Car accidents are rarely straightforward. While some collisions involve only two vehicles and showcase apparent liability, others are more complex, sometimes involving three or more automobiles. Therefore, it is imperative to identify who is at fault in a chain-reaction car accident and why this multi-car accident occurred.
However, the investigation can become complex. It requires extensive analysis and the use of resources like surveillance footage. Officials must also interview expert witnesses to gather as much information as possible on the accident’s situation. For this reason, it’s critical to have an experienced auto accident attorney by your side to help you navigate your way through this ordeal. You can get the compensation you and your family deserve with a car accident lawyer.
What Is a Chain-Reaction Car Accident?
A chain-reaction accident is when two or more vehicles collide. Sometimes, these accidents happen when multiple cars rear-end or crash and form a pileup. Chain-reaction accidents are often due to poor weather conditions, and they are prevalent during winter months since the roads are usually covered in snow and ice. They can also occur when drivers drive on the wrong side of the road, causing other vehicles to swerve to avoid them.
During chain-reaction car accidents, the crash occurs with sufficient force to cause the vehicle to collide with other cars. As more vehicles crash into the wrecked automobiles, the injuries and property damages typically lessen until the chain of collisions ends.
Unfortunately, this means that the first driver on the chain is the one that suffers the worst injury. Subsequent drivers may suffer less severe injuries as they have more time to react to the accident. While one driver’s recklessness or negligence frequently causes chain-reaction accidents, several parties can share fault. If you’re involved in this type of catastrophe, you must immediately seek the guidance of a car accident lawyer who can help you build your case and seek compensation for the damages you received.
What Can Cause a Chain-Reaction Accident?
Chain-reaction accidents happen more frequently than most people realize. There are various reasons why it can occur, but the following are the most common causes of a chain-reaction accident.
- Aggressive or reckless forms of driving, like speeding and tailgating
- Bad weather that causes rain, snow, ice, high winds and fog
- Drunk driving and drugged driving
- Mechanical issues, like brake problems, acceleration issues and bad tires
- Distracted driving, such as texting while driving
- Hazards, including objects on the road, potholes, fallen rocks, trees, pedestrians, animals on the road and construction equipment
Determination of Liability in a Multi-Vehicle Collision
Multi-vehicle collisions frequently happen because of the force released by the initial crash. For example, if a semi-truck rear-ends an SUV, the strength of that collision could propel the SUV into the vehicle in front of it. That collision could lead to another crash with a third and fourth vehicle. This type of crash may be caused by only the semi-truck driver’s negligence.
In other cases, a chain-reaction accident can also be caused by multiple parties. For example, if the third driver collides with a fourth vehicle because the third driver was following too closely, the third driver and the first driver may both share fault. On the other hand, suppose the second driver did something that caused the first driver to collide with their vehicle, they may also be at fault for the initial collision and all of the resulting crashes.
To determine liability in a chain-reaction car accident, an investigative team will need to analyze everything that occurred carefully. In addition, forensic experts and accident reconstruction experts might need to examine the scene, talk to witnesses and engage in other investigatory activities to pinpoint the crash’s actual cause or causes. So, if you were involved or injured in a multi-vehicle accident, you must work with an experienced auto accident attorney at a firm that has the resources to help you understand the causes of your accident.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer to Get Compensation
A complex accident such as a chain reaction pileup requires thorough and skilled investigation. The most critical thing to do throughout the complicated process is to prove the at-fault party’s negligence. There are several things that an auto accident attorney can do to establish this:
- Evidence at the scene, such as skid marks, vehicle damage and vehicle debris
- Eyewitness accounts
- Police report about or related to the accident
- Records of traffic violations committed by the at-fault part
An experienced auto accident attorney can help you protect your rights. A competent accident law firm can conduct an exhaustive investigation of the accident and build a strong case against the liable party. Call the Law Offices of David Kohm today at any of our convenient locations and get a free consultation.
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