Successfully Representing People Injured in Multi-Vehicle Accidents
An accident involving multiple vehicles can happen in a matter of minutes. One second you’re driving along, minding your own business, and the next you’re in the middle of a pile-up involving multiple vehicles. Multi-vehicle crashes are one of the most deadly and destructive types of accidents for motorists. Victims rarely walk away from these accidents without their lives being irrevocably altered, often for the worst.
Multi-vehicle accidents can quickly balloon into complicated legal claims due to the sheer enormity of such cases. It is common for several insurance companies and policies to be involved along with more than a few injured parties. If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle crash, you will need a skilled car accident lawyer with experience handing the complex litigation which follows accidents of this scope and magnitude. What you need is an Advocate attorney on your side.
Why You Need an Advocate on Your Side
If you have been injured in an accident involving multiple vehicles, you will likely need an experienced attorney to help with your recovery. Due to the number of people and insurance policies involved, multi-vehicle accidents can quickly snowball into complicated injury claims. Without proper representation, you risk settling your case for amounts far lower than what it is truly worth.
Don’t leave money on the table. Hire an Advocate attorney and make the at-fault party pay you maximum compensation for the injuries and losses you have suffered. Our attorneys can help:
establish liability
collect all of your medical records
negotiate the best possible settlement based on your unique circumstances
Don’t delay. Contact The Advocates today for a free consultation with an attorney.
Common Car Accident FAQs
- How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?
- What are the benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer to represent my car accident claim?
- How large of a settlement should I expect?
Multiple Vehicle Collision Statistics
According to data provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Washington State saw over 200 deaths in 2018 from accidents with multiple vehicles. The percentage of total accidents involving two or more vehicles was 40%. The IIHS data, also, shows that up to 10% of all 2018 accidents in Washington State involved more than two vehicles.
While this percentage may seem low, multi-vehicle crashes account for a disproportionate amount of traffic fatalities, up to 25% in some states. This is due to how dangerous such accidents can be for victims. Oftentimes, a single vehicle can be hit more than once and from different directions and by varying speeds.
Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Most multi-vehicle crashes begin with just two vehicles colliding into one another. This initial crash then causes a chain of subsequent crashes as other drivers are unable to steer safely away from the crash.
While every accident is unique in its circumstances, the chain reaction of multiple vehicles typically occurs for the following reasons:
- Collisions at Intersections – Whether they be at four or two-way stop signs or at intersections with traffic lights, these types of accidents usually happen when a driver fails to yield the right of way. Depending on the speed of the offending motorist, these crashes are often deadly.
- Left-Hand Turns – Crossing an opposing lane of traffic is always a risky venture. And this risk is compounded when trying to cross multiple lanes of traffic. Left hand turns are one of the most difficult driving maneuvers and should be done as safely as possible. If you are unsure about making such a turn, consider driving ahead to make a much safer U-turn or even wait for a protected light.
- Lane-Crossing Accidents – Collisions caused by a driver steering out of their lane into oncoming traffic are certainly one of the most dangerous types of multi-vehicle accidents. This is due to the increased acceleration of both automobiles. Many of these accidents are due to inattentiveness of a driver. But others are caused by a motorist who is driving recklessly by trying to pass a slower vehicle.
- Rear-End Crashes – These are some of the most common and least deadly multi-vehicle accidents. Rear-end crashes which involve multiple vehicles commonly begin when a driver either stops suddenly or a second driver fails to stop in time. This first accident then sets off a chain reaction which piles up a number of other vehicles. Similar to lane-crossing crashes, these accidents are often due to user error, a driver following too closely, and are easily preventable with proper and safe motor vehicle practices.
Multi-vehicle accidents are frequently caused by improper behavior of drivers while operating their vehicles. Here are the most common examples of human error leading to these types of accidents:
- Distracted Driving – With the advent of the smartphone, the habit of driving while distracted has exploded throughout the United States. Driving a vehicle can be boring at times, so motorists alleviate such boredom by using their phone. Unfortunately, operating a vehicle at even low speeds requires the full attention of the driver, so this is an especially risky behavior. Many states have implemented strict distracted driving laws to crackdown on the behavior. But as of today, distracted driving remains the most dangerous driving risk on the road today.
- Drunk Driving – Operating a vehicle while impaired is always a terrible idea. To date, drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of virtually every type of car accident. While the majority of drunk driving crashes involve a single vehicle, impaired driving does cause accidents involving multiple vehicles.
- Tired or Fatigued Driving – Driving while drowsy is the next most dangerous driving behavior. Similar to the above behaviors, fatigued driving greatly reduces a driver’s attention on the road. This behavior, too, is easily preventable. If you are feeling tired while driving, simply pull over into a nearby motel or even a parking lot and grab some shut-eye.
- Reckless Operation – Reckless driving is a broad category covering such dangerous behavior as excessive speed, failure to properly yield, following too closely, or improper passing. Following all posted traffic laws and driving in a defensive manner is the best way to properly operate a motor vehicle.
- Inclement Weather – The Pacific Northwest certainly has its share of poor weather. From weeks of rain to sudden snow and hailstorms, driving in Idaho and Washington State can be an adventure at times. Drivers are reminded to reduce speed during inclement weather and remain cautious and alert.
The advocates are awesome. I have been to the office many times and am always greeted with a smile. They work so hard day in and day out to get all my needs met. There is no other law firm I would trust more than The Advocates. Seattle’s finest law firm, I highly recommend.
Katie Burns
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