Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Multi-Car Pileup?

If you’ve ever traveled down I-90 during high-traffic hours, you’ve probably seen the devastation one negligent driver can cause. Messy multi-car pileups are common on Buffalo’s busiest roads, but sorting through driver liability is equally sloppy. In chain reaction accidents, such as when multiple rear-end collisions propel vehicles into one another, drivers may share liability.

These accidents commonly involve numerous insurance companies, agents, and witnesses – all with different stories. If you were involved in a Buffalo multi-car collision, protect your right to demand compensation from all liable parties by contacting the dedicated New York car accident lawyers at the Steve Foley Law Firm to schedule a free case analysis.

Determining Liability After a Chain Reaction Accident in Buffalo

Because New York is a no-fault state, injured car crash victims can generally file a claim for benefits with their personal insurance companies regardless of fault. These no-fault benefits can cover your initial losses while an experienced attorney investigates liability following multi-car collisions. No-fault benefits might help you obtain 80% of your lost wages, medical payments, transportation, household help, and other related expenses.

Full-service personal injury firms in Buffalo, such as the Steve Foley Law Firm, help clients obtain no-fault benefits while their liability cases are pending. Whether you can file an additional personal injury liability claim or multiple claims after a chain-reaction accident depends on driver negligence.

For example, if the driver in front of you stopped short and you are rear-ended after stopping safely in response, you might recover financial damages from both negligent drivers and their insurers. Determining liability can take time in large-scale highway pileups, such as those caused by semi-trucks and roadway obstructions. Experienced multi-vehicle collision lawyers in Buffalo may hire accident reconstruction experts and investigators, as well as review witness testimonies and police reports, to identify every negligent driver or entity responsible for your injuries. 

Damages Available to Victims of Multi-Car Collisions in New York

After exhausting your no-fault benefits, your attorney may demand the following direct damages from all liable parties after catastrophic pile-up accidents:

• Lost wages and benefits
• Hospital and doctors’ bills
• Nursing expenses
• Household help
• Long-term care costs
• Property (vehicle) damage

Financial compensation is generally available for both past losses and future anticipated expenses. Your attorney may hire an expert economist to calculate these damages during settlement. Additionally, New York allows eligible claimants to demand pain and suffering damages for intangible losses from the accident. These damages include physical pain, emotional anguish, lost enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.

Connect with Our Experienced Buffalo Multi-Vehicle Collision Lawyers

Chain-reaction accidents often involve multiple victims as well as drivers. However, insurance payouts are limited. If you don’t connect with the qualified Buffalo car accident attorneys at the Steve Foley Law Firm quickly, it could diminish the compensation available for your serious injury claims. Do not take on the investigation and insurance claims process from pileup accidents alone. Contact our legal team today for a free, no-obligation personal injury consultation by calling (716) 621-2055 or online.