Who is Liable for a Pile Up Accident on a Freeway?
Figuring out liability for a pile-up accident, also called a chain-reaction or multi-vehicle crash, on a freeway entails determining which driver started the accident. But there is always the possibility of multiple drivers contributing to or causing the pile-up accident. People injured in pile-up crashes should understand what exactly caused the crash and how Connecticut law could impact their eligibility to recover financial compensation.
Why is Determining Liability for a Freeway Pile Up Accident Difficult?
The more drivers involved in a freeway pile-up crash, the more contentious and difficult it is to figure out which driver started it and whether there are other drivers at-fault and to what degree. This also means multiple drivers or only one driver may be liable for the resulting injuries and damages.
In a four-vehicle pile-up accident, for instance, the leading driver might be liable for the second driver’s injuries but not the third and fourth driver’s injuries. The second driver might also be partly responsible for the injuries of the third driver but not the injuries of the other drivers. This is why determining liability for pile-up crashes can be very complicated.
What to Do After a Freeway Pile-Up Accident?
- Contact the police to report the
- If needed, call 911 for medical
- Don’t make statements about feeling fine or feeling partly responsible for the The other drivers’ insurance providers can use such statements to reduce the compensation they owe injured parties.
- Injured people, even those who don’t feel immediate pain, must get a medical evaluation as soon as possible.
- Obtain the contact details and insurance information of everyone
- If possible, snap photos and take videos of the accident
- Ideally, talk to a Manchester roadside lawyer before talking to any insurance claims adjusters or lawyers from the other drivers’ insurers.
What Evidence is Needed to Determine Liability in a Freeway Pile Up Accident?
Having the proper evidence can help absolve or reduce a driver’s assigned percentage offault and sort out which drivers in the crash are most liable for the other parties’ losses. Lawyers, insurance companies, and jurors normally look to the following pieces of evidence to determine liability in pile-up crashes:
- Accident and police reports
- Witness testimonies
- Photos and videos
- Medical records of injured parties
- Weather and road condition reports from around the time the pile-up occurred
In most cases, reports from accident reconstruction experts may be necessary to learn exactly how the crash unfolded, assess the traffic patterns, and examine road conditions and designs, among others, to help determine liability for the pile-up crash.
Talk to a Manchester Roadside Lawyer Today
Due to the complex nature of freeway pile-up accidents, injured parties should immediately consider discussing their situation with a Manchester roadside lawyer. An experienced lawyer can review the case, help injured parties understand the liability for their losses, and work with them to recover financial compensation covering their damages. Set up a free consultation with a Manchester roadside lawyer by calling Berman & Russo at 860-644- 1548 or reaching them online.