Multi-Vehicle Accidents

During the evening rush hour in Portland, Interstates 84 and 205 can become heavily congested. All it takes is one act of negligence to cause a crash involving multiple vehicles. A multi-vehicle car accident happens when more than two vehicles crash into each other, creating a chain reaction. The most common types of multi-vehicle accidents include:

• Pile-ups – These accidents typically happen on busy highways. Slippery road conditions or backed-up traffic can cause one driver to crash into the back of another vehicle. The more vehicles continue to crash into the pile, the more damage is done.
• Intersection accidents – When a negligent driver runs a red light or stop sign at an intersection, a T-bone accident can occur. The impact of a broadside can push the vehicle being struck into other vehicles.
• Multi-lane accidents – Accidents that occur due to changing lanes without warning are common on multi-lane highways. When one driver veers into another driver’s lane, a catastrophic accident involving multiple vehicles can occur.
• What causes multi-vehicle accidents?

There are many contributing factors that can lead to multi-vehicle accidents. Like many other types of auto accidents, multi-vehicle accidents can be caused by the following:

• Distract driving – Texting, adjusting the radio, or programming a GSP can take a driver’s attention off the road long enough to cause a devastating crash. In highway pile-ups, a distracted driver may not be able to avoid an accident when traffic comes to a stop.
• Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, or driving while drowsy, can reduce reaction time and judgment. Crashes caused by an impaired driver can be especially devastating because the driver may not attempt to stop or avoid an accident.
• Aggressive driving – Speeding, tailgating, and other erratic behavior can put others at risk, especially on busy multi-lane highways.
• Hazardous weather conditions – Snow, sleet, ice, and excessive rain can be contributing factors to multi-vehicle accidents. Many highway pile-ups involving dozens – or hundreds – of cars are attributed to slippery road conditions.
• Motor vehicle defects – Faulty tires or defective breaks cause a driver to lose control of his or her vehicle – resulting in a crash with other motorists.

Whatever caused your multi-vehicle crash, an experienced auto accident attorney can investigate and find out who to hold accountable. While these accidents can be complex because of the number of parties involved, Zbinden & Curtis can get to the bottom of it. We will examine the police report, speak to witnesses, and gather important details to build a strong case. Contact us today.

Why you need an experienced attorney

Determining who is at fault in a multi-vehicle accident can be difficult. Oftentimes, these accidents will require a thorough police investigation to pinpoint whose irresponsibility caused a crash to occur. This can be especially challenging in pile-ups involving several vehicles.

Following a multi-car accident, it is always important to make safety a priority to avoid further damage from being done. If you can:

• Secure the crash scene.
• Move your vehicle out of harm’s way to avoid being struck again.
• Take pictures of the crash scene.
• Exchange information with witnesses.
• Even if no injury symptoms are present, seek immediate medical attention.

The sooner you take action, the more likely you will be able to maximize your compensation. Let us handle the rest.