Multi-car accidents are considerably more complicated than two-car collisions since they involve several damaged vehicles, and often many injured drivers and passengers. It is also more difficult to assign fault in a multi-car accident. An external precipitating factor–bad weather, a road spill, or an object or animal on the roadway–may make the situation even more difficult to decipher. Because of the complexity of such cases, if you have been injured in a Philadelphia multi-car accident, it is critical to retain a strong, experienced car crash attorney.
At Cooper Schall Levy, our multi-car accident attorneys are knowledgeable, highly skilled litigators with a track record of successful outcomes. Contact our Philadelphia office today for a free consultation. We will determine whether you have a viable case and, once you become our client, we will charge you no attorneys’ fees until we recover damages.
Common Causes of Multi-Car Accidents in Philadelphia
Also known as pile-ups or chain reaction accidents, multi-car accidents result when one car crashes into another, causing the second vehicle to impact another vehicle or several. It also sometimes happens when one driver crosses lanes and hits many cars.
At times, a dozen cars can be involved. Although there may be an external factor, many of these accidents are caused by negligent driving on the part of one or more of the drivers. Examples of driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol
- Making an unsafe lane change or illegal turn
- Speeding or driving too fast for weather conditions
- Failing to slow when turning
- Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign
- Tailgating
If you have suffered a serious injury due to the negligence of one or more parties, whether they are other drivers or negligent road repair agencies, our multi-car accident attorneys will fight aggressively to obtain the meaningful compensation you deserve.
Types of Multi-Car Accidents and the Severe Injuries They Can Cause
Pile-ups can occur in heavy urban traffic as well as on high-speed highways. While the latter tend to be more dangerous or even deadly, the former accidents, though occurring at slower speeds, can result in nasty injuries with long-term or permanent consequences, such as severe whiplash, fractures, or neuromuscular damage. High-speed highway collisions carry the risk of fire and explosion burn injuries in addition to impact injuries. Injuries incurred in high-speed highway multi-car accidents are often catastrophic, resulting in spinal cord damage (e.g. paralysis), open or closed traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), amputation, or wrongful death.
The nature of victim injuries is often tied to whether your car was:
- Rear-ended
- Hit head-on
- T-boned
- Sideswiped
- Caused to roll over
It should be noted that many multi-car accidents occur at intersections.
Determining Fault in a Multi-Car Accident in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning that injured drivers must look to their own insurance company for compensation for lost income and medical bills, and may not be able to receive money for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. However, the situation differs if the driver has opted for “full tort” rather than “limited tort” insurance, a more inclusive but also more costly option.
In addition, Pennsylvania adheres to the principle of modified comparative negligence to award damages in multi-car accidents in which more than one driver bears responsibility. Under this principle, the court assigns each driver a percentage of liability based on a careful review of everyone’s possibly negligent behavior. As long as you don’t bear 51 percent or more liability, you can sue for damages, though your court award will be lessened by your percentage of fault. In other words, if you are found to be 10 percent liable and awarded $100,000, you will actually receive $90,000.
As you can see, determining fault in a multi-car accident in Pennsylvania is challenging and confusing. This is why it is essential to have one of our sharp lawyers working on your case to have the best chance of winning the compensation you need to cope with the effects and future consequences of your injuries.
How Our Experienced Multi-Car Accident Attorney Will Help
At Cooper Schall Levy, we are compassionate as well as efficient and effective. Aware that you have been traumatized and need time to recuperate, we will take over all legal and logistical matters, including:
- Negotiating with opposing attorneys and insurance adjusters
- Investigating the accident site and all available surveillance videos
- Examining police records and medical reports
- Checking each defendant’s possible history of similar negligence or misconduct
- Interviewing objective witnesses who were not directly involved in the collision
- Identifying all parties responsible for the accident
- Issuing subpoenas for iPhone records of defendants accused of texting while driving
- Consulting with medical and accident reconstruction experts who may testify for us
In most cases, multi-car accidents will necessitate a courtroom trial due to the number of injured parties and the number of potential defendants. No matter how complex your particular case is, you can rest assured that our able attorneys are well up to the task.
Damages We Will Fight to Win for You and Your Family
Realizing that your serious injury affects not only you but also your loved ones, we will do everything in our power to persuade the court that you are entitled to resources to cover:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income, present and future
- Replacement services (e.g. childcare)
- Property damage or loss
- Psychological counseling
- Extended nursing care
- Alterations to your home to make it accessible
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or other disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If a multi-car accident has resulted in the wrongful death of a close family member, we will fight tooth and nail to recover the resources you need for final medical costs, funeral, burial or cremation costs, and loss of financial/ emotional support. We know that these damages will not bring back your loved one, but hope they will provide you with some sense of justice and peace.
Contact Our Experienced Philadelphia Multi-Car Accident Attorneys Now
The most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to go through this alone. Our talented, caring professionals know the ropes and will provide you with the legal and moral support you need at this time of great stress. Contact us today so we can begin working to ease your anxiety and secure your future.
Cooper Schall & Levy multi-car accident lawyers serve Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as well as neighboring counties such as Montgomery County and Delaware County and cover neighborhoods such as Norristown and Drexel Hill.
