
San Diego Multi-Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Injured in a Multi-Vehicle Accident in San Diego?
At The McClellan Law Firm, we understand the complexities and devastation that can arise from multiple vehicle accidents. These crashes often involve numerous drivers, conflicting accounts, and severe injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a multi-vehicle accident in San Diego, you need a dedicated legal team to fight for your rights. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the claims process, determine liability, and secure your entitled compensation.
Call (619) 215-1488 or complete our online contact form today for a free case evaluation.
What is a Multiple Vehicle Accident?
A multiple vehicle accident, also known as a pile-up or chain-reaction crash, occurs when three or more vehicles are involved in a collision. These accidents frequently take place on highways, freeways, and busy intersections, where traffic congestion and high speeds increase the risk of a crash. Unlike a two-car accident, a multi-vehicle collision is more complex due to the number of parties involved and the potential for conflicting statements about who is at fault.
Multi-vehicle accidents can lead to severe injuries, significant property damage, and even fatalities. Due to the chaotic nature of these crashes, proving liability and securing fair compensation requires a skilled attorney who can thoroughly investigate the accident and build a strong case on your behalf.
Common Causes of Multiple Vehicle Accidents
Multi-vehicle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, often involving a combination of factors. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging in other distractions may fail to react in time to avoid a collision.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time, increasing the likelihood of a chain-reaction crash.
- Tailgating: Following too closely behind another vehicle can lead to rear-end collisions, which can trigger a multi-vehicle pileup.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and slippery roads can decrease visibility and traction, making it more difficult for drivers to stop in time.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive lane changes, sudden braking, and other reckless behaviors can cause crashes involving multiple vehicles.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving: A driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol has reduced reaction time and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Running red lights, failing to yield, or ignoring stop signs can cause major accidents involving multiple vehicles.
- Road Hazards: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, and debris on the roadway can lead to sudden stops and multi-vehicle crashes.
Who is Liable for a Multiple Vehicle Accident?
Determining liability in a multi-vehicle accident can be complicated, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Potentially liable parties may include:
- One or More Drivers: If a driver was speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise negligent, they may be held liable for the accident.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If a vehicle defect, such as brake failure or malfunctioning airbags, contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be held accountable.
- Government Entities: If hazardous road conditions, such as poor signage, potholes, or faulty traffic signals, played a role in the accident, a government agency may be liable.
- Commercial Trucking Companies: If a truck driver or trucking company was involved, liability may extend to the company if poor maintenance, driver fatigue, or other violations contributed to the crash.
Because liability is often shared among multiple parties, an experienced San Diego multi-vehicle accident attorney can help investigate the accident and hold the responsible parties accountable.
How is Liability Determined?
Liability in a multiple vehicle accident is established through a thorough investigation of the crash. Our attorneys use the following methods to determine who is at fault:
- Police Reports: Law enforcement officers at the scene document the accident, take witness statements, and may issue citations for traffic violations.
- Eyewitness Testimonies: Statements from bystanders and other drivers can provide crucial information about how the accident occurred.
- Surveillance and Dashcam Footage: Video evidence from nearby traffic cameras or vehicle dashcams can help reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.
- Accident Reconstruction Experts: Specialists analyze the accident scene, vehicle damage, and other factors to determine how the crash unfolded.
- Medical Records: Documentation of injuries can help establish the severity of the crash and its impact on victims.
- Cell Phone Records: If distracted driving is suspected, phone records may be used to prove that a driver was texting or on a call at the time of the accident.
Compensation for Multi-Vehicle Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries and recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle.
- Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one in a multi-vehicle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a multi-vehicle accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you reach out to The McClellan Law Firm, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at (619) 215-1488 to discuss your case with our team.
For over 30 years, The McClellan Law Firm has been dedicated to helping clients across California secure justice and protect their futures. Founded by renowned attorney Craig R. McClellan, the firm has earned a reputation for excellence and integrity in the legal field. With decades of experience and a commitment to achieving results, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional representation and unwavering support to every client we serve.



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Craig McClellan is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only group of the top 100 plaintiff trial lawyers in the United States.
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Craig McClellan was voted Lawyer of the Year for Product Liability Litigation by Best Lawyers for 2025.
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The firm earned a Tier 1 ranking in Personal Injury in the 2025 list of the Best Law Firms.
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Craig McClellan earned one of the top 10 medical malpractice settlements in California, securing a $9,000,000 settlement for a client.
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Craig McClellan & Conor Hulburt earned one of the top 10 premises liability settlements in California, securing a $3,175,850 settlement for a client.
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Craig McClellan has been selected to the list of Super Lawyers every year since 2007, and earned the most votes of ANY lawyer for 2019 in San Diego.
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Craig McClellan was voted Lawyer of the Year for Product Liability Litigation by Best Lawyers for 2019.
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Craig McClellan is listed as one of America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators in Business Litigation, Personal Injury, and Product Liability.
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Attorney McClellan has a 10/10 “Superb” rating, the highest rating an attorney can receive from Avvo.
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The firm has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the highest possible rating offered by the organization.
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Attorney McClellan is a member of the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, and previously served on its Board of Directors.
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Attorney Craig McClellan was named as one of the “Best Attorneys” by the Los Angeles Times.
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Attorney Craig McClellan was named one of the “Best Lawyers” by San Diego Metro.
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Attorney Craig McClellan was named one of the Top Lawyers in San Diego in Business Litigation by San Diego Magazine.
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Craig McClellan has been named among the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, which honors the nation’s top advocates.

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“I swear they work 24/7! And most importantly, we knew that they truly cared about us and the outcome. They fought for our family and have given us the piece of mind that our son's healthcare will always be covered.”S.P.
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“We will NEVER forget what you did for us Craig. We are FOREVER GRATEFUL.”K.V.
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“We wouldn’t be here, in this moment of life without the kindness and professionalism of you all and how you went to bat for us! Eternally grateful!”A.K.