Car accidents involving three or more vehicles often cause severe injury or death to those involved. Multiple points of impact result in greater damage and more severe injuries than typical two car accidents. Multi-vehicle car accidents present unique challenges in determining liability and insurance payouts. The Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Jay L. Edelstein have the knowledge and experience necessary to successfully represent victims of multi-vehicle accidents and their families.
Multi-car pile-ups typically occur on highways where cars travel at high speeds and in close proximity to each other; however, many accidents involving more than two vehicles also happen at intersections. If a car stopped at a red light is struck from behind, it may be pushed through the intersection into oncoming traffic creating a series of subsequent impacts. Chain reaction accidents occur when one driver rear-ends another, who in turn collides with the car in front of them. Failure to stop at a red light can also lead to a crash involving multiple vehicles.
Contributing Factors in Multi-Vehicle Accidents
While there may be many contributing factors, multi- vehicle car accidents are usually the result of negligence on the part of one or more of the drivers involved in the crash.
Negligent behaviors include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
- Drowsy driving (too tired to drive safely)
- Distracted driving (texting or talking on the phone)
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving and road rage
Multi-vehicle accidents can also happen as a result of poor weather conditions. Icy roads, snow, fog, and rain create slippery roads and limit visibility. Occasionally, when accidents happen under such conditions, no drivers are found to be at fault, and blame can only be placed on the mitigating circumstances. In most cases multi-car accidents are determined to be the fault of at least one driver.
Liability in Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents
Multi-vehicle car accidents are complicated and determining who is at fault can be difficult. A thorough investigation of the accident is necessary to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable. This includes reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, reviewing previous records of the involved drivers, and possibly seeking the expertise of an accident reconstruction specialist. Victims injured in multi-car crashes may be entitled to file multiple claims and collect compensation from more than one party if more than one driver is found to be at fault for causing the accident.
Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at the Law offices of Jay L. Edelstein Pursue Compensation for victims of Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40% of all car accident fatalities are the result of multiple vehicle collisions. Those who survive are often left with devastating injuries. Survivors may experience considerable pain and suffering, inability to work, loss of wages, permanent disability, and substantial medical bills. It is essential to hire a car accident lawyer experienced in the intricacies of multi-vehicle accidents to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation to which you are entitled. Insurance companies typically will not offer adequate settlements to victims of multi-vehicle accidents.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a multi-vehicle accident, the dedicated Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Jay L. Edelstein will aggressively pursue your case and fight for every dollar that you deserve. Our office is located in Philadelphia, and we represent clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Contact us online or call us at 215-893-9311 in Pennsylvania or 856-809-3150 in New Jersey to schedule a free evaluation of your case.