When more than two automobiles collide, it is referred to be a chain-reaction collision. A pileup can occur when three or more vehicles crash head-on or when numerous vehicles collide from behind. Pileups are widespread in areas where wrong-way traffic, huge commercial vehicles, and hazardous road conditions like ice and snow are all present.
However, chain-reaction collisions are often fatal for the first person hit because the initial crash must have sufficient force to push the first car into other cars. Vehicles clash with less and less force as their kinetic energy gradually depletes between each collision. As time passes and the cars come to a stop, the damage to property and the severity of injuries will decrease. Chain reaction crashes include many automobiles, which results in more injuries.
Furthermore, the severity of the accident is typically determined by the speeds of the vehicles involved, which might cause a chain reaction of other crashes. The source, of the accident, is the original collision, but who was liable is still an open question. In most cases, a chain reaction collision happens because of the carelessness or negligence of one motorist.
Establishing Liability and Fault
Chain reaction accidents include a large number of drivers and vehicles, making it difficult to pinpoint who is to blame. For instance, if a large truck collides with a car, the impact may be significant to propel the automobile forward into the path of another vehicle. The second crash may set off a chain reaction including the third and fourth vehicles, and more and more. There may have been more than one car involved in the accident, but only one of them may be at fault. Typically, the at-fault party in an accident is the motorist who triggered the first collision.
However, in some instances, the first motorist might not be liable. An example would be if Driver B caused Driver A to crash, then Driver B would be responsible for the collisions and the subsequent collision. For example, if Driver B’s faulty taillights weren’t fixed, it would be harder for Driver A to see Driver B’s brake lights, and Driver B would be at fault.
Hiring professional investigators is the most reliable method for pinpointing who was at fault in a chain reaction auto collision. Forensic investigators and accident scene examiners might go back to the scene of the accident and speak with eyewitnesses to piece together what happened. Consult an attorney who has handled cases similar to yours if you were involved in a multi-car crash and need assistance determining fault.
To apply for free, call (877) 735-0016
Am I Still Entitled to Compensation Even if I Contributed to the Cause of the Multi-Vehicle Accident?
If the automobile accident wasn’t completely your fault, you may be able to get compensation. Pure comparative negligence laws in certain states hold each motorist accountable for damages according to the degree of their culpability. As a result, even if you were partially to blame for the accident (say, by contributing 20% of the fuel), the other drivers might be held liable for the remaining 80% of your losses. Identifying who is at blame and to what extent is essential.
If you have a valid claim, you want to get the most money out of it as possible without having to pay more than is really required. An attorney specializing in auto accidents will look into the situation to establish liability. The lawyer may retain the services of professionals like detectives and accident reenactment specialists. It may take some time for specialists to dig through the details and determine who was at fault for the accident.
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
It is never a good idea to represent oneself in a personal injury lawsuit, even if you are knowledgeable about the process. It is significantly riskier to not get legal representation, especially in circumstances involving several automobiles. The complexities of the legal process are significant. Personal injury claims are often settled through legal representation from an attorney who will deal with the at-fault party’s insurance claims adjuster on your behalf.
The Bottom Line
Being a part of, or even witnessing, a chain reaction vehicle collision is a terrifying experience. They may be unpleasant to looks at even years after the incidents. What’s worse is that unless you were there, it might be quite difficult to determine exactly where the first collision occurred in such a massive pileup. In addition, victims of these major accidents sometimes have a hard time getting compensated without a thorough investigation of the accident scene to determine who is liable.
Complete a Free Application form now
Get Lawsuit Funding
It can be difficult, tiring, and extremely unpleasant to pursue justice after a chain reaction collision. If you’ve been in a car accident, you know how stressful it can be to try to have your vehicle fixed or replaced and pay for medical bills all out of pocket. These costs are on top of what you would normally spend. You still have to cover your regular expenses like rent/mortgage, groceries, and utilities. All of these expenses make it harder and harder to maintain financial stability.
The good news is that legal funding can be a relief in these situations. Legal funds can help you meet immediate expenses like rent or groceries and can be paid back from a settlement. If your claim is unsuccessful in court, you won’t have to pay anything back. High Rise Financial can provide such assistance and stands ready to do so at your request. Get in touch with us immediately to find out how our legal financing services can assist you.
Get Lawsuit Loan for Auto Accident Lawsuits from High Rise Financial
Do you need affordable legal funding for your auto accident lawsuit after a chain-reaction collision? Call us today at (866)-407-6404 to schedule a simple case evaluation. Our dedicated team will be happy to speak with you and walk you through the pre-settlement loan application.
Call or text (877) 735-0016 or fill out our form to apply today for free.