Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Hurt in a Multi-Vehicle Collision? Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

According to a report from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV), there were slightly over 400,000 motor vehicle collisions reported in the state in 2020. Altogether, those crashes involved approximately 675,000 vehicles. The National Safety Council (NSC) notes that around half of all car accidents are multi-vehicle collisions.

Any car accident is bad, but multi-vehicle crashes can be especially challenging. At Bernheim Kelley Battista, LLC, our car accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale have extensive experience handling multi-vehicle collision claims. If you or your loved one was hurt in a multi-car accident, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.

What is a Multi-Vehicle Accident?

Simply stated, a multi-vehicle accident is a collision that involves three or more vehicles. These accidents can occur on highways, busy roads, or intersections and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as driver distraction, bad weather, or a chain reaction of collisions.

Types of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents in Florida can take many different forms. Here is an overview of some of the most common types of multiple-car collisions that happen in the Fort Lauderdale area:

• Rear-End Collisions: These accidents occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. They often happen at stoplights, in slow-moving traffic, or when a driver fails to stop in time.
• T-bone Accidents: T-bone accidents occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. They often happen at intersections or when a driver fails to yield the right of way. These are dangerous crashes.
• Chain Reaction Accidents: These accidents occur when one collision triggers a chain reaction of other collisions. They can happen on highways or in heavy traffic and can involve multiple vehicles.
• Pile-Up Accidents: These accidents occur when several vehicles collide with one another in a chain reaction, usually at high speeds. They often occur in bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or snow.
• Jackknife Accidents: These accidents occur when a large vehicle—most often a fully loaded tractor-trailer—skids, and the trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, blocking multiple lanes of traffic.

Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents often occur on highways because any accident that occurs on a highway can cause a chain reaction where more and more cars make contact while trying to brake. However, multi-vehicle accidents can also happen on regular roads, usually at intersections where a driver ignores a stop sign or traffic light and causes several vehicles to crash into each other. The following are just some of the causes of multi-vehicle accidents:

• Speeding: This is always a danger, but it can be especially bad on highways since the speeds are higher, and it can be more difficult to maintain control of the vehicle or stop the vehicle in an emergency situation. That could cause a chain reaction that involves multiple vehicles crashing into each other.

• Drunk Driving: One of the many dangers of drunk driving is that an intoxicated driver could drift out of their lane into oncoming traffic. This could cause many vehicles to collide with each other even after the initial collision

• Poor Weather Conditions: Slippery roads caused by rain, snow, or poor visibility caused by heavy fog are often contributors to multi-vehicle accidents. If one car slides out of control, then it could collide with many other vehicles, or drivers could go out of control while trying to avoid a collision with other vehicles. In low visibility, drivers may not be able to gauge the distance between their vehicle and the one ahead, which could lead to a chain of rear-end collisions.

• Drowsy Driving: This presents similar dangers to drunk driving because the tired driver is not in control of their vehicle if they drift off to sleep. The vehicle could then stray into oncoming traffic or crash into a vehicle ahead of them, either of which could cause a multi-vehicle accident.

• Distracted Driving: This kind of behavior presents many dangers, and like drunk or drowsy drivers, the distracted driver could inadvertently stray out of their lane or crash into a vehicle ahead of them.

How to Determine Fault in Multi-Vehicle Accidents?

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) explains that Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state. The no-fault standard applies to multi-vehicle collisions. However, all motorists in Fort Lauderdale should understand the intricacies of the law. The no-fault standard applies to minor and moderate injuries. If you were seriously hurt in a multi-vehicle crash, you can step outside of the no-fault system and hold the responsible driver (or another party) liable for your damages. Who pays for car damage in a no-fault state? It is the at-fault party? In Florida, property damage claims are fault-based claims.

To learn more, schedule a free consultation with us today.

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Injuries in Multi-Vehicle Accidents

A multi-vehicle accident presents dangers that are not present or are less likely to occur in an accident involving fewer vehicles. There is a greater risk of injury or death because there are more collisions, and those collisions can come from various angles and at high speeds. These factors increase the chance of serious injuries for the people involved in the crash. There is also a greater risk of fires because fuel leaks could happen due to ruptured gas tanks, and all it takes is a small spark to ignite the fuel and cause a fire.

A multi-car pileup could also leave people trapped in their vehicles, which could cause problems if they are injured since it could take a while before emergency services are able to rescue and treat them. If someone is seriously injured, time is of the essence, and any delays in their treatment could make their situation worse. That is also why it is a problem if a multi-vehicle crash blocks emergency vehicles from being able to travel to the accident scene and help the people who were injured in the accident.

Complications With Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents can be complicated, with many factors that can impact the outcome. Some of the complicating factors include:

• Determining Fault: With multiple vehicles involved, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault for the accident.
• Multiple Injuries: With several vehicles involved, there may be multiple injuries, making it harder to coordinate medical care.
• Legal Issues: With multiple insurance companies involved, legal issues can arise, particularly when it comes to determining liability.
• Insurance Coverage: Insurance companies may dispute coverage or the amount of damages to be paid out in multi-vehicle accidents, leading to legal disputes.
• Comparative Negligence: In some jurisdictions, comparative negligence laws may apply in multi-vehicle accidents, where fault and liability may be assigned in percentages to multiple parties involved in the accident.
• Statute of Limitations: If you are wondering, “How long after a car accident can you claim injury?” you need to know that the law typically places a limit on how long you can wait and still pursue compensation. Your personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help you stay on track and file your claim before time runs out.

How to File a Claim for Multi-Vehicle Accidents

When filing a claim for multi-vehicle accidents, first ensure everyone’s safety by assessing injuries and contacting emergency services. Then, gather crucial information like driver details, insurance policies, and witness accounts. Take photos of the scene and damage. Contact your insurance provider and report the accident, providing all relevant details. Cooperate with investigators and keep records of all communications. Do not go alone: Consult with a Florida car crash lawyer.

How Much is a Multi-Vehicle Accident Lawsuit Worth?

It depends. Typical car accident settlement amounts vary based on a wide range of case-specific factors. In Florida, the victim’s economic and non-economic damages both matter. This includes everything from medical bills, to lost wages, to pain and suffering, and to the amount that the accident devalues a car. It is crucial that you are represented by a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer who can help you seek the full and fair compensation that you deserve in your multi-car crash claim.

How Can BK Law Firm Help in a Multi-Vehicle Collision Claim in South Florida?

Navigating the aftermath of a serious car crash is never easy—especially if multiple vehicles were involved in the incident. At BK Law, we have experienced attorneys who can help you through each and every step of the claims process. With the knowledge and skills to handle complex car accident claims, our car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can sort through the complicated legal entanglements so that you can get the compensation you need and deserve. A multi-vehicle accident can be physically and financially devastating and legally complicated. At Bernheim Kelley Battista, LLC, we can help untangle the legal complexities so that our clients can get the compensation they need to take care of their injuries. Call us now or contact us online to set up your free, no-obligation consultation.