Multiple vehicle crashes are common on US roadways, causing 12,428 deaths in 2016 according to data collected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In Florida, these chain reaction auto accidents raise numerous legal issues regarding causation and liability for injured victims. When one vehicle is affected, other drivers in the immediate area may be swept up into the incident. Facing many threats from every direction, it can be tough to avoid a collision. It is equally challenging to determine who to pursue for compensation when there are several potentially responsible drivers, along with their respective insurance companies. If you were injured in a multiple auto crash in Florida, consult with an experienced car accident lawyer who will protect your interests.
Dangers of Chain Reaction Collisions
There are both causation factors at play in a multiple vehicle accident:
- Primary Impact: The initial collision is a primary factor, usually caused by a driver’s negligence in striking another vehicle or a stationary object.
- Secondary Impact: A primary impact may cause a chain reaction as other motorists in the vicinity attempt to avoid crashing into other cars or being hit by them. These secondary impacts often cause additional incidents amid the chaos.
Liability Questions in Multiple Vehicle Crashes
When there are numerous vehicles, multiple drivers, and several people injured in a chain reaction crash, liability is convoluted. There are implications for filing a claim for compensation due to such questions as:
- Who hit you first?
- Did you sustain a primary or secondary impact, or both?
- How many impacts did you experience?
- Was more than one driver potentially at fault in causing the initial and subsequent crashes?
- Will the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage be enough to cover all claims?
- What if your own actions contributed to your injuries?
Complications with Insurance Claims
You face hurdles in filing a claim with an insurance company even where liability is clear, so you can expect an uphill battle when pursuing compensation in a chain reaction crash. For instance:
- An insurer may offer a low-ball offer to settle your claim by placing some of the blame on you, asserting that your own conduct was a factor in your injuries;
- The company may contest the severity of your injuries and try to resolve your case by offering an amount that does not fully compensate you for your losses;
- An insurance provider may deny your claim entirely, taking the position that its own policyholder was not responsible, and another driver is at fault; and,
- Even where one driver is clearly at fault, his or her insurance coverage may not be enough to pay compensation to all victims.
Trust a Knowledgeable Car Accident Attorney with a Multiple Vehicle Crash Claim
Considering the complex liability issues involved with chain reaction car collisions, you can see that it is essential to retain an experienced attorney to represent you. At Piccin & Glynn, our attorneys will ensure you obtain the highest compensation allowable by Florida law, especially when up against pushy insurance companies. For more information or to schedule a free legal consultation, please contact our Ocala, FL office at 352-558-8480 or visit our website to learn more about our services for car accident victims.
Resource:
iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/general-statistics/fatalityfacts/passenger-vehicles