Multi-car collisions are terrifying and potentially life-changing events. When multiple cars collide, particularly at higher speeds, the occupants of the vehicles are far more likely to sustain severe injuries.
If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle accident in Lexington, KY, you should seek help from a skilled car accident attorney right away. Multi-vehicle accidents are more challenging to resolve. Determining liability and demanding fair compensation is more complicated when multiple drivers and insurance companies are involved.
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, our dedicated Kentucky Courage attorneys have years of experience holding negligent drivers accountable and demanding justice on behalf of our clients. We are available 24/7. Call us today at (877) 809-5352 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.
What Is a Multi-Vehicle Accident?
Many accidents involve one car or two vehicles. A multi-vehicle accident that involves three or more vehicles, including motorcycles, passenger cars, buses, and commercial trucks is especially dangerous. A vehicle occupant may absorb the impacts of being struck by more than one vehicle. Sometimes one driver is at fault for a multi-vehicle accident. In other cases, two or more drivers share the responsibility for causing the multi-vehicle pileup.
Multi-Vehicle Accident Statistics
A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to determine the impact of multi-vehicle accidents on public health. The researchers’ findings concluded that:
- In a single recent year, there were 51,872 vehicles involved in fatal crashes nationwide, which collectively resulted in 33,654 fatalities in the U.S.
- Among the fatal crashes that year, 43 percent were multi-vehicle crashes, and nearly 57 percent were single-vehicle crashes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Board noted that in a recent year, fatalities in multi-vehicle crashes increased by nearly four percent. The prevalence of these types of accidents should give any driver cause for concern when venturing out onto busy highways.
Recent Multi-Vehicle Accidents in Lexington
Some large multi-car accidents have occurred near Lexington. One recent report stated that approximately 30 cars were involved in a multi-vehicle pile-up along I-75 in nearby Rockcastle County.
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the crashes occurred between interstate mile markers 50 through 60. Collisions were reported in both the northbound and southbound traffic lanes, and multiple people were reportedly injured.
Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Multi-vehicle accidents frequently occur in Kentucky due to the following behaviors and conditions:
- Distracted driving – Drivers who are absorbed in looking at mobile phones or other distractions are more likely to overlook changes in traffic ahead such as sudden stoppages or slowdowns. A distracted driver may fail to recognize the situation in time to avoid a rear-end collision, triggering a larger accident involving multiple cars and trucks.
- Driving under the influence – When drivers are intoxicated behind the wheel, their judgment and reflexes are impaired. A drunk driver is more likely to misjudge distances between vehicles or make risky driving maneuvers leading to multi-car collisions.
- Speeding – Drivers who exceed posted speed limits leave themselves less time to react to imminent road hazards. Driving too fast for road or weather conditions increases the chances of a multi-car pile-up. All it takes is one car spinning out of control on wet pavement to create a pileup.
- Failure to yield – If a driver runs a red light or stop sign, the driver may collide with other vehicles that have entered the intersection. One driver’s failure to yield can lead to a multi-vehicle collision.
- Following too closely – When drivers follow too closely or tailgate other drivers, they are more likely to cause rear-end accidents when the driver in front slows down or brakes unexpectedly. Tailgating can cause a chain reaction pileup.
- Bad road conditions – Inclement weather or unacceptably poor road conditions can also contribute to confusion or loss of driver control, leading to multi-car accidents.
Liability in a Multi-Car Accident Case
What happens when multiple drivers are involved in an accident and everyone has a different story regarding who is at fault? Insurance adjusters typically rely on factual evidence and police accident reports to determine who should be held liable.
If investigators determine that one driver is entirely at fault, that individual may be fully responsible for all financial costs related to the accident. The costs include medical bills and other injury-related losses incurred due to the wreck.
If two or more individuals share liability, investigators typically assign each at-fault driver a certain percentage of the fault based on the facts of the case. Under Kentucky’s comparative negligence doctrine, people injured in car accidents have the right to seek compensation for accident-related losses even if they are partly at fault. It’s important to have the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney who will stand up firmly for you when insurance companies try to shift the blame to avoid liability.
Evidence Needed in a Multi-Vehicle Accident Case
Multi-car accident cases tend to be complicated. Our attorneys and investigators typically seek the following types of evidence to determine who was at fault after a serious accident:
- Photos of the scene – Investigators can use images of crash damage patterns, skid marks on the road, and the relative position of each vehicle to determine the most likely cause of a crash.
- Video footage – Footage from nearby traffic cameras or security cameras can show exactly how a multi-vehicle accident occurred.
- Eyewitness statements – If any witnesses were present when the crash occurred, their statements can provide helpful information to confirm or deny specific details about the wreck.
- Expert testimony – Accident reconstruction specialists can offer professional testimony regarding the potential causes of the pile-up.
Contact Our Lexington Car Accident Attorneys Today
A knowledgeable Lexington personal injury lawyer can guide you through the insurance claims process and prevent insurers from pressuring you to accept a low-ball settlement. If an insurer refuses to agree to a reasonable settlement, our car accident attorneys will go to court if necessary to demand justice for you. Our Kentucky Courage attorneys seek maximum compensation for our clients. Call Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer at (877) 809-5352, or contact us online to learn about your legal options after a multi-vehicle crash. Call for a free case evaluation and discussion of your rights.
