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Multi-Vehicle Accidents in Ohio
Car accidents that involve multiple vehicles are often much more catastrophic than single-car collisions. They are almost always caused by one driver that starts a chain reaction.
If you’ve sustained an injury in a multi-vehicle Ohio car accident, you should speak to an experienced multi-vehicle accident lawyer at Kisling, Nestico & Redick today. Contact us at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule a free, initial case evaluation.
Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents
There are a variety of factors that may increase the risk of a multi-car pile-up. Some of the most common factors include:
Poor Weather Conditions
When the roads are icy or snowy and visibility is poor, multi-vehicle accidents are likely to occur. This is because drivers may not be able to react in time when they come upon a collision.
Speeding
Vehicles that are speeding are often unable to stop in time to avoid an accident. Speeding-related multi-vehicle accidents are widely seen on highways.
Rubbernecking
Rubbernecking is when multiple drivers stop to look at the scene of an accident, become distracted, and increase their chances of getting involved in a wreck.
Traveling Close Together
When vehicles are too close to each other, it can be difficult for drivers to stop when there is a hazard.
Nowhere for Vehicles to Go
If an accident happens, surrounding drivers can’t simply veer out of the way. If they hit their brakes or swerve to avoid the collision, they can cause a chain reaction.
Who’s at Fault for a Multi-Car Accident?
Like other car accidents, fault and liability are determined based on the unique factors involved. However, there are some common car accidents with similar causes that typically involve multiple vehicles. Examples of these multi-car accidents include rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, and lane-changing accidents.
Rear-End Pile Ups
These represent the most common multiple vehicle accident. Sometimes called a “chain-reaction” accident, this is where one car rear-ends another, propelling it into the car in front of it, and so on. In most cases, the first car to rear-end another is usually at fault because that vehicle had the best chance to avoid the collisions
Complications sometimes arise in multi-car rear-end accidents because more than one car can be responsible. For instance, if a car hits another vehicle from behind, but that car should have been able to avoid hitting the car directly in front of it, the second car could be partially liable for damages to the third vehicle.
Comparative Negligence for Multi-Car Accidents
Whether it involves a rear-end crash, head on collision, or some other accident, more than one party can be liable. When both drivers share fault, insurance adjusters will investigate and assign a percentage of fault to each driver.
If both drivers are liable, they can recover damages according to their degree of responsibility. This comparative negligence standard reduces the damages someone can recover according to their percentage of negligence. For example, if you were found to be 20% negligent, you could only recover 80% of your total damages instead of the full amount.
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