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Multi-Vehicle Crashes Can Bring Up Complex Legal Issues

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Multi-Vehicle Crashes Can Bring Up Complex Legal Issues

Blue car with dents and smashed headlightMany traffic accidents involve one car that collides with another car, and identifying the at-fault driver is relatively straightforward. However, some accidents involve multiple vehicles of different types, causing injuries to many motorists. In these cases, several parties may be to blame and may be liable for injuries to others. Determining liability in multi-vehicle crashes can be a complicated endeavor, and it is critical for any injured accident victims to discuss their rights with a skilled North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Five-Vehicle Crash in North Charleston

Last month, a chain reaction crash occurred on I-26 in North Charleston, injuring three people and tragically killing one driver. As eastbound traffic slowed due to congestion, an Audi SUV, a pickup truck, and two tractor-trailers all collided. One semi-truck and the SUV then caught fire. A fifth vehicle was already pulled over on the shoulder and debris flew from the crash and hit that car.

Emergency personnel pronounced the driver of the SUV dead at the scene of the crash. At least two other people rode in ambulances to the hospital for treatment of their injuries. Reports do not indicate what caused the crash, only that authorities were investigating.

Who is Liable for Your Injuries?

If another party acted negligently and caused a crash, that party should be liable for your medical expenses and other accident-related losses. Such losses can be extensive and may include:

  • Past and future medical treatment costs
  • Past and future lost income
  • Permanent injuries or disabilities
  • Permanent impairment
  • Pain and suffering
  • Wrongful death

Negligence occurs when a party breaches a duty of care, such as the duty to drive in a reasonably safe manner, and causes harm to others. Drivers can be negligent in many different ways that may lead to multi-vehicle crashes, including:

  • Distracted driving
  • Drunk driving
  • Road rage and aggressive driving
  • Speeding
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Dangerous passing
  • Drowsy driving
  • Violating any other traffic laws
  • For truck drivers, violating any Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations

In multi-vehicle accidents, it is common for more than one driver to be negligent. For example, one driver may be intoxicated and may run a red light. A driver heading through the intersection may be texting and may not notice the drunk driver quickly enough to prevent a collision. The collision then sends the distracted driver’s vehicle crashing into another vehicle in the intersection. While it is always illegal and dangerous to drive drunk, the texting driver also violated the law and acted negligently. Therefore, under a doctrine known as joint and several liability, both drivers may be held liable for damages if someone in the third car sustained serious injuries.

Contact Our North and South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today

The above is only one example of how complex claims arising from multi-car accidents can be. Every accident is unique and an experienced you should always have an experienced personal injury lawyer evaluate your rights and options. Bice Law LLC represents injured clients throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. Please do not hesitate to call 877-BICE-877 or provide information about your situation via our online contact form.

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