Most certainly, you’ve seen one, or you may have even participated in one.
No, we’re not referring to the farmers market in your neighborhood. We are discussing a multi-vehicle collision, sometimes known as a pile-up. A multi-car accident: what is it? It is a car accident involving more than two vehicles, as the name suggests.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported in early 2022 that there was a 16 percent increase in multi-vehicle collisions between 2020 and 2021. More precisely, there were 17,000 multi-vehicle collisions on American roadways in 2020. By 2021, there were almost 20,000.
Given the high rate of multi-vehicle crashes caused by distracted driving, road rage, and other risky driving practices, it’s critical to comprehend how auto insurance policies may work in these delicate and frequently complicated situations involving pile-ups.
We’ll go over the specifics of many collisions and give drivers some advice on how to handle a pileup if they find themselves in one.
The difficulty of multi-vehicle collisions
When you see a pile-up occurring, you probably envision a major social media story where over ten cars collide and the entire interstate is shut down. Yet more frequently, a multi-vehicle collision can be:
A vehicle pulling into an intersection and an accident involving two or more cars
A car that slides on black ice at a stop sign and collides with several other cars
Which factors lead to multiple-car accidents the most frequently? Our Our crew reports that inattentive drivers. As we’ve discussed on a few occasions, one of the primary causes of traffic accidents is distracted driving. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 11% more fatal crashes in 2021 than in 2020 as a result of distraction.
Apart from distracted driving, following too closely behind another vehicle and speeding are other variables that lead to multi-car collisions. Rarely, a medical issue such as a heart attack or seizure can cause pileups on the road.
There may seem to be too many consequences from a multi-vehicle collision. Any accident involving several individuals and cars is more complicated in terms of injuries and damages because it’s often unknown who was involved, how much damage was done, and what kinds of injuries were inflicted.
For auto insurance companies, pile-ups typically entail a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the extent of negligence or responsibility, followed by the application of your own insurance coverage to satisfy those demands (more on this later).
Insurance protection in collisions involving pile-ups
The minimal auto insurance requirements in your state might not be sufficient to cover the full extent of the damage because multi-car collisions are sometimes complicated affairs. For instance, you are only legally required to carry liability coverage in the following quantities in USA:
A minimum of $25,000 in single-person and $50,000 in two-person bodily injury liability coverage is required.
You are required to have Property Damage Liability insurance with a minimum of $15,000.
Even if meeting that minimal looks like a terrific method to maybe save some cash each month, think about the possibility of a multi-vehicle collision. While your liability insurance can assist pay for other people’s injuries or property damage (if you are at fault), there are other things to consider, like if other drivers are underinsured or uninsured and how your car damage will be handled.
This is where additional coverages that go beyond liability become relevant. Considering that 1 in 9 drivers lack insurance, according to the Insurance Research Council, now is a good time to think about adding Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to your policy.
Drivers may leave the scene of a multi-car accident or have inadequate insurance, which might not cover costs associated with a pile-up. By providing financial protection in the event that the responsible party is unable to carry out their commitment, UM and UIM coverage can aid in filling up the gaps.
In the event of a multi-car collision, comprehensive and collision coverages may assist pay for repairs to your car.
After learning the importance of having coverages above and beyond the bare minimum required by state insurance laws, you might be wondering, “How does my insurance determine who’s at fault?” If you’re ever in a multi-car collision, there are certain precise actions you should follow, even though the final fault will need to be worked out with your insurance provider.
What to do following a multi-vehicle collision
Prioritizing your safety and getting medical help (if necessary) should be your first actions in the event of a multi-car collision. To warn other drivers, try to maneuver your car to a safe spot and switch on your hazard lights. Still, give the authorities a call right away. In an insurance claim, a police report is an important piece of proof.
Then, if you can, collect proof and share details with other drivers who may have been involved. Here are some recommendations:
Capture images and videos of the situation. This covers the locations of the vehicles, any damage, the state of the road, and any pertinent traffic signals or signs.
Inform drivers of your details. Obtain driver’s license information, insurance information, names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Gather any testimonies from witnesses. If there are witnesses, obtain their details and accounts of the events they witnessed.
Prior to calling your insurance provider to begin the claims procedure, you must report the accident to the police and receive a copy of the police report for your records.
It’s not ideal to be a part of a multi-car collision. Furthermore, having a comprehensive auto insurance policy that goes above and beyond the regulations set by your state can be quite beneficial regardless of culpability.
Never underestimate the importance of consulting with an expert in the field of insurance when handling intricate claims such as those involving multiple vehicles. You don’t have to do it alone, whether that person is an insurance company claims adjuster or your own personal attorney.