In New York, car accidents can involve more than one vehicle, and when multi-vehicle pileups happen, multiple drivers and conflicting versions of events make determining liability far from straightforward. In this post, the team at Gabriel Law will step into the shoes of an accident lawyer in New York and explain what goes into determining fault and compensation in multi-vehicle accidents.
What are the causes of pile-up accidents?
A pile-up accident, also known as a chain-reaction crash or multi-vehicle accident, is, as the name suggests, a type of accident that involves more than two vehicles. These types of accidents hardly stem from a single mistake, instead being caused by several factors all converging at the same time. Some of the most common causes for pile-up accidents are:
- Poor visibility
- Icy roads
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Mechanical failure
What steps should you take after a pile-up accident?
As a personal injury law firm in NYC with its fair share of experience handling car accident cases, here’s what we recommend as actions that need to be taken immediately after a multi-vehicle accident to protect your health and strengthen your claim:
- Call 911 to report the accident and provide authorities with critical information.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you have sustained injuries from the crash, even if the injuries are minor.
- Document the scene of the accident with photographs and video.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident.
- Contact a car accident lawyer in NYC to get a better understanding of your rights and liabilities.
- Inform the insurance company about the accident, but do not make any recorded statements.
What are the damages you can recover after a pile-up accident?
Much like any other car accident in New York, you are able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other relevant expenses through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. As a no-fault state, New York allows individuals to claim compensation through their PIP, regardless of their fault in the accident. If the accident involved an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you can use your UM coverage to claim additional compensation.
However, if you want to recover compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and mental distress, you must file a personal injury lawsuit. Before filing your lawsuit, you must prove that you have suffered a “serious injury” as defined in New York Insurance Law or that the economic damages suffered exceed $50,000.
What if you are partially responsible for the pile-up accident?
In New York, pile-up accidents are rarely the fault of a single driver. In the event multiple drivers share partial blame for the accident, the pure comparative negligence rule ensures that the fault is divided among the drivers involved to accurately reflect their involvement in the crash. According to the rule, when a person is partially responsible, any compensation they receive will be reduced by the extent of the fault attached to them. For example, if one of the drivers is deemed 25% responsible for the accident, any compensation they receive will be reduced by 25%.
Conclusion
Pile-up accidents in New York can lead to serious, life-changing consequences. But you do not have to deal with the aftermath alone, because Gabriel Law is here to help. Our team of car accident lawyers in New York have been handling all sorts of car accident cases for many years, and we have all the skills, resources, and expertise you will need to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. We offer free and confidential consultations, so contact us now and schedule one for yourself.
