Chain Reaction Car Accidents
Any type of car accident could potentially cause lasting emotional and physical damage. However, accidents with three or more vehicles tend to be even deadlier as the chain reaction of cars could yield catastrophic injuries or even death. Multiple vehicle collisions are commonly found on congested highways across the State of Iowa and are often triggered by a series of rear-end accidents. In most cases, multi vehicle collisions are caused by negligent drivers who are either acting recklessly on the road or are grossly unaware of their surroundings.
The most common question asked in regard to chain reaction car accidents is who’s at fault? The answer to that question can be difficult to determine with so many vehicles involved. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for injured plaintiffs to be accused of negligence by other at-fault drivers since the topic of fault in relation to multi vehicle accidents can be incredibly complicated. That is why it’s highly recommended you secure legal representation as soon as possible if you’ve been involved in multi vehicle car accident.
A skilled and experienced Iowa personal injury lawyer can review the facts and assign fault. From there, they can strategize ways to remove or reduce fault so you can reap the monetary award or settlement you’re entitled to. To learn more, contact McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C..
Multi Vehicle Crash Attorney, Des Moines IA | Car Pileups in Iowa
Were you recently involved in a multiple vehicle collision recently in the State of Iowa? If so, we highly encourage you to reach out to the experienced legal team at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C.. Attorney Landry has over three decades of experience negotiating and litigating for victims of multi car collisions with positive results. He can begin examining the facts of your case and work tirelessly to obtain a monetary award or settlement fit to cover your damages.
Schedule your first consultation with the attorneys at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. by calling our office at (515) 279-9700 or simply submitting an online contact form. McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. has an office in West Des Moines and accepts clients through all parts of Polk County and Dallas County including Des Moines, Polk City, Winsor Heights, Dexter, Adel and Minburn.
Information Center:
- What Are Some Common Causes for Multi Vehicle Accidents?
- What Are the Different Types of Multi Car Collisions?
- Who Is at Fault in a Pile Up?
- Additional Resources
What Are Some Common Causes for Multi Vehicle Accidents?
Multiple vehicle accidents or car pileups are caused by a multitude of factors and the majority of them are related to another person’s gross negligence. It’s not uncommon for a chain reaction accident to be caused by a combination of causes either. Listed below are some common reasons why a multiple vehicle accident may occur.
- Speeding – Driving over the speed limit is one of the most common reasons why an individual may cause a multiple vehicle collision. Drivers who speed may not be able to brake in time if an obstacle occurs or, due to the vehicle’s speed, may not have the reaction time needed to turn away from another vehicle.
- Distracted Driving – It’s no surprise that drivers who are distracted increase the chances of a car accident happening around them. Doing certain actions like talking on the phone, changing the radio station, texting, or eating in the car can cause the driver to lower their awareness and therefore increase the risk of a multi car accident.
- Driving in a Construction Zone – Due to the many obstacles, construction zones are often a high-risk area for any type of accident. Drivers who are navigating construction zones must be vigilant of guiding signs and detours. Since cars are often stopping suddenly or slowing down in a construction zone, it’s not uncommon for a multiple car accident to occur if a driver isn’t paying attention to their surroundings.
- Fatigued or Drowsy Drivers – As one can imagine, getting behind the wheel when sleep deprived or generally fatigued can have deadly results. Commercial truck drivers are especially known for this and getting involved in serious car accidents because of it.
- “Rubbernecking”—When a car slows down or switches their attention to a nearby accident it’s often referred to as “rubbernecking.” The act of rubbernecking isn’t only a danger to the driver, but all vehicles surrounding them. Slowing down suddenly or failing to pay attention to the road to look at something else could potentially cause a serious multi vehicle collision.
- Inclement Weather – Severe weather can affect a driver’s visibility as well as their ability to discern signs. When drivers are unable to see clearly it increases the chances of a car pile-up.
What Are the Different Types of Multi Car Collisions?
All chain reaction car accidents involve multiple vehicles, but they can occur in various ways. Most multi car collisions are classified into three categories, these include:
- Intersection Accidents – Chain-reaction collisions often occur in busy intersections as these types of roads have multiple exit and entry points. It’s not uncommon for drivers speeding through an intersection to strike another vehicle following traffic signals. If other vehicles are behind the struck car, then a chain-reaction collision could occur.
- Highway Multi Car Accidents – Unfortunately, multiple vehicle collisions are common on highways and freeways. When a highway suddenly becomes congested, drivers may not be prepared to slow down in time and therefore cause a chain reaction accident. In some cases, a multi car accident may occur if a driver swerves out of the way for stopped/damaged vehicles to only then strike another vehicle, causing a pileup.
- Rear-End Collisions – The most common reason for a chain reaction collision is drivers who fail to have enough space between vehicles. This act is also commonly referred to as “tailgating.” Drivers who tailgate others face the risk of a multi car collision as any sudden stop could potentially lead to rear-end collision. If other cars are following closely behind the at-fault driver, then they may also strike the vehicle’s bumper—therefore creating a multiple car collision.
Who is At Fault in a Pile Up?
The biggest question people have when they’re involved in a multi car accident is: who is liable? Often these types of collisions occur quickly, and it can be difficult to determine who exactly is at fault. Plus, it’s no surprise that the other drivers involved will not be too keen on admitting fault either at the accident or during insurance negotiations.
Iowa is an at-fault State, which means the court will try to determine who the negligent party is and what damages they are liable for. In addition, both the at-fault driver and their insurance company will be legally responsible for any injuries or property damage that occurred from the accident. However, when multiple vehicles are involved it can be difficult to assign fault. When this occurs, the court will often find more than one driver at-fault as Iowa is a “Modified Comparative Fault” State.
Modified Comparative Fault is when more than one party is responsible for damages in proportion to the percentage of fault they caused. The injured plaintiff can only recover damages if the court determines they are less than 51% at fault. Essentially, the plaintiff can be found partly at fault, and the amount of compensation they are seeking may be reduced by the percentage of that responsibility.
Additional Resources
Iowa Rules for Civil Law – Visit the official website for Iowa’s Legislature to gain access to the State’s Rules of Civil Procedure. Learn more about the rules of the court, how to file a claim and how fault is determined.
Crash Statistics – Visit the official website for Iowa’s Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) to peruse their statistics and research studies regarding car accident statistics. Access the site to find data regarding the rate of annual fatal crashes, statistics regarding distracted drivers, OWI revocations by county, and other important reports by the Iowa DOT.
Iowa Multi Vehicle Crash Attorney | Polk County & Dallas County, IA
If you’re suffering with injuries induced from a multi car collision, it’s time to act now. You only have a limited amount of time to file a claim against the at-fault driver, so it’s important you get started on your case as soon as possible. The experienced legal team at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. have decades of experience as well as extensive skills and resources they can utilize for your case.
Call McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. today at (515) 279-9700 or simply submit an online contact form to schedule your first consultation. McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. has offices in West Des Moines but accepts clients throughout the greater Polk County and Dallas County area.