In 2018 alone there were 17,000 multiple-vehicle accidents reported that led to fatalities. While any type of car accident can lead to serious injury or death, turnpike pileups involving multiple cars often cause catastrophic damage in terms of property and injuries. One of the most challenging aspects of a turnpike pileup is making a determination of fault, which will directly affect a victim’s ability to receive compensation for their injuries and losses.
How to Determine Fault
The original driver may have started the entire domino sequence of events that caused a multiple-car pileup, however, that original driver is not likely responsible for every different moving piece and facet of the crash. Other drivers also remain guilty for their negligent actions with respect to their actions during a crash. If a driver is driving while distracted and does not notice the original crash, is talking and texting, or driving too closely to the car in front of them, they should remain liable for their fault regarding any additional injuries or damages.
Determining fault is a complicated and oftentimes legally complex matter. There are three ways to determine fault in a turnpike pile up.
- The police will arrive at the scene of the accident and make a determination after examining the entire turnpike pileup and interviewing motorists and witnesses. In some cases, police teams have experts that specialize in accidents, and can even use computer modeling or engineering physics models to completely deconstruct how an accident occurred in order to determine fault.
- Insurance Companies. The insurance company will also want to conduct a complete investigation of the accident. They will attempt to find ways to remove the liability from their own client. It is important to realize that insurance companies are not disinterested neutral parties, and do not always have the victim’s best interest in mind when making a determination regarding fault after an accident.
- Experienced Attorney. If you make the decision to hire an experienced attorney to represent you regarding a turnpike pile up, they will likely conduct an independent investigation of their own. They may hire accident reconstruction experts, medical experts, and other experts that can assist in providing expertise and Analysis that will ultimately determine faults in a large multi-car pile-up accident.
Let Us Help You Today
You have a legal right to receive compensation following a car accident that resulted in injuries and losses to you that was through no fault of your own. If you are ever involved in a multiple car pileup on the turnpike, it is best to seek the legal advice and assistance of an experienced car accident attorney, who specializes in multi-car pile-ups. Are experienced car accident attorneys can help you develop and build a strong personal injury case to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Contact our personal injury attorneys at O’Donnell Law Offices at 570-821-5717 who can help you understand your legal rights. We proudly serve clients in Kingston, Wilkes Barre, Hazleton, and Pittston.
Resource:
iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/state-by-state
https://www.odonnell-law.com/2020/09/18/personal-injury-cases-and-covid-19-2/