Multi-Vehicle Pileups. How Liability Gets Shared and What It Means for You
Multi-vehicle pileups, also known as chain reaction accidents, often result in extensive property damage and catastrophic injuries. Given the many factors involved, more than one driver is often liable. A thorough insurance investigation will determine liability. If you are found partially liable, your compensation will be reduced based on your degree of fault. At Stine & Associates, P.C., our Greensburg car accident attorney has advocated with great success for many crash victims.
Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Pileups in Greensburg
Multi-vehicle pileups may be caused by any of the following:
Distracted Drivers
Anything that takes your attention away from the road is a hazard. Common distractions behind the wheel include texting, talking with passengers, and changing the radio station.
Sun Glare
Sun glare (which is often worst during the evening commute) can temporarily blind drivers, preventing them from seeing a stopped vehicle ahead.
Weather Conditions
Heavy rain, snow, sleet, or other precipitation can prevent drivers from stopping in time or from seeing far enough ahead of their vehicle. Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §4302 requires drivers to use their headlights between sunset and sunrise, anytime visibility is reduced to less than 1,000 feet, or anytime the windshield wipers are in use.
Fatigued Drivers
An exhausted driver is more likely to have slowed reflexes, impaired judgment, and blurry vision. Operating a vehicle without sleep is equivalent to being inebriated, placing yourself at risk of causing a chain reaction crash.
Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance
Motorists have a duty to perform routine maintenance on their vehicles to ensure they are safe for the road. Worn tires and faulty brakes (especially in poor conditions) can be a recipe for disaster.
How Does Partial Liability Impact a Settlement or Award?
Taking into account all the decisions that must be made while driving, liability is often shared in chain reaction accidents. For instance, if a chain reaction crash involves four drivers (Driver A, Driver B, Driver C, Driver D), the third driver (Driver D) may have a headlamp out, causing the motorist to not be able to see the vehicle in front of him, and crash into Driver C. However, Driver C’s vehicle had worn tire treads, preventing him from stopping in time and striking Driver B’s vehicle. Driver B was operating on more than 20 hours of no sleep, causing him to misjudge the distance between his vehicle and Driver A’s, resulting in a fender bender. In this example, Driver B, Driver C, and Driver D would share liability. The extent can only be determined by a claims adjuster or jury (if your case goes to court).
Under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law, an injured party can recover compensation so long as he or she is not more at fault than the defendant. However, your percentage of fault will decrease your compensation. So, if you submit a $30,000 bodily injury claim but are assigned 25% fault, you will only receive $22,500 of your original claim. This can be insufficient when you have medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-incurred expenses on your plate. That is why it is essential that you work with our Greensburg car accident lawyer to diminish your liability.
Injured in a Chain Reaction Crash? Contact Our Greensburg Car Accident Lawyers Today
A chain reaction crash can change a person’s life forever, with many events resulting in long-term effects and totaled vehicles. At Stine & Associates, P.C., our Greensburg car accident attorney is dedicated to recovering the financial resources you need to move forward. We understand that every penny counts, which is why our lead attorney is never willing to settle for less. To arrange your free consultation to discuss your matter, contact us online or by calling (724) 837-0160 today.