The most dangerous and catastrophic types of accidents are typically those that involve multiple numbers of vehicles at highway speeds. According to research, in 2018 alone, there were over 17,000 multiple-vehicle accidents that resulted in fatalities. While all types of car accidents may result in serious injuries or death, most statistics show that those with multiple cars tend to have the most severe injuries and fatalities.
Determining Fault
Making a determination of fault in a multiple-car pile-up is quite different from crashes involving two passenger vehicles. Typically, a substantial investigation needs to be made regarding who may have the original fault for the accident, and then every accident and collision following that accident must also have a determination of fault. While one driver may have initiated the accident, another driver’s negligence may make the multiple car pileup much worse. For example, if some drivers are following too closely to the car in front of them, texting while driving, driving while distracted, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, there may be many different parties liable for injuries and damages suffered from the accident.
A police officer or highway patrol will conduct an investigation of the accident, and oftentimes special investigative teams are required in order to make determinations regarding fault in multiple-car pile-ups on highways. Specialized computer technology can help determine which vehicles caused additional crashes through computer modeling or engineering physics models. It is important to note that these investigations typically take several months for final determinations to be made. Additionally, insurance companies will also conduct independent investigations as they attempt to remove liability from their clients and find ways to not pay settlement offers to victims.
Also, it is important for a victim to understand that if they hire an experienced personal injury attorney, that attorney will likely conduct an independent investigation using scientific models, expert witness testimony, and even accident reconstruction specialists. Investigations typically asked questions regarding weather conditions, environmental hazards, the presence of construction zones, whether any laws were violated by a driver, whether there were any rear-end collisions within the pileup, an examination of skid marks, the damage to each car, the physical injuries of passengers, and even whether any of the vehicles had a data recorder that would documents speed, breaking, and distance that the vehicle traveled. The determination regarding fault in a multiple-car pile-up on a highway typically takes a great deal of time and effort.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If you are involved in a multiple-car pile-up, You likely suffered serious injuries and are facing substantial medical bills, property damage, lost wages due to the inability to return to work, and pain and suffering. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Griggs Injury Law at (816) 474-0202 today to help you with the investigation into your multiple car pileup, and help you get the compensation you deserve.
