According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, multiple-vehicle crashes caused 48% of the fatalities resulting from motor-vehicle accidents in 2018. Multi-car pile-up accidents occur when more than three vehicles collide with each other in an accident. They are usually caused on busy roads or expressways. Due to the high traffic and high speed of the cars involved, the pile-up can involve multiple cars. Multi-car pile-up accidents can leave dozens of people seriously injured, damage their vehicles, and even cause fatalities. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a multi-car pile-up accident, learn how a Tennessee Multi-car Pile Up Accident Attorney at Labrum Law Firm at (615) 338-9500 can help you with your case.

Common Causes of Multi-Car Pile Up Accidents

Car accidents involving multiple vehicles are more dangerous than accidents involving two or fewer vehicles. In such accidents, a car may be hit multiple times and from multiple angles. Common causes of multi-car pile-up accidents include:

Weather Conditions

According to the Federal Highway Administration, unfavorable weather conditions including fog, rainfall, and snowfall can impair visibility, lessen the driver's control over the car and dramatically impact vehicle performance. They may also affect the condition of the roads and make them slippery, which can increase the chances of a multi-car pile-up accident.

Speeding

Drivers operating a motor vehicle above the lawful speed limit often cause multi-car pile-up accidents. Speeding can cause the driver to lose control of his or her vehicle and may end up rear-ending another vehicle. Other negligent or reckless driving habits such as running a red light or changing lanes without signaling can also cause such multi-car pile-up accidents.

Fatigue

Sometimes, drivers may be too tired or drowsy while driving. This can make the driver fall asleep while driving and thus, cause an accident by swerving into another lane or into head-on traffic.

Impaired Driving

A driver's senses may be impaired while driving due to multiple reasons. The most common reasons are drug or alcohol consumption and other forms of intoxication.

Distracted Driving

Distraction while driving due to cell phone usage, eating, drinking, or talking while driving can also cause multi-car pile-up accidents. It may reduce the reaction time a driver might have to respond and avoid a potential accident.

Injuries in Multi-Car Pile-Up Accidents

Multi-Car pile-up accidents may cause serious injuries to the victims which may require immediate medical attention. Some common injuries caused in such accidents include:

• Head injuries such as concussions
• Spinal cord/back injuries
• Bruises or burns
• Knee injuries (dashboard knee)
• Whiplash
• Severed limbs or amputations
• Coma
• Death

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a multi-car pile-up accident, learn how a Tennessee Multi-car Pile Up Accident Attorney at Labrum Law Firm can help you with your case.

Proving Fault in Multi-Car Pile Up Accidents

In a multi-car pile-up accident, it can be very difficult to determine liability. This is because multiple cars and drivers are involved and it may be challenging to pinpoint the fault to a single individual. To prove fault in a multi-car pileup accident, the victim must establish that there was negligence on part of the opposite party. In order to do so, the plaintiff must prove the following:

• A duty of care towards the victim of the accident.
• A breach of such duty.
• The breach caused the accident.
• The accident resulted in injuries, losses and/or damages.

In Tennessee, courts follow a comparative negligence approach while determining liability and fault. The damages are determined based on the percentage of the negligence of each party. If the victim was at a fault of 51% or more, then he or she may not be able to recover any damages. However, never let this prevent you from contacting an experienced car accident attorney to ensure that your legal right to receive compensation is protected.

Compensation in a Multi-Car Pile Up Accident

The victim of a multi-car pile-up accident may have the legal ability to receive compensation for the following:

• Past and future medical bills, hospital expenses, therapy, and rehabilitation costs.
• Loss of limb or permanent disability
• Past and future loss of wages
• Pain and suffering including stress, anxiety mental breakdown, loss of companionship
• Wrongful death of a loved one

Steps to be Taken After a Multi-Car Pile Up Accident

If you were involved in a multi-car pile-up accident, consider taking the following steps:

Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention. Sometimes, a victim's injuries may be internal and may not show symptoms for a considerable period of time. Shock and trauma after an accident can prevent a victim from fully realizing how seriously injured they actually are, as well.

Collect and Preserve Information

Collect and preserve all information related to the multi-car pile-up accident including the date, time, and place of the accident, cause of the accident, road conditions, and weather conditions. Take pictures at the accident scene, if possible. Additionally, make sure to keep all medical and hospital bills, proof of lost wages, property damage and repairs, and a journal regarding your pain and suffering.

Collect Contact Details

Collect contact details of the witnesses and other drivers involved.

Consider Contacting an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Proving fault and collecting evidence in a multi-car pile-up accident is difficult. Consider contacting a Tennessee multi-car pile-up accident attorney who will deal and negotiate with the insurance companies, and lawyers of the other drivers involved on your behalf.

Learn How a Tennessee Multi-Car Pile Up Accident Attorney Can Help

The consequences of a multi-car pile-up accident can be life changing. Several parties including multiple drivers, multiple insurance companies, and multiple lawyers may try to shift the blame and not accept liability. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a multi-car pile-up accident, consider contacting our legal team today to learn how a Tennessee Multi-Car Pile Up Accident Attorney at Labrum Law Firm at (615) 338-9500 can help you with your case.