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payout. We are here to protect your interests and make sure you are treated fairly.
Our family-run firm has built its reputation on compassionate advocacy and deep local knowledge. We understand Washington laws and the rights of victims to seek compensation following devastating injuries. We are here to stand by your side, take up your cause, and fight for every penny you are due.
Contact a Washington Multi-Vehicle Pileup Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a multi-vehicle pileup in Washington, don’t try to navigate the aftermath alone. Use our online contact form or call us at 800-570-4878 to schedule a no-cost consultation and learn more about your rights and options. With offices in Tacoma and Olympia, we welcome clients from Lakewood, Puyallup, Lacy, Tumwater, and all surrounding areas of the state.
