Chain Reaction / Multiple Vehicle Accidents
Seasoned Car Accident Lawyers Advocating for Boston and Massachusetts Residents
A chain reaction accident or multiple vehicle accident is a motor vehicle crash that involves three or more vehicles. The most common example of a chain reaction accident is one when a vehicle rear-ends another vehicle, causing that vehicle to collide with the vehicle in front of it. These accidents can be very dangerous, especially if the collision occurs at high speed on the highway.
These accidents can also be difficult when it comes to proving who is at fault for the accident and obtaining policy benefits from all of the insurance companies involved. At the law firm of Breakstone, White & Gluck, our Boston car accident lawyers have assisted many Massachusetts residents with asserting their right to compensation after a multiple car crashes. We can ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entire process and that you are treated fairly by insurance companies.
Seeking Compensation After a Chain Reaction Accident
Just as with any other car crash, the key to recovering compensation after a chain reaction accident is to bring a negligence claim against the parties who are responsible for your injuries. This likely involves naming multiple defendants in the claim to ensure that an at-fault party cannot escape liability. A dedicated personal injury lawyer can help you ensure that you name all of the potentially liable parties in the action.
Next, you will need to show that the people who caused your injuries failed to drive their vehicles with the appropriate level of care and skill. In general, drivers have a duty to pay attention to the roadway, refrain from distracted driving activities, and abide by all traffic rules and regulations. Drivers must also be ready to adjust their driving to any sudden hazards, heavy traffic patterns, or inclement weather. Many chain reaction accidents in Massachusetts occur during severe winter weather when motorists follow one another too closely or drive too fast for the icy conditions.
Police are almost always called to the scene of a multiple car crash. The police report will contain important information on the drivers, owners, and insurance companies involved. Sometimes commercial vehicles involved, and they may have valuable electronic information, including driving data and sometimes even video recordings.
After establishing that one or more defendants failed to drive with adequate care, you will need to show that the other drivers’ negligence was the direct cause of your injuries. This can be the most complicated phase of a multi-vehicle accident case. The motorist who caused the first collision to happen is not necessarily the substantial cause of additional collisions that occurred in the same sequence of events. Also, you must determine the extent to which each driver was responsible for the accident. For example, multiple parties involved in the crash may have been failing to follow the speed limit at the time of the crash. This often requires a detailed investigation, including an extensive series of discovery requests and depositions. It is essential to enlist an attorney who has experience handling car accident cases involving multiple defendants.
The final phase of a negligence action involves determining the amount of damages to which the plaintiff is entitled. The plaintiff must offer evidence to support the amount of compensation that they are claiming. This includes medical records, reports and bills, which demonstrate the extent of the bodily injury and the treatment that was required. Expert witnesses may be required to prove future disability and the need for future medical treatment. Lost earnings are another important aspect of the bodily injury claim. This includes lost earnings, past, present and future. Documentation of this loss typically includes information from employers and tax returns. You may also be entitled to compensation for any reduction in your earning capacity as a result of your injuries if you are unable to return to your usual occupation. Proof may also include expert witnesses to demonstrate the value of future lost earning capacity.
Retain a Diligent Boston Attorney Experienced in Complex Car Accident Litigation
A car accident involving just two motorists can be complicated. Things can get even more difficult when multiple parties are involved in the crash, and they each suffer injuries and damages. At the Boston firm of Breakstone, White & Gluck, we pride ourselves on treating each client with the personalized, compassionate, and diligent legal counsel that they deserve during this difficult time. Our attorneys know what you are going through and will ensure that you feel informed about the process at each step. We have served clients in Boston, Cambridge, Waltham, Lowell, Newton, Somerville, Quincy, Dedham, Norwood, Brookline, Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Plymouth, Worcester, Lawrence, and Springfield. To schedule your free consultation, call us now at 1-800-379-1244 or contact us online.