Multiple impact car collisions involve crashes that have more than one impact. The most infamous type of multi-impact car accident is a “pile-up” one. This type of accident occurs due to the piling up of cars following an initial crash.
Continue reading to learn more about these devastating accidents.
Information on Pile-Up Car Accidents
Pile-up car accidents typically happen on freeways or roadways where drivers are going at moderate to high speed. Once the first crash occurs, the following cars may not be able to slow down on time to prevent further damage. Consequently, a second, third, or even fourth impact may occur. Furthermore, the other impacts are typically caused by the cars following in the same traffic lane directly behind the vehicles involved in the initial crash.
So, why do these life-threatening accidents occur? Keep reading to find out.
Causes of Pile-Up Car Accidents
The majority of pile-up car accidents are preventable. Some common causes include:
- Adverse weather conditions: Multiple-vehicle crashes usually occur when weather conditions are poor, and drivers are unable to slow down, can’t maintain distance from other cars, and engage in other reckless activities, such as texting while driving. For instance, if there’s heavy rain, snow, ice, or fog, and drivers are talking on the phone while driving, their chances of being involved in a pile-up crash increase.
- Speeding: People who speed are in danger of spiraling out of control, missing a red light, and rear-ending another car—all increasing the odds of a crash involving multiple vehicles. They may also not have sufficient time to stop or slow down when conditions require it.
- Falling asleep behind the wheel: When someone is tired and falls asleep on the road, their car might crash into multiple ones. Worst of all, they won’t be aware of what’s happening.
- Drunk drivers: Whenever someone is intoxicated due to drug or alcohol abuse, their driving abilities become impaired, including their reaction time, reasoning, and ability to remain awake and alert.
- Rubbernecking: Rubbernecking is when a driver gets distracted by other accidents or traffic stops instead of focusing on the road ahead, increasing the likelihood of a multi-car crash on the highway or busy intersection.
- Tailgating: Most drivers who tailgate are also speeding. Even if they’re going at the speed limit, tail gaiting makes a driver unable to stop in an emergency. Generally, a rear-end collision is the result.
- Construction zones: Impatient drivers in a rush are more likely to cause a wreck in a construction zone. This type of accident can quickly escalate to one involving several vehicles, given the narrower lanes and lack of open spaces in which to drive.
Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for You
Pile-up car accidents are physically and emotionally painful to deal with. If you were recently involved in one of these collisions, an experienced car injury attorney from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you attain the compensation you deserve. Our goal in every case is to examine your injuries thoroughly and their repercussions on your life.
We have offices throughout Utah County and West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.