Multi-Vehicle Collisions & Pile-Up Crashes in Florida

It can also be harder to determine fault.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there are approximately six million motor vehicle accidents every year. Of these, approximately one-third are multi-vehicle crash or pile-up collisions. Due to the number of vehicles involved, the scene has more extensive damage, injuries and fatalities.

These types of cases are also much more complicated when it comes to determining fault, liability and compensation.

Have you or a loved one have been affected by a multi-car wreck? If so, you should consider contacting a dedicated car accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Tragos Law, our accident attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary to investigate the most complicated cases and secure the best possible outcome for your injury claim.

• Distractions: Drivers may become distracted while texting, turning to talk to another passenger or taking their eyes from the road ahead while looking at other areas of the environment. They might also briefly stop watching the road when eating, drinking or reaching for something in their vehicle.

• Driving under the influence: Anyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking alcohol or taking certain prescription medications or illegal street drugs puts themselves and others at risk. Substances slow reaction time and interfere with depth perception, which may lead to a car crash.

• Drowsiness: Some people drive for hours without stopping in order to make a destination in time. Some might attempt to drive despite not having enough sleep the night before. Fatigued drivers can start nodding off at the wheel and cause a chain of collisions before they wake up.

• High-speed chases: When law enforcement officers are in pursuit of a suspect, the individual often drives erratically and becomes more concerned with getting away than the danger they might pose to others on the road.

• Bad weather: Fog, heavy rain or blowing snow are all known to lead to multiple vehicle collisions. If other vehicles follow closely behind, they too become part of the accident.

• Recklessness: Irresponsible drivers who speed, dart in and out of traffic or follow other vehicles too closely may contribute to collisions. Over-correcting steering, getting a flat tire or taking their eyes from the highway may lead to a collision with one or more vehicles.

• Road conditions: Ice, rain and sleet also have the potential to make the roads slick. Exceeding the speed limit according to the road condition often causes drivers to lose control and have an accident. In 2016, a North Carolina highway was the scene of a 130-car pile up when heavy rain made the asphalt slippery.

• Vehicle malfunction: A flat tire, failing brakes or ineffective windshield wipers all have the potential to cause accidents. When brakes failed on a vehicle in Indonesia in 2016, the malfunction led to a collision involving a truck, three cars, five motorcycles and damage to two buildings.