New York City Chain Reaction Accidents

Chain reaction accidents, also called multi-vehicle accidents or pile-ups, are accidents that involve at least 3 vehicles with the first accident causing the subsequent accidents. Typically chain reaction accidents involve 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 car A rear-ending car B, causing car B to rear-end car C. 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. If driver negligence sparked to chain reaction accident that left you or a loved one injured, contact an experienced New York City Chain Reaction Accident Lawyer who will review the facts of your case and work closely with you to help you get the compensation to which you are entitled to based on the losses you suffered.

Chain reaction accidents are generally occur because the driver who rear-ends 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.

While there can be a number of scenarios which may lead to a chain reaction accident, when there is a chain reaction collision, as explained in Mustafaj v. Discoll, 5 A.D. 3d 138 (2004), the presumption is that the rearmost driver is at fault. The presumption that the rearmost driver is at fault remains even when road conditions are not ideal. 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 in sufficient to rebut the presumption of negligent. 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.

Multi vehiclle 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.