In this article car accident attorney Glenn A. Herman gives a deeper view into causes, liability, and injuries that you may sustain from pile up car accidents
One third of car accidents in the United States involve more than two vehicles. Determining liability in these accidents is complicated because of the increased number of variables involved. In this article, personal injury attorneys Glenn and Robin Herman, Bronx car accident attorneys discuss the causes, injuries, and injuries involved in multi-car accidents, as well as determining liability.
Some of the most common causes of highway pile ups include:
Tailgating. Tailgating is the dangerous act of one car following another too closely. Unfortunately, it's a major cause of multi-car accidents, particularly on highways, where high speeds and close proximity multiply the risks. This is because tailgating reduces the stopping distance between cars, resulting in a chain reaction if one car suddenly brakes or swerves.
Speeding. Similarly, one or multiple cars driving too fast and not giving themselves or other cars adequate stopping distance increases chances of sudden braking, which can lead to multiple cars being involved in the collision.
Driver fatigue. Fatigued drivers can cause multi-car pile ups by taking more risks behind the wheel, such as speeding or changing lanes without checking their blind spot. In worst-case scenarios, a drowsy driver may fall asleep, drift into another lane, and collide with oncoming traffic, leaving no time to avert disaster.
Low road visibility. Multi-car pile ups often result from poor visibility. If drivers can't see the road clearly, they may not react in time when conditions get dangerous, leading to collisions with other vehicles. Factors contributing to poor visibility are weather conditions, inappropriately-adjusted headlights, and even sun reflecting off of a leading vehicle.
Hazardous weather. Poor weather is a leading factor behind multi-car pile ups. Whether it's rain, snow, sleet or hail, these conditions can seriously affect driving, resulting in reduced visibility and an increased chance of skids and loss of control. In an attempt to compensate, drivers may take unnecessary risks like speeding, tailgating and zigzagging through lanes, leading to severe accidents. Additionally, drivers need a greater stopping distance in wet or low-visibility conditions, and failing to adjust can lead to serious accidents.
Due to high speeds and the involvement of multiple vehicles, highway pile up accidents unfortunately lead to fatalities and life-changing injuries, especially if one or more vehicles flips or causes a fire, or if there is a significant difference in size between vehicles. These injuries include:
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Internal bleeding and internal organ injuries
Broken and fractured bones
Punctures, abrasions, and lacerations
Determining who is at fault in a multiple-car accident can be a complicated process. Factors such as drivers' actions before the crash & the extent of injuries must be considered. Liability usually falls on one or more drivers based on their contribution to causing the crash.
Determining fault in a multiple-car accident largely hinges on the actions of each driver leading up to the crash. For instance, if a driver was speeding or driving aggressively (e.g. tailgating or weaving), they may be held primarily responsible. However, if another driver contributed to the accident by driving under the influence, they too could face liability for damages incurred.
Because of the complicated nature of accidents involving multiple cars, it is essential to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible if you have been involved in one.
About Bronx Car Accident Attorneys Glenn & Robin Herman
Our car accident attorney team takes the time to learn every aspect of your case during our initial meeting in order to properly evaluate the full extent of the damages you or a loved one have suffered. We have been representing seriously injured New Yorkers for over 35 years. Born, raised, and living in the City, we know that when you have been injured in this town, you need an attorney to protect your rights and explain the law to you in a way you can understand.
For a no-charge consultation today to discuss the details of your injury event: https://hermannyc.com/free-case-consultation/
We represent clients in all five boroughs of New York (NY): Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, along with Suffolk County & Nassau County on Long Island, Westchester County, Rockland County, and throughout the entire state of New York.
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