A multi-vehicle or “chain reaction” car accident occurs when at least three vehicles are involved in a progressive series of rear end collisions, one vehicle hitting another in a domino effect the result of the force generated by the first collision. The chain reaction series of accidents often results in a pileup at the scene. Multi-vehicle accidents like these, where the drivers are not expecting one or even two collisions as they are rear-ended and often pushed into the car in front of them, can result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. Because this type of accident usually results from the negligence of at least one driver involved, if you were injured in a collision like this you should contact a Murrieta Chain Reaction and Multi-Vehicle Accident Attorney to see if you may be entitled to compensation.
Risk of Injury in Murrieta Chain Reaction and Multi-Vehicle Accidents Chain reaction accidents on Murrieta’s busy freeways and city roads are dangerous and can severely injure or even kill unsuspecting victims. In mid-2019, a three-car chain reaction accident on the 215 Freeway near Scott Road sent three people to the hospital for their injuries when a driver failed to stop in time for stopped traffic. Crowded roadways, distracted drivers, elevated speed limits, and tailgating on Murrieta’s roads put motorists in the area at high risk for being involved in a chain reaction accident.
How Do These Kinds of Accidents Occur?Murrieta chain reaction and multi-vehicle accidents can occur in a number of different ways. This makes every case unique and can present problems determining who’s at-fault. There are a number of scenarios, however, that often unfold as these collisions occur:
- A driver rear ends the vehicle ahead of them, causing that vehicle to rear end the vehicle in front of them, and so on until there are no vehicles left to rear end or there isn’t sufficient force to continue the chain reactions. The driver responsible for the initial rear end collision would generally be liable.
- A middle car in a chain reaction claims another car hit them and propelled them forward into the vehicle ahead of them. Eyewitness testimony can be helpful to determine the facts among the often-conflicting driver accounts.
- The front vehicle suddenly moves into a lane and brakes, giving the vehicle behind them no time to brake and avoid an accident. This leaves the vehicle who rear ended the first vehicle at risk of being rear ended themselves. In these situations, the front vehicle is usually at fault.
- A phantom vehicle chain reaction occurs when the vehicle furthest back claims they were actually hit and pushed into the next vehicle in a hit and run, and the culprit drove off after they made contact. These situations can be complicated, but checking the vehicle claiming a hit and run occurred for new damage can often determine the truth of the claim.
Winning Your CaseIn these situations, injury victims most commonly try to recover by filing a suit claiming someone’s negligence caused the accident and their harm. In order to establish negligence, you must prove the defendant owed you a legal duty of care, breached that duty through an act or omission, and caused you actual damages as a result of their breach. Once these are proven, the defendant is legally considered negligent and will be liable for your injuries unless they establish a valid legal defense.
A chain reaction or multi-vehicle accident involving several vehicles often means several different versions of what happened exist. This makes establishing the responsible party difficult. It can be helpful to rely on eyewitness accounts, traffic cameras, police reports with the officer’s findings as to whether any driver violated traffic laws, damage to the vehicles involved, and on-scene evidence such as skid marks and damage to the vehicles to establish fault for the accident and any negligent behavior that took place. Even though the person whose vehicle touched another vehicle first is often at fault, there are a multitude of scenarios that may have occurred; it’s important to examine the facts to reach a conclusion.
How Much is My Case Worth?Once you establish a defendant is negligent, you may be entitled to damages you can prove in court. Though nothing will take away the trauma you’ve endured, courts can give awards to help make you whole for your injuries. Victims like you can receive compensation for economic, quantifiable injuries as well as more abstract injuries reflecting mental, emotional, and psychological harms that don’t have a fixed price. Compensatory damages may be awarded for injuries including:
- Medical expenses,
- Property damage,
- Lost wages,
- Pain and suffering,
- Loss of enjoyment of life,
- Scarring, permanent disability, and/or disfigurement, and
- Loss of consortium.
Sometimes, a defendant behaved so badly that their victims may be entitled to additional damages to punish the wrongdoer’s vile, reprehensible behavior and deter repetition of the conduct in the future. Because these punitive damages can be difficult to prove and are entirely up to the judge or jury’s discretion, it’s helpful to rely on an experienced Murrieta Chain Reaction and Multi-Vehicle Accident Attorney to avoid costly legal missteps when litigating your case.
Contact an Attorney TodayWhen multiple vehicles are involved in a single accident, it can be confusing and intimidating to handle communication and paperwork between drivers, insurance companies, repair shops, and even attorneys representing other motorists on top of recovering from your own injuries. The skilled Murrieta Chain Reaction and Multi-Vehicle Accident Attorneys at Walton Law, APC can help you sort through the chaos, protect your legal rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have years of experience providing personalized representation for victims just like you and recovering millions on their behalf. Contact us today to schedule your no risk, no obligation initial case review. We are available 24/7 at (866) 338-7079 or through our online Contact Page to schedule your free, confidential consultation. The initial review is free, and you pay nothing until we win your case. Let us work with you to secure the best possible outcome from an unfortunate situation so you can focus on your recovery.