Who Is at Fault for a Chain Reaction Accident in New Jersey?

Chain reaction accidents involve multiple collisions. There are often multiple victims, and each victim has the right to bring their own case. The first and last collisions in a chain of accidents normally involve just one collision. The accidents in the middle of the chain normally involve two collisions – the one that is the result of a prior collision and the second that causes the next collision in the chain. In many cases, the vehicle that causes the first accident is responsible for all the subsequent accidents, but there are exceptions.

At Ferrara & Gable, our Cherry Hill car accident lawyers have the experience and resources to handle complicated liability issues and the medical relationships to handle serious injuries.

How do chain reaction accidents happen?

The most common type of chain reaction accident is a series of rear-end collisions. In this type of chain reaction accident, one driver strikes the last in a line of cars. The car that is struck is then pushed into the car in front of their car. The series of impacts (a rear car striking a front car) continues until the car that is first in line is struck from behind.

A second type of chain reaction accident involves a situation where an obstacle (such as a deer crossing the road or a large pothole) suddenly appears in the middle of the road and causes vehicles to crash into each other in succession.

A third type of chain reaction involves intersection accidents. If, for example, a driver enters the intersection after the light changes color, then a series/chain of accidents may result.

Who is liable for chain reaction accidents?

In order to determine liability in a chain reaction accident, it is necessary to slow down the sequence of collisions so each impact can be reviewed independently. In many cases, as we mentioned above, the car that causes the first accident is liable for all the subsequent accidents in the chain reaction. Some of the reasons the initial accident occurs include:

• A driver is distracted by texting, using a smartphone, looking at a GPS, eating, or any activity that takes the driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the steering wheel, and mind off how to respond to emergencies.
• A driver is speeding or violating other traffic laws.
• A driver is unaware that there is construction ahead.
• Driver fatigue.
• Driver intoxication.

Sometimes, the driver in front of a line of cars is responsible for all the chain reaction accidents. For example, if a driver is distracted or speeding, that driver may need to slam on their brakes – causing all the cars behind them to slam on their brakes.

Sometimes, some drivers may be partially at fault. For example, while the rear driver may be responsible for the accident, a car in the middle of the chain may also be responsible if they were too close to the car in front of it.

We may work with traffic reconstruction experts, if necessary, to slow down the sequence of accidents so each accident can be reviewed one at a time.

What should you do after a chain reaction accident?

Someone should contact the police who will investigate the accident. The officer should collect the license, registration, insurance, and contact information of each driver. The officer should also arrange for medical transport for any accident victims and attempt to move the cars off the roadway.

You should do the following:

• If you are physically able, you should determine if there are any witnesses and get their contact information. You should also take photographs/videos of the accident sites, including the damage to each car and the locations of each car.
• If you are not physically able, then you should seek immediate medical attention if the officer does not arrange that transportation for you.
• Notify your insurance carrier that you have been in an accident.
• Contact our accomplished car accident lawyers as soon as possible.

You should leave any discussion of liability to us.

When chain reactions occur, you can be left facing a number of serious complications, including large medical bills, lost wages, coping with a lot of pain and suffering, damage to your vehicle, and other complicated issues. As a result, you should contact our experienced accident lawyers, who will fight to hold the responsible drivers accountable. Please call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. Ferrara & Gable handles chain reaction car accidents on a contingency fee basis.