Who is Liable for a Pile Up Accident on a Freeway?
Even if you take every precaution behind the wheel, you may still be injured in a pileup accident at some point. While a pileup accident is a major inconvenience for others on the road, it may result in severe injuries for those involved.
While you may think that the motorist of the rear vehicle is at fault, determining liability is not always as straightforward as you may think. A pileup accident (also known as a multi-vehicle crash) is rarely caused by a single driver but can typically be attributed to multiple motorists.
Recovering the compensation that you deserve in a chain reaction accident may be complicated. If you have suffered an injury in a pileup accident, our PA personal injury attorneys are here to provide an overview of your legal rights.
Causes of Multi-Vehicle Crashes in PA
A multi-vehicle crash may be caused by any of the following circumstances:
- Adverse weather
- Sun glare
- A fatigued driver
- A distracted or inattentive driver
- Road rage
Although a multi-vehicle crash is usually caused by a rear driver failing to hit their brakes in time, determining fault may be more complex. For example, if the front driver could not see due to sun glare, the driver may have braked suddenly. It is estimated that it takes a 4,000-pound vehicle 316 feet to come to a complete stop traveling at a highway speed of 65 miles per hour. Consequently, one vehicle unexpectedly stopping can easily result in a pileup accident on a freeway.
Comparative Negligence Law in PA
Under 42 Pa.C.S. §7102, the victim can recover damages in a personal injury as long as he or she is less than 51 percent at fault. If it is determined that your liability is greater than the defendant, then you will be barred from recovery.
So, examining the above example, an insurance adjuster may assign the front driver 20 percent fault, while the rear driver is assigned 80 percent fault for the crash. If the front driver files a $20,000 claim, the individual will only recoup $16,000 in damages.
Why You Should Speak with a PA Personal Injury Lawyer
When you work with a PA personal injury lawyer, you give yourself the best chance of recovering your losses, including lost income, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Our legal team is dedicated to serving you. We will gather the necessary evidence to prove the other driver’s liability. You have worked hard for your money, and you deserve to be compensated fairly for your injuries and hardship. Insurance is there for a reason: to give you peace of mind when things go south.
Nobody should have to pay out-of-pocket to cover medical bills. You should not have to spend your savings to cover your bills due to missed time from work. At Mette Attorneys at Law, our PA personal injury lawyers will do whatever it takes to get you the compensation you need.
PA Personal Injury Lawyers Advocating for You
If you have fallen victim to a personal injury, our PA personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation that is rightfully yours. To learn what we can do for you, contact us online to schedule your initial consultation.