Chain reaction or multiple vehicle collisions are terrifying. You’ve probably seen them on the news, complete with emergency teams and dramatic rescues. Since these collisions have multiple points of impact, there are more chances for passengers to be seriously injured. Some passengers even get trapped in the wreckage if many cars are involved.
If you ever find yourself in a multiple vehicle collision in Hollywood or Florida, there are a few things that you can do to increase your chances of survival:
1) Drive defensively.
If you notice a problem ahead, slow down, stop, or stay where you can stay visible and safely away from the crash. Try to think a few steps ahead and focus on what you can do to stay as safe as possible. Try to remain calm.
2) Stay in the vehicle with your belt on.
Trying to get out of the car immediately can be dangerous, especially if other drivers are still trying to get out of the way. You may find yourself in a pedestrian accident or hit by an oncoming vehicle. Unless there is immediate danger, stay in your car with the seat belt on as you evaluate the situation.
3) If you see a chance to leave and get to safety, do so.
While it is not a great idea to leave prematurely, if you can get to safety you will want to do so in an orderly fashion. Make sure that you don’t try to leave if you’ve been seriously injured and may need emergency help. Moving if you have a serious injury can make your injuries worse.
4) Brace yourself.
If you suspect that you are about to get hit because you see a chain reaction accident unfolding around you, brace yourself and try to protect your head from getting hit or snapping forward. Head injuries are one of the most common causes of car accident fatalities and permanent injury.
5) If you do leave the car, seek help.
Speak to emergency personnel on the scene, call for help, and seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Keep in mind that serious head injuries do not always result in symptoms right away, so if there is a chance that you may have hit your head, seek medical attention at once. Contact a personal injury attorney immediately if you have been injured. Chain reaction accidents tend to be complex, so you will want someone on your side sorting out insurance and legal issues.
Have you been injured in a chain reaction accident in Hollywood or anywhere in South Florida? The attorneys at Flaxman Law Group have helped many plaintiffs who have been injured in chain reaction crashes. Make no mistake: these types of accidents often require legal intervention because the insurance situation in these collisions can be complicated. It is not even unusual for innocent injured motorists to be falsely accused of causing an accident or worsening a crash. Don’t let this happen to you. Contact our law firm to find out what your options are and to find out whether you have a legal claim.