What are “Chain Reaction Car Accidents?
A “chain reaction car accident” occurs when three or more vehicles hit one another in a series of rear-end collisions that are caused primarily by the force of the first collision. The scenario usually involves: A driver rear-ending the vehicle in front of him:
He (vehicle 2) is then rear-ended by the vehicle behind him (vehicle 3) because the driver of that vehicle was following him too closely to stop in time and avoid the collision.
The same situation can re-occur many vehicles back, involving additional rear-end collisions and other types of collisions as motorist from both directions of the roadway attempt to avoid being involved.
Who is At-Fault?
If you file an insurance claim or lawsuit under Louisiana law against another motorist after a chain reaction car accident, you’ll be required to prove liability under Louisiana’s legal theory of “negligence.” Because chain reaction accidents usually involve rear-end collisions, Louisiana Revised Statute 32:81 often comes into play in determining liability. That statute imposes a duty on the driver following another vehicle to maintain a reasonable distance from the vehicle in front of him/her, considering the speed of that vehicle, existing traffic, and the condition of the roadway.” In other words, a driver must be observant of the vehicle in front of him (or her) and all existing road conditions, leaving enough distance between his vehicle and the leading vehicle so that he can stop safely and avoid a collision, should something happen with the leading vehicle. Therefore, courts usually consider a wide array of evidence in determining fault of the drivers involved in chain reaction car accidents, which may include:
- Eyewitness accounts (including your statement, passengers, passers-byes, and the drivers of the cars following you);
- Weather conditions (fog, raining, etc.);
- Road conditions (wet or dry);
- Vehicle Damage;
- Skid marks; and
- Any other evidence gathered at the scene.
Under Louisiana law, if more than one driver’s negligent conduct caused an accident injuring another, each driver’s liability for paying the injury victim’s damages will be based on a determination of his or her percentage share of fault for causing the accident. For example, if a court finds that Driver 1 is 50% at fault for causing the accident and the injury victim sustained $1,000 in damages, Driver 1 is liable to the injury victim for $500 and the other negligent drivers are liable for the remaining $500 in accordance with his or her percentage share of fault. Car Accident Attorneys On Your Side At the Russell Law Firm, LLC, our legal team works relentlessly to obtain justice for victims of chain reaction car accidents caused by other negligent drivers. Our talented Baton Rouge, Louisiana car accident attorneys serve clients throughout Louisiana. Explore your options for legal recourse by contacting the Russell Law Firm, LLC for a complimentary, no-obligation, private consultation. After discussing the circumstances of your chain reaction car accidents, Russell Law Firm, LLC attorneys can determine if you have a viable claim and pursue damages for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, property repairs, and other losses. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we will not charge any legal fees unless a settlement or positive verdict is procured on your behalf. Make the RIGHT CALL, RIGHT NOW! Call the Russell Law Firm, LLC at (225) 307-0088. By: Danny Russell, Baton Rouge area personal injury attorney, licensed in Louisiana and admitted in the following courts:
- All Louisiana District Courts
- All Louisiana Appellate Courts
- Louisiana Supreme Court
- Middle District Court of Louisiana
- Western District Court of Louisiana
- Eastern District Court of Louisiana
- Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
By: Danny Russell, Esq.
Information furnished herein is only general and not a substitute for personalized legal advice. ****The photograph above is not a depiction of any actual event or scene, but merely a dramatization.