Understanding Multiple Accident Injury Claims
Being hurt in one accident is overwhelming, but suffering injuries while you already have an open case adds new challenges. A multiple accident injury claim arises when a person experiences two or more accidents within a short time, and the injuries overlap.
Insurance companies often use this as a tactic to reduce or deny fair compensation. They may argue that your injuries came from the earlier incident, not the new one, or that you are exaggerating symptoms. This situation requires careful legal and medical documentation.
How Common Are Multiple Accident Cases?
Accidents happen more often than many people realize. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 6.4 million police-reported crashes in the United States in 2022. Many victims experience more than one crash in their lifetime, sometimes only months apart.
In fact, research shows:
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About 30 percent of people involved in a car accident will be involved in another within three years.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 2.1 million people are injured in motor vehicle accidents annually, meaning a significant number of those victims could face a second accident while still recovering.
These numbers highlight why a multiple accident injury claim is more common than most people expect.
Challenges with Multiple Accident Claims
When a second accident happens, several issues may arise:
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Causation disputes: Insurance adjusters may argue over which accident caused your injuries.
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Medical overlap: Back, neck, and head injuries are common in both accidents, making it difficult to separate the damage.
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Pre-existing injuries: Even if you were recovering, insurers may claim your condition existed before the second crash.
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Delayed recovery: A second accident can worsen healing, leading to longer treatment and higher medical bills.
California and Arizona Laws to Know
Both California and Arizona are fault based states, meaning the person responsible for an accident may be liable for damages. Both states also follow pure comparative negligence rules, so compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault. Even if you are 90 percent responsible, you may still recover 10 percent of your damages.
In a multiple accident injury claim, these laws impact how damages are divided. For example, if the first accident caused a back injury and the second worsened it, each at-fault driver’s insurer may argue about how much responsibility they should bear.
Steps to Protect Your Claim
If you are in a second accident while your first claim is still open, you can take steps to protect yourself:
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Seek medical treatment immediately and explain both accidents to your doctor. This creates a clear record of how the new accident affected your injuries.
- Contact a personal injury attorney who can coordinate both claims and prevent insurers from pushing responsibility onto each other.
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Notify both insurance companies but avoid detailed statements until you speak with an attorney.
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Keep consistent medical documentation, including notes on how your pain, mobility, or daily activities changed after the second crash.
Why Hire Fielding Law
Handling one claim is stressful enough, but managing two overlapping cases is even more complex. Insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries, delay your case, or deny payment altogether.
At Fielding Law, our attorneys understand how to navigate a multiple accident injury claim in both Arizona and California. We work closely with medical professionals to document your injuries, challenge insurance company tactics, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
We believe in treating clients with kindness, clarity, and professionalism. If you were injured in an accident while already involved in another claim, call 833.88.SHARK today for a free consultation.
Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.
