You’re driving home from work in Houston when traffic suddenly comes to a standstill ahead. Before you can react, your vehicle is struck from behind, pushing you into the car in front. Within seconds, you're caught in the middle of a terrifying multi-vehicle accident through no fault of your own.
These chain-reaction crashes are an all-too-common occurrence on Houston's congested roadways. The sheer force of multiple impacts can cause devastating injuries and property damage. In the fallout, you may be left wondering how to determine liability and get the compensation you deserve.
Fortunately, the car accident attorneys at SJ Injury Attorneys have extensive experience handling complex multi-vehicle accident cases. We can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf while you focus on healing. Keep reading to learn more about these crashes and how we can help.
Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Pile-Up Accidents
Several factors can contribute to a multi-vehicle accident, such as:
- Speeding. Drivers who are traveling too fast for conditions have less time to react if traffic slows or stops. Rear-end collisions at high speeds can set off a dangerous domino effect.
- Following too closely. Motorists should maintain a safe following distance, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather. Following too closely reduces the ability to brake in time.
- Distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise not paying attention are more likely to crash into other vehicles.
- Hazardous road conditions. Wet, icy, or oil-slicked roads increase stopping distance. Construction zones with lane shifts or uneven pavement also heighten the risk of a pile-up.
- Low visibility. Heavy rain, fog, or smoke can severely reduce visibility and make it difficult for drivers to see vehicles stopped ahead, leading to a chain-reaction crash.
Understanding Negligence in Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule known as proportionate responsibility. Under this law, multiple parties can share fault for a crash.
To hold someone liable for your injuries, you must prove:
- The party had a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid a collision
- The party breached that duty through negligent actions
- The party's negligence was a proximate cause of the accident and your injuries
- You suffered actual damages as a result
Your total damages award can be reduced by your own percentage of fault, if any. As long as you are 50% or less to blame, you can still recover some compensation. However, if a jury finds you 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovery.
Determining Liability in Chain-Reaction Crashes
Proving fault in a multi-vehicle accident is highly complex. These crashes often span multiple lanes and involve numerous impacts. There may be multiple negligent parties who share liability.
Potential at-fault parties could include:
- The initial driver who caused the first collision, such as someone who was speeding or following too closely
- Drivers of other vehicles involved if they were also negligent in some way
- Employers of negligent drivers operating commercial trucks
- Government entities responsible for road design, construction, or maintenance issues that contributed to the crash
- Vehicle manufacturers if a defect played a role in the collision or occupants' injuries
An extensive investigation is needed to gather evidence from the scene, interview witnesses, analyze vehicle damage, and reconstruct the sequence of events. The goal is to establish the degree of fault for each party. Navigating competing claims and insurance companies also requires skilled legal representation.
How a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a multi-vehicle accident, you may be dealing with severe injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The insurance companies will look for ways to minimize their own financial liability and pin blame on other parties. Trying to take on the legal system alone leaves you at a major disadvantage.
An experienced Houston pile-up accident lawyer can be your advocate and help you seek the maximum compensation possible by:
- Investigating the crash and gathering evidence to support your claim
- Working with experts to reconstruct the accident and establish liability
- Identifying all potential sources of compensation, including liable parties and insurance policies
- Communicating with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys on your behalf
- Fighting for a full and fair settlement through negotiations
- Preparing your case for court and representing you at trial if necessary
The personal injury attorneys at SJ Injury Attorneys have a track record of successfully handling multi-vehicle accident claims in Houston. We know the complexities involved and the strategies needed to prevail against insurance companies looking out for their own bottom line. Let us put our skills and resources to work for you.
