Nassau County Chain Reaction Accident

Cain reaction accidents are car accidents that involve at least 3 vehicles with the first accident causing the subsequent accidents. Typically a chain reaction car accident involves a series of rear-end collisions. However, side collisions and head-on collisions are sometimes involved. The most common type of chain reaction accident involves the first car rear-ending the second car, causing the second car to rear-end the third card. Chain reaction accidents often occur during inclement weather when the roads are slick or visibility it low. However, such accidents also occur due to driver negligence when weather is not a factor. Victims of such accidents often suffer serious injuries such as a brain injury, contusions, broken bones, internal injuries, amputations, paralysis, or spinal cord injury. Sadly, many victims of such accidents do not survive. If driver negligence sparked to chain reaction accident that left you or a loved one injured, you will need to speak to a New York Injury Lawyer. New York law gives victims of car accidents as well as victims of other types of personal injury such as medical malpractice the right to seek compensation for their losses. It is important that you immediately contact an experienced Nassau County Chain Reaction Accident Lawyer who will help ensure that those responsible for your injuries are held accountable through a personal injury claim.

Chain reaction accidents generally occur because the driver who collides with the first vehicle is driving to closely to that vehicle, or driving to fast. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1129, drivers are prohibited from following another vehicle "more closely than is reasonable and prudent." If a driver follows another car too closely, it is more difficult for that driver to slow down and stop in time to avoid an accident. What is reasonable and prudent depends on driving conditions. For example, if traffic is moving slowly or is "stop and go," drivers must drive in manner that takes into consideration that slow pace of the traffic. Similarly, if the road is wet or icy, it would be prudent to drive more slowly and cautiously then if the road was dry. In Mitchell v. Gonzalez, 269 A.D.3d 250 (2000), plaintiff Mitchell's car was rear-ended by Gonzalez. As a result Mitchell suffered injuries. Gonzalez argued that he was unable to stop the car and avoid the accident because the road was wet. The court found that a wet roadway defense is insufficient to rebut the presumption of negligence. A driver must take into road conditions and maintain sufficient distance from another car so as to avoid collisions.

Negligent driving that causes a chain reaction accident may leave victims seriously injured. Common injuries include broken bones, head trauma, cuts and scrapes, back injuries and neck injuries. In the most severe cases, people are killed in chain reaction accidents. Serious injuries require extensive medical treatment and prevent the victim from working. The result is mounting medical bills and little income. However, New York law allows victims to sue to recover damages to compensate for losses. Through a personal injury lawsuit you may be able to recover compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. In addition if your property was damaged in the accident, you can sue to recover compensation to repair or replace the property. If a family member died in the accident, then you may be able to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Beware that New York law has a specific time limit for filing a claim in a personal injury case. If you do not file your claim within the time period, you will be forever barred from collecting damages even if your case has merit. In addition, if the party responsible for your injury was a government entity then there are special procedures you must follow to file a claim.

Multi-vehicle accidents are complicated with each driver believing another driver is at fault. However, an experienced New York City Chain Reaction Accident Lawyer will be able to sort through the complex evidence in order to make sure your rights are protected. The staff at Stephen Bilkis and Associates has extensive experience representing clients injured in chain reaction accidents, head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, side collisions, sideswipe accidents as well as other types of accidents involving cars, trucks, SUVs, vans and motorcycles. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your car accident.