Multiple Vehicle Accidents
Multiple-vehicle collisions are catastrophic and unpredictable. During a pileup accident, it is impossible to determine where the next blow will come from. This intense uncertainty makes chain reaction accidents even more terrifying, and the multiple impacts can lead to severe and even fatal injuries. Multi-vehicle crashes are more common than many people realize. In a recent year, they caused more than half of the traffic accident deaths in Illinois. Because of the complexity of these car accidents, it can be challenging to determine who was at fault.
If you have suffered injuries in a multi-vehicle car crash, you need a Chicago car accident lawyer with experience handling these claims. The legal team at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has worked extensively on multi-vehicle cases, and we are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Chicago.
How Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Multi-Vehicle Accident
In the stressful aftermath of a multi-car crash, many injured people struggle to understand what steps to take to get their lives back on track. A Chicago car accident attorney can identify the compensation that may be available to you. They can also help you secure the justice you need by:
- Investigating the crash to determine who was at fault
- Calculating the value of your losses
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a settlement that will cover your losses
- Taking the at-fault party to court if the insurer fails to offer you the compensation you deserve
With your attorney handling all aspects of your claim, you can have the time to focus on healing after the car accident.
The team at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has extensive experience handling multi-car accidents, which is crucial due to the unique challenges of dealing with multiple at-fault parties and insurance companies. Our attorneys have secured over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements over the last 40 years, and our track record speaks to our dedication to helping clients reclaim control of their lives.
What Causes Multi-Vehicle Accidents?
Multi-car accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Driver distraction – Drivers distracted by their phones, passengers, or other activities risk rear-ending the vehicle in front of them or drifting into adjacent lanes. These negligent actions can set off a chain-reaction crash.
- Speeding – Driving over the speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid striking another vehicle. Excessive speed is a common cause of multi-car pileups.
- Improper lane changes – Neglecting to check blind spots or to signal properly before changing lanes dramatically increases the chances of sideswiping or clipping another vehicle, which can send both cars spinning out of control.
- Drunk driving – Alcohol impairment and drug intoxication slow reaction times and impact judgment, making drivers far more likely to cause multi-car accidents.
- Slick roads – Rain, snow, and ice reduce tire grip on the roadway, making it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles and stop safely. Loss of vehicle control can easily lead to multi-car collisions. If drivers do not take the proper precautions for the conditions, they can be legally responsible for the car accident.
Unique Legal Issues Involved in Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Determining liability can be complex when multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, as the negligence of more than one driver may have contributed to the crash. This complexity makes it difficult to pinpoint which driver was most at fault. Several insurance companies will often be involved in multi-car accidents, and each company will likely try to shift blame onto other drivers to avoid or limit payouts to claimants. Under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence system, you may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault yourself. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Having an experienced multi-vehicle accident lawyer to handle the negotiations is crucial in these situations, as insurance companies may try to leverage the complex nature of multi-car crashes to deny or minimize a legitimate injury claim.
Proving Liability in a Multi-Vehicle Accident
When multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, determining liability involves identifying which driver’s negligence initiated the chain-reaction crash. Evidence used to make this determination may include the following:
- Police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports can help establish the sequence of events and each driver’s role in the crash’s lead-up.
- Dash cam or surveillance video footage from businesses or other sources can often provide visual evidence clearly showing which vehicle struck another first.
- Data downloaded from the vehicles’ onboard computers may reveal important details like speed and braking times to help determine whether a driver exceeded the speed limit or drove recklessly.
- Photographing the damage to each vehicle from multiple angles can help prove the angles of impact and direction of forces applied during the accident.
- In some cases, hiring an accident reconstruction specialist may be necessary to thoroughly analyze all the physical evidence and definitively determine which driver carried the primary fault.
Our experienced car accident attorneys know how to gather and persuasively present these different evidence types to prove liability and seek maximum compensation for injured clients.
Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. Today
When another party’s negligence causes you injury, emotional trauma, and financial turmoil, you have a right to hold them accountable for your medical bills, lost income from missed time at work, and other losses. However, multi-car crash claims can present serious challenges for anyone who is not thoroughly familiar with Illinois personal injury law. You need a capable legal advocate on your side to seek maximum compensation.
The attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have the experience, knowledge, and skills to seek the total and fair compensation you need to cover your losses. Contact our team today for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer in Chicago.
