Green bay chain reaction car accident attorneyOn February 24, 2019, Wisconsin experienced a massive chain reaction accident that involved 131 vehicles. The accident, which occurred on Interstate 41, was caused by poor visibility due to weather conditions. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. Chain reaction accidents and multi-car pileups are common, especially during inclement weather conditions such as snow, ice, and fog. These car accidents, which can involve anywhere from three to several dozen vehicles, can cause property damage as cars continue to hit each other, and they often result in serious injuries and emotional distress for victims. Chain reaction accidents can be chaotic, and dealing with their aftermath can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one have been injured in a complex, multi-vehicle accident, you should speak with a personal injury attorney to determine your next steps.

Determining Who Is at Fault in a Chain Reaction Accident

In most car accidents, one or perhaps two drivers is/are responsible for a crash because they acted negligently. In the case of a chain reaction accident, it can be challenging to determine fault, and multiple parties may be responsible for a victim’s injuries. For example, a crash may have initially been caused because a driver was driving too fast for conditions, and other drivers may have collided with the vehicles because they were following too closely or failed to keep a proper lookout. Other drivers in a multi-vehicle pileup may have also caused or contributed to some of the later impacts. In these cases, a victim may be able to pursue compensation from multiple negligent drivers.

Through the use of accident reconstruction, eyewitness accounts, and police reports, a personal injury attorney can establish liability for the accident and work to hold the negligent individual (or individuals) responsible for the damages suffered by a victim.

Types of Injuries During a Chain Reaction Accident

As with any car accident, a multi-car collision may cause damage to vehicles and serious injuries to the drivers and passengers. Occupants in smaller vehicles are at a higher risk of suffering injuries, especially if a large truck is involved in the collision.

In addition to the injuries suffered in the initial collision, drivers and passengers may experience secondary injuries when additional cars become involved. For example, a collision between two vehicles could cause a person to experience a fractured arm. If another vehicle is unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid colliding with the vehicles, the impact of this secondary collision could lead to concussions or whiplash in addition to the initial injuries.

Contact an Appleton Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a chain reaction crash, you may struggle with serious injuries, and you may be unsure about how to establish liability and receive compensation from multiple parties. At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., our team of Green Bay, WI personal injury attorneys have years of experience representing clients injured in car accidents, including complicated multi-vehicle collisions. To schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you receive compensation for your injuries, contact our office today at 920-739-7366. 

Sources:

https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/27/us/wisconsin-pileup-911-trnd/index.html

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/895/I/045