Usually car accidents involve just two vehicles. However, when multiple vehicles are involved, it can quickly become much more devastating, especially if there is a pile-up or chain-reaction accident.
If you were seriously injured in this type of accident, you may still be able to get compensation for your injuries. However, determining who was at fault for the crash can become more challenging.
What to Do After Your Iowa Car Accident
The most important thing you should do is to see a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. Injuries can show themselves hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. If you are seriously injured, treating your injuries until they are healed will provide important evidence to get compensation for your pain and suffering.
After the crash, insurance companies will be looking to deny liability as much as possible. They think it will be easy to deny any claim because it will be difficult to prove who caused the crash. While it may be more difficult, it will not be impossible – especially if you have an experienced Iowa car crash lawyer on your side.
With that being said, do not give any recorded statements to insurance adjusters and make their jobs easier. While you should inform your insurance company of the crash, be careful with what you say to them as well. Your insurance company is a business, and they want to make and keep their money. They may ask you to give a recorded statement – but do not do so without talking with an attorney first.
Evidence You Need After a Car Crash in Iowa
Evidence is going to be crucial when it comes to determining fault. Evidence that can help in your case include:
- Police reports
- Witness statements – if you are not too badly injured and can speak with witnesses, try to get as much contact information as possible. You or your attorney may need to ask further questions or get clarification on details about the crash, so a phone number or email address is helpful.
- Photos of the scene – including photos of the vehicle damage and any skid marks present. If you are able to take these photos yourself, make sure to capture both your vehicle’s damage and multiple angles of the accident scene.
- Any traffic tickets given at the scene of the accident
- Medical records related to the crash
As soon as you are able after the crash, you should also write down what you remember. This will provide further evidence while the details are still fresh in your mind.
Determining Liability After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Iowa
As discussed before, multi-vehicle accidents are much more complex when trying to determine who was at fault. Because determining liability can be so difficult, hiring an experienced Iowa car accident lawyer to compile and analyze the crash evidence may be a good decision for you. An attorney can take over this investigation so you can concentrate on healing from your injuries.
Most personal injury firms offer a free initial consultation where you can discuss your case with a lawyer. If you would like to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation with an attorney, call RSH Legal today at 1-319-774-1903.