What Should You Do if You Are Involved in a Multicar Pileup Car Accident?

Typically, when we think about being in a car accident, we imagine it is just with one other driver. However, with the increase in distracted driving accidents in recent years, there is also a growing number of multicar pileup car accidents.

A multicar pileup is where a car accident involving one or two vehicles sets off a chain reaction that ends up causing other vehicles to crash. These types of accidents can cause serious injuries and fatalities. Aside from distracted driving, there can be other causes of chain reaction car accidents, including:

• Reduced visibility from fog, heavy rain, or snow.
• Poor road conditions from various weather conditions.
• Driving at excessive speeds.
• Following too closely.
• Weaving in and out of traffic.
• Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
• Defects to the vehicle—like when the braking system stops working.

In Texas, one of the worst multicar pileup car accidents on record occurred on November 22, 2012. The accident was on Interstate 10 near the Jefferson County line. It resulted in a 150-vehicle accident, resulting in over a hundred injuries and two deaths. The cause of the multicar pileup was due to foggy weather.¹

Another of the worst multicar pileup car accident in Texas occurred on December 2, 1994. It involved 127 vehicles from a blinding glare and rain-slick roads. The accident happened on Interstate 35 in San Antonio. Fortunately, no one died, but there were 67 people injured.¹

Steps to Take After Being in a Multicar Pileup Accident

Our car accident injury lawyers recommend the following steps you should take after being in a multicar chain reaction car accident. The steps are very similar to the steps you would take after being in a “normal” car accident.

1. After the collisions stop, call 911 if you can. Let the operator know you have been involved in a multicar pileup involving numerous vehicles.
2. Request medical attention. Let the 911 operator know to dispatch an ambulance for medical care. Even if you don’t feel like you are injured, your injuries could be masked by an increase in adrenaline—the body’s flight or fight response.
3. Exit your vehicle and verify if any other drivers require serious medical attention. If you can get out of your vehicle, look and see if anyone is seriously injured. Inform the 911 operator if you notice anyone who appears trapped or severely injured.
4. DO NOT move anyone who is injured unless they are in imminent danger as from a fire. The extent of injuries are not always known, and moving a person could cause further injuries. Even though you are attempting to be a Good Samaritan, your actions could leave you at fault later.
5. Move to a safe location away from the accident. During a multicar pileup, gasoline and other flammable fluids could be leaking onto the ground and could start on fire. You want to make sure, as a precaution, that you do not remain in your vehicle or near it.
6. Record your account of what occurred while it is fresh in your mind. Use your smartphone to either write out or verbally record what happened. You will need to give the police a statement, so it is important to get your facts straight.
7. Take pictures of the accident scene. It is a good idea to take as many pictures as possible of the accident. Your pictures can be beneficial, later, for filing your insurance claim and/or seeking personal injury damages.
8. Depending on the number of vehicles involved, exchange contact details and insurance details with everyone involved. For larger pileups, this is not always possible, but do try to get as many names and information as possible.
9. Get the names and contact details of any witnesses. Witness testimony may be necessary to help prove who is at fault for causing the multicar pileup car accident.
10. Get the name, badge number, and police report number for the police officer. There may be numerous police officers dispatched that are taking everyone’s statement. Make sure to get the details for the officer you spoke to directly.
11. Contact an auto accident lawyer. You will want to speak to a vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible, for assistance in filing your claim for personal injuries and other damages.

Determining Who Is At Fault for a Multicar Pileup Car Accident

 Determining fault in a car accident like this can be rather difficult. The first thing you will need to determine is how the chain reaction car accident was set off. Did the driver in front of you suddenly stop without warning? Were you following too closely and hit them, and then pushed them into another vehicle? Was the driver behind you following too close and hit you?

Assigning fault is not always a simple and easy process in multicar pileup car accidents. Every accident can have its own unique set of circumstances. To help give you a better idea of how fault works, let’s look at a few examples.

Example 1: Driver 1 Is Rear-Ended by Driver 2

Driver 1 is rear-ended by Driver 2. Driver 3 was following too closely behind Driver 2 and hits him, causing another impact to Driver 1. If Driver 1 felt both impacts from Drivers 2 and 3, he could potentially seek personal injury damages from both drivers.

Example 2: Driver 2 Is Rear-Ended by Driver 3

Driver 3 rear-ended Driver 2, and the force of the impact pushes Driver 2 into Driver 1. Since Driver 3 was not paying attention, then both Driver 2 and Driver 1 could seek damages against Driver 3.

Example 3: Driver 4 Sets Off the Chain Reaction Accident

Driver 4 is driving safely and sees Driver 3 put on his brakes. Driver 4 goes to apply her brakes and they do not work. Instead of slowing down, the vehicle starts accelerating. Now Driver 4 slams into the back of Driver 3, who hits Driver 2, who hits Driver 1, who hits a pedestrian crossing the street.

In this chain reaction accident, it might seem like Driver 4 would be entirely at fault. However, if Driver 4 can establish that the cause of the accident was due to a defective vehicle, then all four drivers and the pedestrian could have grounds to sue the auto manufacturer, parts manufacturer, the car dealer that sold Driver 4 the vehicle or whoever installed the defective braking system.

Why You Should Consult with an Auto Accident Lawyer

As can be seen, finding fault after a multicar pileup accident is not a straightforward process. This is why it is in your best interests to consult with car accident injury lawyers. In Texas, establishing fault after an auto accident involves assigning each driver a percentage of fault using what is called modified comparative negligence.

This means each person involved in the accident could be assigned a percentage of the fault. For instance, if Driver 4 set off the entire chain reaction, she may be found 100% at fault. On the other hand, if Driver 2 was following too closely and hit Driver 1, and Driver 3 was texting and driving and slammed into Driver 2, then Driver 2 and Driver 3 could be found to be equally 50% at fault in regards to Driver 1’s injuries.

Is Fault Always Assigned in Multicar Pileup Car Accidents?

In most cases, fault will be assigned after a multicar pileup car accident. This is so insurance companies and car accident injury lawyers can work out settlements. However, there are a few exceptions where fault may not always be assigned.

For instance, it is a foggy day and a deer walks out onto the road. A driver does not notice the deer until it is too late and he hits the animal and comes to a complete stop. This sets off a chain reaction of one vehicle rear-ending another. Before you know it, numerous vehicles have crashed into each other. Since the deer and foggy conditions were responsible for causing the chain-reaction car accident, then no one may be found at fault.

Please keep in mind, even in cases where no one is found at fault, you will want to ensure you receive a fair settlement from your insurance company for your personal injuries and damages. The best way to make sure you receive everything you are due is with help from an auto accident lawyer.

If you or someone you care about was injured in a multicar pileup car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, or another vehicle accident, please contact Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. by calling 713.574.5089 for a FREE consultation today! Our Houston TX car accident injury lawyers are available to speak to you 24/7!

Source:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple-vehicle_collision