Special Risks Associated with Multi-Car Pileups
Georgia Traffic Accident Attorneys Discuss Special Risks Associated with Multi-Car Pileups
Pursuing an insurance claim for injuries suffered in a Georgia car accident can be complicated under any circumstances, these complexities are multiplied when you are injured in a multi-car pileup. Multiple parties to a claim create questions about assigning liability, available insurance to cover losses, and potential fault involving multiple drivers. The confusion that follows in the wake of a multi-car pileup might require the involvement of accident reconstruction experts, extensive investigation, witness statements, and communications with the many different insurance companies and drivers. There often are multiple drivers who receive traffic citations, so insurance carriers deny claims or dispute the percentage of fault attributable to their client by attempting to shift blame and financial responsibility to other and drivers, asserting that other insurance companies should pay the claims.
Anatomy of a Georgia Multi-Car Pileup Accident
Georgia multi-car pileups usually are the result of poor visibility caused by adverse weather conditions. Obstruction of a driver's ability to see a roadway hazard until it is too late to stop can result in a chain reaction where successive vehicles slam into already disabled or wrecked cars, trucks, or SUVs. Snow and heavy fog frequently constitute key contributing factors in multi-car accidents. It is important to keep in mind that "bad weather" is not necessarily the cause of these potentially deadly collisions. Drivers who proceed cautiously and reduce their speed to adjust for poor visibility and road conditions often can avoid a multi-car pileup. A cautious driver that avoids colliding into a pileup of motor vehicles may still be struck from behind by other drivers who fail to exercise the same caution. While multi-car accidents typically occur in poor weather, they usually are caused by poor driving, rather than adverse weather conditions.
The basic anatomy of a multi-car pileup in Georgia involves vehicles following too closely or traveling at too high a speed based on visibility and road conditions. When a vehicle is forced to stop suddenly, the driver who is not observing an appropriate following distance collides with the vehicle that has stopped unexpectedly. This initial collision creates a dangerous situation where multiple disabled vehicles obstruct the roadway, causing successive cars to crash. Most multi-car pileups in Georgia occur on highways and interstates where there is high traffic volume, and the flow of traffic moves at a high rate of speed. As multiple cars collide into disabled vehicles or debris in the roadway, more drivers are compelled to brake suddenly. These evasive maneuvers might result in skidding out of control or darting into oncoming traffic to avoid a collision.
Multi-car accidents are particularly deadly because the mass of crumpled metal and glass can make it difficult for vehicle occupants to flee to safety. Motorists may be unable to remove their vehicle from the roadway, so their car remains directly exposed to further collisions. If the vehicle can be moved to the side of the road, this area also might be compromised because of the low visibility. Drivers also might not be able to exit their vehicle when it is disabled and directly in the path of traffic. Vehicle occupants can even be struck if they exit the vehicle and attempt to get out of traffic. In other situations, gasoline might leak from vehicles causing a risk of fire or explosion, which further complicates a vehicle occupant's decision about whether to try to get out of their vehicle when involved in a multi-car pileup.
Experienced Representation to Navigate the Complex Circumstances of Multi-Car Accidents
Some people who suffer catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputation of limbs, and others in multi-car pileups may not be injured in the initial impact but sustain severe injury when their vehicle is repeatedly struck. Others are tragically killed. With each successive collision, the integrity of the vehicle to protect an occupant from injury can become more compromised. The magnitude and confusion associated with these types of crashes can also make it difficult for emergency responders to get access to accident victims and provide assistance or medical care.
Our experienced Atlanta traffic accident attorneys tenaciously strive to obtain the fullest compensation under the law for personal injury and wrongful death victims. Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.
No matter where you are located, our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333
Toll Free: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
Hours: Open Today · Open 24 hours
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