Why Multi-Vehicle Accidents Cause So Much Damage

A car accident in itself is always traumatic. One or both of the drivers can suffer serious injury from the collision. However, how devastating would it be if another driver was involved in the collision? What if one of the drivers caused damage to another driver as a result of being struck by another driver? And what if it keeps happening, like a domino effect? This is exactly what a multi-vehicle accident is.

Common causes of multi-vehicle accidents

A multiple vehicle accident is a car accident that involves several motor vehicles. Many people refer to this type of accident as a “pile-up.” These types of accidents are extra dangerous because drivers really have no safe location to turn to when trying to avoid a crash. Because all of the motorists are traveling in the same direction at high speeds, it is difficult for everyone to come to a safe, complete stop after a collision. As a result, one driver will strike another vehicle, that vehicle can strike the vehicle in front of it, and so on.

Some of the common causes of multi-vehicle accidents include:

• Speeding. When multiple drivers are traveling at high speeds, the ability to brake or react safely to any changes in traffic is significantly reduced. That is why when one car is struck by another, the vehicles following behind are guaranteed to collide with them as well.
• Limited road visibility. Another reason why multi-vehicle accidents happen is limited road visibility. These types of accidents are more prone to happen in conditions where visibility is diminished. Fog, rain, and snow can present visual challenges for drivers.
• Limited reaction time. Drivers traveling on roadways do not have many opportunities to react safely in a multi-vehicle accident. Drivers can swerve into other vehicles or panic behind the wheel in an attempt to avoid an accident. The limited reaction time that drivers have in this type of accident causes a chain reaction with other motorists.

Types of multi-vehicle accidents

Another dangerous aspect of multi-vehicle accidents is that there are several types of car accidents that result from this deadly collision. Some of the common car accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions. Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle strikes another from behind. This type of car accident can cause victims to experience whiplash, herniated discs, and serious neck injuries.
• Sideswipe accidents. Sideswipe accidents are car accidents that result when one vehicle strikes another from the side. These accidents can cause victims to experience serious injuries like concussions, traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, and broken bones.
• Head-on collisions. Head-on collisions are accidents where two vehicles that are traveling in opposite directions strike each other. Head-on collisions can cause serious injuries like head trauma, skull fractures, lacerations, and internal injuries.
• Side-impact collisions. Side-impact collisions are car accidents where one vehicle directly crashes into another’s side. Side-impact collisions can cause serious chest injuries, head injuries, internal bleeding, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.

Liability issues in multi-vehicle accidents

Just like with any other personal injury, you have the right to pursue compensation from a multi-vehicle accident that was not your fault. However, you may encounter some difficulties with your lawsuit. One of the primary issues you will face is establishing who is liable for your accident. Because there are multiple drivers involved in the accident, the at-fault party will be difficult to determine. You could file a lawsuit against each driver involved in the accident, but establishing the at-fault driver would still be difficult. However, our attorneys can help.

When it comes to multi-vehicle accidents, Arizona law holds multiple parties liable for their contribution to the accident. If it is proven that a driver’s actions contributed to your injury, that driver can also be held liable in the multi-vehicle accident. Even if the drivers involved did not directly cause the multi-vehicle accident, they can still be held liable for any injuries that were caused by their actions.

Proportional liability

Arizona law holds each driver in a multi-vehicle accident liable for the damages that were proportional to their own negligent actions. If you were injured by three vehicles, for example, those three drivers would be responsible for one-third of your damages and no more.

How insurance companies deny their clients’ negligence

Insurance companies will try to take advantage of the liability issues in a multi-vehicle accident. Insurance companies will deny that their client’s actions contributed to your injuries. Because of the complex issues associated with establishing liability, insurance companies will argue that the other drivers have a greater amount of negligence in the accident.

How a Phoenix car accident lawyer can help

Multi-vehicle accidents are one of the most challenging personal injury claims When you decide to seek compensation for your injuries, you want to give yourself a fighting chance against the insurance companies. A Phoenix car accident attorney can help you seek the financial recovery that you deserve from your multi-vehicle accident. While you focus on your recovery, an experienced car accident attorney can gather the best evidence for your claim, investigate the facts of your accident, and stop the attempts for low compensation offers from insurance companies.

At Plattner Verderame, PC, we fight for the individuals who have endured catastrophic injuries at the hands of another driver’s negligence. We demand reckless parties are held accountable for their part in your injuries. Call us today at 602-266-2002, or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent injured clients in Phoenix and Tempe.