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Who is Liable in a Multi-Vehicle Accident?

In a recent year, South Carolina was home to 491 multi-vehicle fatalities, among the highest in the nation. Multi-vehicle accidents are occurring at a frequent rate, resulting in catastrophic healthcare costs and insurance payouts. While it can be difficult to determine liability, there is often one driver whose actions can be pinpointed, setting the chain of events into motion. If you want to recover maximum compensation for your losses, it is essential that you speak with our Anderson car accident attorneys today.

Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

A multi-vehicle accident can describe any accident that involves two or more vehicles but often involves an initial impact that creates a domino effect, causing more vehicles to crash. 

Common causes of multi-vehicle pile-ups often encompass:

Drowsy Drivers

Roughly one in 25 drivers admit to experiencing fatigue behind the wheel at one time or another. A person who has gone 20 hours without sleep will have slowed reflexes and impaired judgment, equivalent to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. It should come as no surprise that drowsy drivers contribute to roughly 328,000 crashes each year.

Sun Glare

Sun glare is predicted to be the worst just after sunrise or during rush hour when the sun shines directly in motorists’ eyes. Sun glare can be blinding, causing motorists to not be able to see vehicles directly in front of them. Unfortunately, it takes just one driver having visibility issues to bump the vehicle in front of them to cause a “chain reaction” accident.

Weather Conditions

If you are driving in dense traffic, you are at risk of being in a multi-vehicle crash. When rain, ice, sleet, and snow are added into the mix, drivers are more likely to have trouble stopping. Slippery conditions are not the only culprit, with fog also affecting motorists’ ability to judge the depth and the speed of vehicles in front of them.

Aggressive Driving

Let’s face it, too many people seem in a hurry to get places. Aggressive driving, also commonly referred to as road rage, may involve speeding, tailgating, or any type of behavior that breaks traffic laws while disregarding the safety of others. There is no knowing exactly how many individuals have been injured or killed due to road rage, but countless lives could be saved if everyone simply adhered to the posted speed limits.

Distracted Drivers

Anything that takes your attention away from traffic constitutes distracted driving. In 2022, 3,308 people lost their lives in distracted driving accidents. Too many people try to multi-task while driving, contributing to many distracted drivers on our nation’s roads. Distracted driving may involve an activity that occupies your hands (manual distraction), your eyes (visual distraction), or your mind (cognitive distraction). In some cases, a distraction may entail a combination of any of these modalities. Prime examples include texting, eating or drinking, applying make-up, changing the radio station, and having a conversation with passengers.

Proving Liability

A multi-vehicle crash is frequently caused by a rear driver, but that is not always the case. In some situations, the lead driver may break the law, being found responsible for the collision. While perhaps rarer, sometimes a multi-vehicle crash may be the result of a vehicle malfunction, with no attribution to any of the drivers involved in the collision.

At Bradley & Perkins, we understand the range of evidence that must be presented to determine liability. We are committed to helping accident victims recover compensation, even if it means pursuing lengthy litigation. When you work with our Anderson car accident attorneys, you know that you have taken all possible measures to fight for your interests.

Injured? Contact Our Anderson Car Accident Lawyers Today

The injuries from a multi-vehicle pile-up are often more extensive than a single-vehicle crash, resulting in thousands of dollars in medical expenses. If you or a loved one have been injured in a multi-vehicle crash, our Anderson car accident lawyers are ready to assist you. To learn more or to schedule your free consultation, contact us online or give us a call today.