While regular two-vehicle accidents are more common, multi-car pile-ups are still a familiar hazard on highways. Essential case elements like determining fault suddenly become more complicated when factors such as the number of vehicles involved increase.
Fortunately, the West Palm Beach multiple car collision lawyers at West Palm Beach Auto Accident Lawyer know just how to approach these cases.
The Mechanics of a Multiple Car Accident
Multiple car collisions are tragic accidents that result in more injury and death than other car accidents. The number of cars and people involved often leads to expensive damages.
Although most people think of multiple car accidents as rare, they make up one-third of annual car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The fact that more than two cars are involved increases the damage to the vehicles and the chance of injury to the individuals in the cars. But they also pose a risk to other drivers on the road.
Multiple car accidents occur most often on highways or at intersections. These areas are highly trafficked, which means that a pile-up of multiple cars stops the flow of traffic. Other drivers may not be able to see the accident in time to slow down, causing additional wreckage and possible injury. This puts the initial victims at further risk, as their car’s safety features have already been deployed. They could get a more serious personal injury when other cars who are unable to avoid the accident add to the pile-up.
Multiple car accidents can result in cars rolling, catching fire, or even exploding. Due to the number of cars involved and the potential blockage they create, it can be much more difficult for emergency service workers to get to the victims involved. This makes multiple car pile-ups incredibly deadly.
Typically, multiple car collisions are the result of someone driving at high speeds and one or more vehicles failing to stop, leading to a pile-up. They can also be the result of reckless driving or distraction.
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Determining Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Collision
It is difficult to determine fault in a multi-vehicle collision. The main issue is the number of cars involved.
To determine fault, site investigators have to look at the evidence: the damage to the cars, witness reports, and statements from those involved. However, it can still be difficult to learn the truth.
To start, they have to find the negligent party. In a multiple car accident, there can be more than one. Negligent parties are anyone who played a role in the accident.
For example, if a car rear-ends the one in front of them, they are at fault. However, if the car that was rear-ended hits the car ahead of them, they would be partially at fault for that collision. This can extend throughout a pile-up of cars.
Alternatively, the driver at the front of the collision could be at fault if they didn’t obey road signs, cut someone off, or were otherwise driving recklessly.
Having numerous drivers involved who need compensation for their injuries and property damage leads to individuals shifting blame. The party at fault may try to put more blame on other parties, or take advantage of Florida’s comparative negligence statute to diminish the amount they have to pay.
To get compensation for damages, the victims have to prove that another party was at fault, that they themselves weren’t negligent, and pursue compensation in court. This is why victims require an expert West Palm Beach multiple car collision lawyer who specializes in determining fault in these types of accidents.
Causes of Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents
All car accidents have a cause. Some are driver errors while others are the result of poor weather conditions. Some are due to a combination of causes.
Some of the most common causes of multiple car accidents are:
- Bad weather
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Texting while driving
- Driving while tired
- High-speed chases
- Poor road conditions
- Vehicle malfunction
Multi-Vehicle Accidents & Insurance Companies
The number of damaged cars and physical injuries makes it almost impossible for insurance companies to ignore the damages resulting from multi-vehicle accidents.
However, Florida is a “no-fault” state. Florida requires all drivers to pay for their medical treatments from their personal injury protection insurance (PIP) first. Insurance companies may try to deny these claims to limit the amount that they have to pay.
Insurance companies also try to avoid paying for your long-term care. If you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident, but the person at fault doesn’t have insurance, you may not be able to get any damages. If you file a claim against this person, they may not have the ability to pay. However, if you get uninsured motorist coverage from your car insurer beforehand, your insurance company will be responsible for covering your care.
Types of Injuries In Multi-Car Collisions
- Spinal injuries
- Neck injuries
- Contusions and lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Fatalities, especially if you aren’t wearing a seatbelt
- Internal injuries