A tractor-trailer overturned on U.S. 641 at the intersection of Brewers Highway around 3 pm, Tuesday, January 8, 2019. Kentucky EMS said that multiple people were taken to a local hospital, and there is no update on their conditions.
The Kentucky State Police are investigating the accident and called in a public health crew to deal with the truck’s load of 40,000 lbs of dairy products.
Multiple Car Wrecks
There are typically two types of multi-vehicle accidents: chain reaction and pile-up. Each of these has have their own characteristics and create unique problems for all involved.
Chain Reaction Crashes
A chain-reaction crash happens when two cars collide and sets off a chain of events that cause other vehicles to collide as well. These can be especially deadly as the vehicles involved are often at high speeds and have significant momentum. These types of crashes are known for extensive damage, roll overs, cars crossing the median and/or leaving the roadway.
Pile-Up Crashes
Pile-up wrecks happen when cars approaching another accident or a stopped vehicle blocking the road and are unable to slow or stop in time. These collisions can be fender-benders to high-impact collisions. Click here to see a video of pile-up crashes on an icy freeway.
Problems with Multi-Car Crashes
The greatest risk after the initial crash for each vehicle involved, is the risk of being struck again. A chain-reaction crash can be compounded by a series of pile-up collisions with drivers trying to stop in time.
According to experts, if you are involved in a crash where there is a danger of being struck by another vehicle, the best thing to do is to stay in your vehicle with the seat belt on. Why? Because you are more protected by the car around you than you would be walking outside. Of course, there are many times when it’s better to exit the vehicle such as when the vehicle is on fire or leaking fuel.
First responders also have difficulties as the scene is often chaotic and it’s not always easy to find all those involved. Their first order of business is to assess who needs medical treatment, and then to take steps to warn other motorists to slow down to avoid further accidents.
How is Fault Determined?
Although determining fault is of little concern at the time of the accident, fault will become an issue as people heal and then are faced with often overwhelming financial losses. This is why police will call in accident investigators to process the scene. They will typically not attempt to determine fault, but will issue a report as to what they believed happened.
This report is used by insurance companies, lawyers and courts to try to determine who is to blame. In multi-vehicle accidents, there are often several people at fault. For example, in pile-up crashes, each person will usually be responsible for hitting the car in front of them and then will not be at fault for being stuck by another car. Thus fault is often shared between several drivers.
Do I Need an Attorney?
It’s up to each injured person whether they get an attorney. However, in multi-car wrecks, there are typically several insurance companies covering the many vehicles, and each one is going to point the finger at the other where liability is concerned.
You need an attorney on your side that is experienced in the law and in dealing with insurance companies and their high-priced defense attorneys. Call the attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, and they will stand behind you to make sure that you are treated fairly and that you get the highest compensation allowed by the law.
When you call Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, at 800 937-8443, you will immediately speak to a member of the legal team and not a message machine. You can also Live Chat with an expert who can immediately began helping you with your claim.
