As we have discussed, auto accidents in Woodland Hills can take many forms. For example, motor vehicle collisions can be head-on, side swipe, rear-end, and hit and run, to name a few. The injuries and property damage can vary from accident to accident, but there is one common thread: if you were not at fault, and you or your loved one suffered an injury as a result of another driver’s negligence, you have the right to recover financial compensation. What happens when you are involved in a multi-car crash and each driver is blaming the other? Who is at fault?
Multi-Car Collisions
One type of auto accident that can be particularly complicated and stressful is the multi-car pile up. A multi-car crash involves more than two vehicles and with constant traffic and construction on San Fernando Valley roads, these types of auto accidents happen on a regular basis. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that approximately 40% of all traffic-related injuries and fatalities occur as a result of collisions involving more than two motor vehicles.
Along with the serious injuries, and even death, resulting from multiple car collisions, they raise a variety of legal and liability questions. For example, if you were the second car in the collision, are you responsible for hitting the first car? Or allowing the third car to hit you? The answer will vary depending on the facts of your case and having an experienced auto accident attorney on your side, dealing with insurance companies, is a must in situations like these.
Common Causes of Multi-Car Pile Ups
As with other auto accidents, negligence of one or more drivers is often the reason for a multi-car pile up. Perhaps one driver was breaking the law by texting while driving and swerved into another lane or didn’t see brake lights on the car ahead of him until it was too late. Next thing you know, three or four cars have crashed into each other and blame is flying.
Again, as with any other type of auto accident, car accidents involving multiple vehicles can occur for a variety of reasons. Along with texting, a few of the more common reasons include:
- Tailgating or speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Defective brakes
This list is not exhaustive. Discuss the facts of your multi-car crash with a personal injury with a track record of success handling similar claims.
If you or a loved one was injured in a pile up car accident and it was not your fault, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries. Contact Woodland Hills auto accident attorney Barry P. Goldberg today to discuss your legal rights and potential for financial recovery.
