Understanding Liability In A Multi-Vehicle Accident 01.12.2021: Multi-vehicle accidents can involve up to 20 vehicles in a few seconds. They can have traumatic repercussions, especially on busy highways where the speed limits are faster. Traffic pile-ups can be deadly for everyone involved and according to the World H

Multi-vehicle accidents can involve up to 20 vehicles in a few seconds. They can have traumatic repercussions, especially on busy highways where the speed limits are faster. Traffic pile-ups can be deadly for everyone involved and according to the World Health Organization, 3,700 people lose their lives every day in traffic accidents.  


Multi-vehicle accident victims may suffer the following catastrophic injuries


●    Traumatic brain injury
●    Paralysis
●    Amputation
●    Internal organ damage
●    Burns
●    Wrongful death


Suppose you are injured in one of these crashes. In that case, accident experts recommend that you retain an experienced DC auto accident lawyer who can help you understand who’s liable and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.





Types of Multi-Car Accidents


Multiple-vehicle crashes can happen in all sorts of ways. However, they are most likely to occur in the three following instances:


Multi-Vehicle Accidents on the Highway


Multi-vehicle accidents on highways can be excessively problematic due to high speeds and the potential number of cars involved. Traffic pile-ups can involve upwards of 20 more vehicles because oncoming cars may not be able to avoid the accident.



Multi-Vehicle Accidents At Intersections


Intersections are some of the most dangerous places on the road. Negligent drivers often rush through these intersections without regard for the safety of others. Running red lights, failure to yield, changing lanes, and distracted driving can cause a chain of events leading to multi-vehicle accidents.




Multi-Vehicle Rear-end Collisions


Rear-end collisions can easily become multi-vehicle crashes when vehicles are moving at excessive speeds or following too closely. Often, rubbernecking at other accident sites can also lead to multi-vehicle collisions.




Multi-Vehicle Accident Causes


Multiple vehicle car accidents are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries or death. That is because they are unpredictable, and the glass, metal, and gas leaks can contribute to more serious injuries and increase the risk of vehicles catching fire.



Many multi-vehicle crashes are caused by negligence, which means they are preventable. Here are some of the most common causes of multi-vehicle accidents:


●    Weather conditions can reduce a driver’s vision and increase the risk of pileups when drivers drive in fog, heavy rain, ice, or snow.


●    Speeding raises the danger of a driver losing control of their vehicle and rear-ending other vehicles. Speeding also reduces reaction times when hazards arise.


●    Falling asleep at the wheel can be extremely dangerous. If a driver is drowsy while driving, their vehicle can veer off the road crashing into one or more vehicles without the driver being aware of what happened.


●    Intoxicated driving is against the law. If drivers are intoxicated behind the wheel due to drug or alcohol use, many of their driving abilities are impaired.  Drinking and driving affect reaction time, reasoning, and the ability to remain awake and alert.


●    Distracted driving is one of the most preventable causes of multi-vehicle accidents.  Eating, drinking, talking on a cell phone, and texting are some of the most common and dangerous distracted driving practices.


●    Tailgating and following too closely often lead to rear-end collisions because drivers have less time to react to potential hazards.


●    Rubbernecking refers to the practice of drivers looking at other accidents or traffic stops instead of the road ahead of them, leading to accidents because drivers are distracted.


●    Construction zones may affect traffic patterns, speeds and also involve people at work. These zones can be detrimental to unaware drivers, and being involved in a construction zone accident may lead to accidents, traffic violations, and injuries.




If you were in a multi-car accident, seek the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney. An adept car accident legal professional can help you identify the liable parties, build your case, and negotiate a settlement.




Fault in A Multi-Car Accident


It’s not always easy to prove who’s at fault in a multiple car accident. The last person involved in the chain reaction isn't always at fault and is generally assigned the least amount of responsibility. Generally, whoever caused the initial stimulus for the accident is held liable for all the other car accidents. Sometimes multiple parties can be found at fault.




When Multiple Parties Are At Fault


When multiple vehicles are affected in a chain reaction accident, the situation can get confusing, and problems can start piling up. If two or more vehicles are partly responsible for damage to multiple cars, it can be difficult to assign fault and award compensation.



Some states determine your responsibility for an accident based on what percentage you’re determined to be at fault. So if you’re 50% responsible for a multiple car accident, then you and your insurance company will be responsible for 50% of the damages.



Protecting your rights in the event of a multiple car crash is imperative. Speak with a car accident lawyer who understands the intricacies of multi-vehicle accidents. Personal injury law professionals can help you recover the damages you seek and advocate on your behalf in negotiations or a trial.



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