Determining Fault After a Michigan Chain-Reaction Accident
As the name implies, multi-vehicle accidents occur when more than two vehicles are involved in a collision. Chain-reaction refers to the manner in which many multi-vehicle accidents begin. Michigan chain-reaction accidents usually start with one collision whose force causes other vehicles to slam into one another. These accidents frequently occur in areas where vehicles are close to each other, such as densely occupied highways, narrow roads, or traffic stops. After a Michigan chain-reaction accident, establishing fault and liability presents many challenges to injury victims, as it can be hard to determine the exact course of events that lead to the accident. Further, in some cases, more than one party may be responsible for the accident.
In many cases, the driver who caused the initial crash in a chain-reaction accident may be responsible. However, there may be many contributing acts of negligence that could have led to the accident. Complete and adequate recovery often requires the injury victim or their loved one to establish each at-fault party’s negligence. Some contributing factors that may impose liability on a party are drivers who fail to use their brake lights or signals, drivers who were following too closely or were speeding, and distracted or fatigued drivers. Further, in some cases, a governmental agency may bear responsibility if the accident involved improper traffic signs or dangerous road obstacles. While most cases involve negligence, there are some limited situations where a natural hazard or inclement weather event started the chain of the events.
Chain-reaction accidents tend to result in serious injuries and property damage. For instance, local news reports described a disturbing Michigan five-vehicle chain-reaction accident. A preliminary investigation revealed that a car was blocking the left lane of a major highway after an accident. State Troopers stated that the driver of the first crash was fatally struck by another vehicle as he was exiting his car. While law enforcement responded to the initial crash, a second call came in regarding a rollover accident on the same highway. The five-car incident resulted in one motorist’s death.
These accidents are often complex and require the professional investigative and legal skills of a personal injury attorney. An attorney can help investigate the accident, review medical records, establish fault and liability, and recover damages on behalf of the victim.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Michigan Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries or died in a Michigan car accident, contact the accident attorneys at the Neumann Law Group. The attorneys at our law firm have extensive experience handling complex accident claims on behalf of Michigan injury victims. Our firm handles various practice areas, including Michigan motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, premises liability, product liability, work injuries, and wrongful death. Damages in these cases typically include payments for medical expenses, ongoing treatment and therapy, pain and suffering, lost wages and benefits, property damage, and funeral and burial expenses. Contact our office at 800-525-6386 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our team.
