Last December, 69 vehicles were involved in a chain-reaction crash on Interstate 64 in the Williamsburg, Virginia area. The crash left more than 50 people injured, many of them with serious injuries. Authorities cited icy roads and heavy fog as contributing factors to the multi-vehicle accident.
Unfortunately, this crash was not an isolated incident. Chain reaction accidents are more common than people realize, especially during bad weather conditions like ice, heavy rain, and fog. Multi-car accidents involve anywhere from three to dozens of vehicles, like the Williamsburg incident, when vehicle after vehicle crash into each other. These accidents can be overwhelming and chaotic and often leave victims with not just physical injuries, but emotional injuries, as well.
These accidents are often complex and require the assistance of an attorney who understands the legal nuances of car accident claims. If you have been injured in a chain reaction crash, contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to speak with one of our Virginia car accident attorney to find out what legal options you may have for the losses your injuries have caused.
Determining Fault in a Chain Reaction Crash
In most car accidents, there is usually two vehicles involved and one of those drivers bear either all or the majority of the fault for causing that crash. When there is a chain reaction crash involving multiple vehicles, it can be much more difficult to determine who is liable for the victim’s injuries.
The following scenario is an example: A crash occurs because a driver was driving too fast. Other drivers in the area who were not paying close enough attention or following too close behind the speeding driver are unable to stop in time and end up smashing into other vehicles, causing a multi-vehicle pileup. While the speeding driver may be liable for the original crash, the other drivers who were following too closely or were distracted may also hold some liability for the subsequent crashes. Depending on the circumstances, a victim may be able to pursue compensation against more than one negligent driver.
A Virginia car accident attorney will use different tools to gather evidence and prove liability. The attorney will use police reports, eyewitness statements, and accident reconstruction to prove liability for the accident and the resulting injuries and losses the victim has suffered. The liable party is legally responsible for the losses the victim has suffered because of their injuries, as well as any property damage the accident has caused.
Many times, the injuries from chain reaction accidents than two-vehicle car accidents. One vehicle can be hit multiple times by different vehicles, resulting in multiple injuries to any occupants in the vehicle. For example, a car is slammed into by the first vehicle and the driver suffers a broken leg. But other vehicles are unable to stop in time and end up smashing into these two vehicles and the subsequent impacts cause additional injuries to that victim who suffered a broken leg.
These complexities are just a couple of examples of why victims who are injured in chain-reaction crashes should always consult with a Virginia car accident attorney.
Call Our Office for Help
All car accidents have the potential to permanently change the trajectory of a person’s life. If you suffered injuries in a car accident, and need compensation to find some amount of recovery, talk to a Virginia car accident attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to find out what your legal options are for the losses your injuries have caused you.
Car accident injuries should not be ignored, and you deserve compensation for your suffering. Our firm has more than three decades of experience successfully advocating for injured victims and their families and will work diligently to get you the financial compensation you deserve.
RELATED CONTENT