Your Personal Injury Claim When You’re Injured in a Multi-Vehicle Accident

Our Kansas City Lawyers Discuss Liability in a Chain-Reaction Car Crash and Who Might Be at Fault

Each year, multi-vehicle accidents occur on Missouri roads and highways. Many of these crashes happen during snowstorms and bad weather; however, there are other reasons for these accidents. Chain-reaction pileups are some of the most catastrophic types of motor vehicle crashes, and victims often suffer severe and life-changing injuries because of them.

The experienced Kansas City car accident lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C. understand the confusion victims feel after being in a multi-car crash and how challenging it is to file a personal injury claim. We know the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a multi-vehicle crash can take on victims and their families. Here, we discuss what’s involved in determining liability and strategies for helping to prove fault.

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Multi-Vehicle Accidents in Missouri: How They Happen

Multi-vehicle accidents, also called chain-reaction crashes, occur when three or more vehicles collide. These vehicles can crash in a series of rear-end accidents, because of side-swipe maneuvers, and even because of a head-on collision. The force of each impact can propel the vehicle forward into the next, sideways, or spin it around into nearby traffic. In a chain-reaction pileup, traffic is often traveling at high speeds and creates a hazardous situation that approaching cars can’t avoid. In just a few moments, there can be a huge domino effect.

Series of Events That Cause a Chain-Reaction Crash

Chain-reaction crashes occur when one initial collision causes a series of subsequent collisions. The crash may begin with a negligent driver, poor road conditions, or the close proximity of one car to the other. Chain-reaction crashes typically take place in the following way:

Initial collision. The first collision occurs when a driver collides with another vehicle, often due to negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or following too closely.

Subsequent collisions. The initial collision creates an obstruction on the road, causing other vehicles to collide with the already damaged vehicles or with each other as they attempt to avoid the obstacle.

Pileup. As more vehicles become involved, the crash site grows, making it increasingly difficult for approaching vehicles to avoid the collision, resulting in a pileup.

Factors That Contribute to a Chain-Reaction Pileup

Common factors that can contribute to a chain-reaction pileup include the following:

• A driver is distracted—often by a cellphone or using GPS. They may not be paying attention and fail to notice stopped or slowed vehicles in front of them.
• A driver is speeding or tailgating—excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly and increases the force of the impact. Drivers who fail to maintain a safe following distance may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.
• A driver is tired or drowsy—being fatigued while driving can cause a serious accident.
• A driver is traveling on slick roads—wet, foggy, or icy road conditions can reduce visibility and make it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles.
• A driver is impaired—the influence of alcohol or drugs will slow a driver’s reflexes and impair their judgment.

Drivers and passengers involved in a multi-car accident may suffer severe injuries, including spinal cord trauma, serious burns, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. First responders often struggle to access victims in the tangled heap of wreckage. In some cases, these crashes can trigger vehicle fires, creating additional danger.

Because these pileups are so chaotic, victims may find it difficult to take down insurance information of every driver involved, talk to witnesses, and get photographs of the scene. They may not know how to file a personal injury claim or with whom. And often, they realize it’s difficult to prove that any one motorist was at fault.

Because it’s not easy to navigate the claim process after a multiple-vehicle crash, it’s important to hire a Kansas City car accident lawyer to help ensure the best possible financial compensation for your damages.  

Determining Liability in a Missouri Chain-Reaction Pileup

Identifying all possible liable parties in a multi-vehicle accident is critical for obtaining fair compensation; however, determining liability is not easy, and with multiple vehicles involved, determining the role each driver had in the accident can be a formidable task.

It’s often necessary for your attorney to hire accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the damage to the vehicles, look at forensic evidence, and get witness statements to corroborate the events that occurred. It’s crucial that you have experienced legal counsel to protect your rights and help you obtain a fair settlement.

Identifying the at-Fault Parties in a Multi-Vehicle Pileup

When you’re injured in a multi-vehicle crash, there are many potential parties that can share responsibility. This complicates the process of determining who you should file your personal injury claim with. Some of the possible liable parties in a multi-vehicle accident may include:

• The driver who caused the crash. If a driver’s negligence caused the initial collision that created the domino effect and caused the chain reaction, they may be held primarily liable for your injuries and damages. Negligence, such as speeding or impaired driving, may be considered as a cause for the crash.
• The other drivers who contributed to the accident. If other drivers were tailgating or failed to maintain a safe speed, they may be found liable for negligence in the crash.
• A vehicle manufacturer. If one of the cars in the crash had a defective component or part, such as brake failure or wiring defects, the vehicle manufacturer could be held partially liable for the crash.
• A city or government organization. If the chain-reaction accident was caused by hazardous road conditions, such as poor street lighting or a large pothole, the government or city entity could share liability for the crash.
• A driver’s employer. If one of the drivers involved in the accident was working at the time and on company business, their employer could be held liable for the driver’s actions.

The Consequences of a Multi-Vehicle Crash

If you’re involved in a multi-vehicle accident, you may suffer a variety of injuries, some of them possibly severe. These types of crashes can have devastating consequences for those involved, including the following:

Severe injuries. The force of impact in a chain-reaction crash can result in severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, and internal organ damage.

Fatalities. In some cases, multi-car crashes can be fatal, particularly if vehicles are traveling at high speeds or if the crash involves many vehicles.

Property damage. Chain-reaction crashes often result in significant property damage, as multiple vehicles may be damaged or totaled in the collision.

Emotional trauma. Survivors of chain-reaction crashes may experience emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

If you've been injured in a chain-reaction crash in Kansas City, Missouri, it's important to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. Your lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process, identify liable parties, and fight for the compensation you need to recover from your physical, emotional, and financial losses.

How the Kansas City Attorneys at Peterson & Associates P.C. Can Help

When you’re injured in a multi-vehicle crash, you may find that working with insurance companies creates huge obstacles and problems. Many insurance companies may attempt to shift blame to minimize their financial responsibility, leaving victims struggling to secure fair compensation.

When you work with one of our skilled Kansas City car accident attorneys, you will have an advocate who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys will:

• Investigate the crash. Critical evidence is needed for a multi-vehicle crash claim. Our lawyers will gather that evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build the strongest case possible.
• Determine at-fault parties. Because there is the potential for multiple responsible parties for the crash, our attorney will work to help identify everyone who may share fault.
• Communicate and negotiate with the insurance companies. Our lawyers will handle communication and negotiation with the insurance companies, helping you avoid making statements that could jeopardize your claim.
• Take your case to trial. If the insurance companies won’t negotiate in good faith, our attorney is prepared to take your case to court.

Possible Compensation for Multi-Vehicle Accident Injuries

When you’re injured in a chain-reaction pileup, you may face significant losses, including the following:

• Medical expenses. This can include emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care
• Lost wages. If you can’t work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income.
• Pain and suffering. The physical pain and emotional trauma of a multi-vehicle crash can negatively impact your quality of life.
• Property damage. If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in the crash, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.