While most car accidents involve one or two vehicles, some involve multiple vehicles. These multi-vehicle accidents can result in considerable damage, serious injuries, and fatalities. If you were injured or lost a loved one in one of these dangerous collisions, an experienced Oklahoma City multi-vehicle accident attorney from Oklahoma Injury Law Firm can discuss your legal rights and options during a free case review.
Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Many multi-vehicle accidents occur on congested roads, where one vehicle can collide with another, and another can collide with that one, because traffic is bumper-to-bumper. Determining the initial cause of the first accident is often key to establishing liability in these crashes.
Common causes of pileup accidents include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for road or weather conditions
- Following too closely
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Drunk driving
- Failing to yield
- Making improper lane changes
Since drivers’ accounts may vary considerably, objective evidence can help establish fault, such as:
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage
- Photos of the accident scene
- The type, severity, and location of damage to the vehicles
- Medical records
- Cell phone records
- Event data recorders
- Skid marks
- Accident reconstruction reports
Common Multi-Vehicle Car Accident Injuries
Multi-vehicle accidents can involve factors that increase the likelihood of serious injuries, such as high speeds, collisions occurring from multiple angles, and crashes involving numerous vehicles of varying sizes and weights. Common injuries in these types of crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Amputations
- Broken, crushed, and dislocated bones
- Severe burns
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
Who Is Responsible for Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents?
Oklahoma is an at-fault state for car accidents, so the driver found at fault is responsible for compensating victims. In cases of this type of motor vehicle accident, one person may be responsible for the initial crash, as well as all subsequent secondary collisions. It is also possible that other motorists may be to blame because they did not respond correctly or committed other driving offenses that contributed to these secondary crashes.
Even if you are found partially at fault, you can still seek compensation if you are less than 51% at fault for your injuries. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.
Securing fair compensation after a multi-vehicle accident often relies on having a skilled car accident lawyer who can represent your interests, minimize the degree of fault attributed to you, and identify all sources of insurance to help cover your losses.
Financial Compensation You Can Recover After a Multi-Vehicle Accident
Car accident victims can seek compensation for their accident-related injuries and losses, including the following:
- Medical bills
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Costs to repair or replace your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disabilities
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Contact an Oklahoma City Multi-Vehicle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you were hurt in an OKC pileup accident, Oklahoma Injury Law Firm can investigate your case, handle communications with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. If necessary, we can also consult with accident reconstruction experts to thoroughly investigate your case. Contact us today for a free case review.