Many car accidents you see in Ponca City are between two vehicles. However, multi-car and pileups are also possible. These involve three or more vehicles crashing into each other.
A car accident between two vehicles is traumatic and causes devastation. When three or more are involved, it is much worse. There are more injuries, property damage, and insurance companies to consider in these collisions.
A multi-car pileup happens when there are multiple rear-end accidents. These collisions go by many names, which can get confusing. After a car accident, speak to a multi-vehicle accidents and pileups accident attorney in Ponca City.
Causes of Pileups in Ponca City
These accidents can have many causes that will depend on the evidence that is found. While the drivers can agree to one thing, witnesses and evidence can paint a different picture.
Our multi-vehicle accidents and pileup accident lawyers in Ponca City will investigate to find the cause of the collision. Driver actions that can cause pileups include:
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Drug or alcohol use
- Disobeying traffic laws
Other factors contributing to pileup accidents are the location, time of day, and inclement weather. Heavy rain, fog, or icy conditions can make the roads dangerous and unpredictable. It means drivers must adjust their speed, the distance between vehicles, and more.
The time of day is an often overlooked risk factor. The mornings have different drivers and road conditions than at night which can lead to car accidents. The location is also crucial because highway pileups happen for different reasons than those in urban areas. These factors can help determine the cause and the liable party.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYInjuries from a Pileup Accident
There is a possibility that everyone in the pileup can suffer a severe injury. Pedestrians and others can especially be at risk of permanent injuries. Some of the possible injuries you can suffer from a multi-vehicle accident include:
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Severe burns
- Seatbelt and airbag injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Chest injuries
- Death
Sometimes the accident can end in tragedy. An entire family is left with a gaping hole. You have options, and you must contact a Ponca City multi-vehicle accidents and pileups accident attorney to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Determining Fault in a Chain Reaction Crash
Finding the details of the collision is one of the biggest challenges when filing a claim. Pileup accidents are very complex, and the details are overwhelming. Most often, they involve a rear-end collision that starts a reaction. These accidents are complex because more than one driver can be responsible for the accident.
There can even be a third party or government agency to blame. Often determining liability involves enlisting the help of investigators and pouring over evidence. Investigators will first determine who is negligent and failed to exercise reasonable care.
Negligent actions are the cause of the accident. Negligence is under immense scrutiny because it will determine which insurance company will pay for losses. You must work with experienced multi-vehicle accidents and pileup accident lawyer in Ponca City, OK, to ensure you do not get blamed for something you did not do.
Fault in Other Crashes
While many pileup accidents happen from rear-end collisions, some occur in other ways. Head-on collisions can also lead to multi-vehicle crashes. These accidents happen when one vehicle crosses into the other driver’s lane. Since the vehicle has gone into oncoming traffic, multiple cars will be involved as they hit each other and the vehicle that swerved into their lane. In this situation, the car drifting into oncoming traffic is at fault.
Another instance that can lead to a mule-vehicle accident is an intersection crash. These can happen during left turns or when someone runs a red light. Sometimes a car will go into oncoming traffic before it is clear, they are hit by one vehicle, and then someone collides with other vehicles.
Liability will depend on who has the right of way.
Liability for Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Pileups and multi-vehicle accidents are nightmare situations for victims. Several parties can be at-fault, and that makes liability contentious. The insurance companies involved will have more scrutiny and fight over the smallest detail to lower the liability.
Additionally, there is no limit to how many drivers can share fault. Sometimes the insurance companies will find fault for every driver.
Modified Comparative Negligence Laws
Oklahoma has modified comparative negligence laws vital to your multi-vehicle accident. These laws are very complicated, and you should discuss your options with a multi-vehicle accidents and pileup accidents attorney in Ponca City, OK, to ensure you are not assigned a percentage that hinders your financial recovery.
Essentially a driver must be less than 50% at fault for an accident to recover money. You cannot recover compensation if you are 51% or higher.
Compensation Is Available for Multi-Vehicle Crash Victims
If you have been in a multi-vehicle or pickup accident, it is vital that you take legal action. You can face medical bills, time off work, property loss, and permanent disability. You must recover compensation for these losses.
Some payment you can seek includes:
- Lost wages
- Property damage and repairs
- Future medical expense
- Decreased earning ability
- Medical costs
- Lower quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
In some instances, you can also recover punitive damages for especially egregious actions. The total amount you can recover will vary depending on your losses, negligence, and insurance policies. BDIW Law can calculate your losses and ensure you accurately calculate how this collision has impacted your life.
Call a Ponca City Multi-Vehicle Accidents and Pileups Accident Lawyer
If you are in a pileup, there is no question that you need legal representation. There are many insurance companies and parties to contend with. You will have two years to file a claim, which can go very fast considering all of these cases’ challenges.
If you miss a deadline, you can lose your ability to recover compensation. Call BDIW Law for a free case review immediately.
