You’ve probably encountered one or perhaps even found yourself in one – we’re not talking about your local farmer’s market, but rather, a multi-car accident, often referred to as a pile-up. So, what exactly is a multi-car accident? As the name suggests, it involves more than just two vehicles.

In a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) early in 2022, it was revealed that there was a 16 percent increase in multi-vehicle accidents from 2020 to 2021. To be precise, there were 17,000 multi-vehicle accidents on U.S. roads in 2020, and nearly 20,000 in 2021.

With factors like distracted driving, road rage, and other risky behaviors contributing to these multi-vehicle accidents, it’s crucial to understand how car insurance logistics apply in these intricate and often challenging pile-up scenarios.

Let’s delve into the complexities of multi-car accidents and offer some tips on how to navigate them if you ever find yourself involved.

The Complexity of Multi-Car Accidents:

When we think of pile-ups, we might envision massive accidents with more than ten vehicles tangled on the freeway, causing a major traffic jam. However, multi-car accidents can often be less dramatic, such as:

• A collision occurring at an intersection involving two or more vehicles.
• A car sliding on black ice at a stop sign, hitting multiple vehicles.

Distracted driving is often the primary cause of multi-car accidents. As we’ve discussed previously, it’s a leading factor in road accidents. In fact, the National Safety Council (NSC) reported an 11 percent increase in fatal distraction-caused crashes in 2021 compared to 2020.

Beyond distracted driving, other contributing factors include tailgating and speeding. In rare cases, medical conditions like seizures or heart attacks can lead to pile-ups.

The aftermath of a multi-car accident can be overwhelming. From injuries to property damage, accidents involving multiple parties and vehicles become complicated due to uncertainties about those involved, the extent of damage, and the nature of injuries sustained.

For insurance companies, pile-up accidents often entail thorough investigations to determine fault or percentages of negligence and to apply the appropriate insurance coverage.

Insurance Coverage in Pile-Up Accidents:

Given the complexity of multi-car accidents, the minimum car insurance requirements in your state may not fully cover the extent of damage. For instance, in Arizona, the legal requirement is minimal:

• $25,000 in Bodily Injury Liability coverage for one person and $50,000 for two people.
• $15,000 in Property Damage Liability coverage.

While these minimums might appear cost-effective, consider the scenario of a multi-car accident. Liability coverage can assist with injuries or property damage to others if you’re at fault. However, you should also consider factors like uninsured or underinsured drivers and how your vehicle’s damages will be addressed.

This is where additional coverages beyond Liability come into play. With the Insurance Research Council reporting that 1 in 9 drivers are uninsured, it’s a good time to think about adding Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to your policy. In a multi-car accident, some drivers may flee the scene or have minimal insurance, leaving you potentially exposed. UM and UIM coverage bridges gaps, providing financial protection when the at-fault party cannot meet their obligations.

Comprehensive and Collision coverages can also assist in covering damages to your vehicle in multi-car accidents.

Steps to Take After a Multi-Car Accident:

If you find yourself in a multi-car accident, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention if necessary. Move your vehicle to a safe location, activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers, and call the authorities immediately. A police report is essential evidence for your insurance claim.

Next, if you’re able, gather evidence and exchange information with other involved drivers:

• Capture videos and photos of the scene, including vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and relevant traffic signs or signals.
• Exchange information with other drivers, including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, and driver’s license information.
• Collect witness statements and contact information if there are witnesses who can provide statements about what they observed.

Reporting the accident to the police and obtaining a police report are crucial steps before initiating the claims process with your insurance company.

Being part of a multi-car accident is far from ideal. Regardless of fault, having comprehensive car insurance that goes beyond your state’s minimum requirements can be immensely helpful. When dealing with complex claims like multi-car accidents, remember the value of seeking guidance from someone knowledgeable in the world of insurance, whether that’s your personal attorney or the claims adjuster at your insurance company. You don’t have to navigate it alone, and at HiRoad, we’re here to support you.