Who is Liable in a Chain Reaction or Multi-Car Pileup Crash?

On busy highways and roadways, a crash could end up being a chain reaction pileup. These cases can be especially challenging to unwind. A comprehensive investigation is a must. Liability is based on fault (negligence). In Pennsylvania, multiple parties may share blame for the same pileup accident. At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C., we have the expertise to take on these complex, challenging cases. Our Chambersburg motor vehicle accident attorneys can help in the aftermath of a chain reaction crash in Pennsylvania.

What is a Chain Reaction Crash?

Broadly explained, a chain reaction crash (multi-car pileup) is a type of accident that happens when three or more vehicles collide in a sequence of impacts. These crashes are most common on busy highways. High speeds and heavy traffic increase the risk of multiple vehicles being involved when something goes wrong.

Note: Determining liability for a multi-vehicle accident in Pennsylvania can be complex because one driver’s mistake can quickly set off a series of subsequent collisions.

The At-Fault Driver Can Be Held Liable for a Crash in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, serious car accident claims fall under a fault-based standard of liability. Fault is determined based on negligence. Each driver’s conduct leading up to the crash must be carefully evaluated. For example, the driver who initiated the first collision may bear primary liability. With that being said, other drivers who were following too closely or speeding could also be partially at fault. The specific circumstances of the case always matter.

A Thorough Investigation of a Pile Up Crash is a Must: Chain reaction crashes in Pennsylvania require a thorough investigation. Accident reconstruction experts may be called up to help evaluate the evidence, including police reports, photographs, dashcam footage, and eyewitness testimony.

Comparative Negligence Can Have a Big Impact in a Chain Reaction Crash Case

Another key point that victims should know is that Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7102). There can be major implications for a multi-vehicle pileup case. An injured motorist can recover damages so long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the accident.

As an example, if you are found 20% responsible for a chain reaction crash in Chambersburg, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. That matters. It could represent thousands of dollars in compensation (or more). Even more notable, if you are found 51% (or greater) responsible, you cannot recover any damages through a fault-based car accident claim.

Call Our Chambersburg Car Accident Lawyer for Chain Reaction Collisions Today

At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C., our Chambersburg car accident attorney handles even the most complex of chain reaction multi-vehicle collisions. Hurt in a bad crash? Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. With an office in Chambersburg, we handle pileup accident injury claims in Franklin County and throughout South Central Pennsylvania.