Chain Reaction Car Accidents in Missouri

The aftermath of a car accident is always a frightening spectacle but never is an accident scene as terrifying and chaotic as a multi-car pileup, or chain reaction accident. When a single-car or two-car collision triggers a chain reaction car accident in Missouri or elsewhere, the results are often catastrophic, with multiple injuries and fatalities. Sadly, the distress continues for survivors long after the accident when insurance companies dispute claims and point the finger at other drivers and their insurance policies. Determining who is responsible for a chain-reaction car accident in St. Louis involving three or more vehicles quickly becomes challenging.

Common Causes of Chain Reaction Car Crashes in Missouri

Chain reaction car accidents are also sometimes known as multi-car pileups. They happen when an initial accident occurs on a roadway with other vehicles traveling at high speed toward the crash. The other drivers may not have time to stop or maneuver around the crash, causing a chain reaction of collisions involving three or more vehicles in a domino effect of crashes. In chain reaction car accidents in Missouri and elsewhere, there may be one or more drivers at fault or several drivers who contribute to fault through multiple instances of carelessness, speeding, or distraction. Common causes and contributors to chain reaction accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Tailgating (driving too closely to the vehicle directly in front)
• Unsafe lane changes
• Improper merging
• Failing to signal a turn or lane change
• Aggressive driving
• Tire blowouts on high-speed highways
• Jackknife truck accidents that block multiple traffic lanes

Often, a chain-reaction car accident begins with one driver’s error, carelessness, or a mechanical malfunction such as a tire blowout. Then, other drivers may become involved because they don’t have time or space to maneuver around the crash. In some circumstances, other drivers could contribute fault in the accident by their own carelessness or error, for instance, through tailgating, distracted driving, speeding, or over-correction.

How Does Fault-Based Insurance Work in a Missouri Chain Reaction Accident?

Missouri’s fault-based pure comparison negligence insurance laws allow car accident victims to recover at least a portion of their damages like medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering even if they contributed to the cause of the accident.  Missouri § 537.765 explains comparative negligence as follows:

“Any fault chargeable to the plaintiff shall diminish proportionately the amount awarded as compensatory damages but shall not bar recovery.”

In other words, a motorist who suffers injuries and property damage in an accident may recover compensation even if they were partly at fault for the accident but the compensation they recover will be minus their percentage of fault. In a chain reaction car accident, for example, the first driver’s negligence may make them mostly at fault for the accident, but if the second driver was texting and failed to see the accident ahead in time to stop, they could share fault. If they suffered $100,000 in damages but distracted driving leaves them 50% at fault, they’d recover $50,000.

How Can a Missouri Car Accident Attorney Help After a Chain Reaction Car Accident?

It typically requires an in-depth investigation, including examining photographs and any available traffic camera or surveillance video, deposing eyewitnesses, examining the police report, and using accident reconstruction specialists to break down the chain of events that contributed to a multi-car pileup. The investigation determines the cause of the initial crash and each subsequent driver’s share of the fault for further collisions.

If you or a close family member suffered injuries or a fatality in a chain reaction car accident, you need an assertive accident attorney on your side to protect your interests throughout the investigation, insurance claim, and any litigation necessary to resolve your claim and recover the maximum compensation.

Call a personal injury lawyer at The Floyd Law Firm for the experienced legal representation you need for the best possible outcome in your case.