Given the high volume of traffic on the highways and byways of South New Jersey, and across the state, it is not surprising that the incidence of multiple car crashes is on the rise. Unsurprisingly, it is challenging to determine fault and liability in a crash involving multiple cars.
Determining the cause of a multiple car accident can be very difficult. It is also possible that more than one person caused the crash. Many questions can and will arise during the investigation of the crash. Many questions need to be answered before a lawsuit can be filed to seek compensation for serious injuries or wrongful death.
If you have been involved in a multiple car crash, you need to contact an experienced and knowledgeable multiple car accident attorney at Petrillo & Goldberg Law. An attorney will help you obtain fair and equitable compensation and know what to do to procure the evidence needed to make a case.
Multiple-vehicle crashes can occur due to many reasons. Most commonly, a multiple car pileup will happen because:
- A rear-ended vehicle that catapults forward into the car in front of it, causing a chain reaction
- A vehicle that has been hit and is pushed into another lane, colliding with another vehicle
- A jackknifed truck blocking a road and several cars slamming into it
- A vehicle that slides into another lane as a result of snow or ice on the road
- Multiple cars traveling at high speed when one loses control causing a chain crash
- Rubbernecking
- Driving too fast in a construction zone
- Traveling too close together
- Vehicles on the road having nowhere else to go when confronted with an accident
According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), there were 15,755 crashes in Camden County, New Jersey in 2018, 4,088 car crashes resulting in injuries, and 42 deaths.
Multi-vehicle accidents often become complex because of the number of people involved. Many parties could be liable for personal injury claims. To help you through this complicated process, the attorneys at Petrillo & Goldberg Law will track down the evidence needed to determine the cause of the accident.
Determining liability and compensation in New Jersey accidents is based on “modified joint and several liability.” This means is that if an individual is less than 60 percent at-fault for causing a collision, they are liable for paying only for the percentage of damages equal to their fault. However, if the individual is more than 60 percent responsible, they can be held accountable for all of the damages in the car accident – a term referred to as jointly and severally liable.
Do not wait to connect with an experienced multiple car crash attorney at Petrillo & Goldberg Law. Time is of the essence when trying to settle a car accident claim. Many delays and complications can arise. Some of the factors that can slow down a speedy resolution of a multiple car crash are:
- If more than one party sustained injuries
- If there is not enough insurance on the table to pay all the claims
- If there is more than one at-fault driver
- If there are cross-claims of negligence amongst drivers
- If a prosecutor is investigating a death and/or serious injuries claimed
Have you been involved in a multiple car pileup? Reach out and call Petrillo & Goldberg Law. They help personal injury victims obtain the compensation they deserve and are available for a free consultation at our Pennsauken, New Jersey office. The office can also be reached by calling (856) 249-9288.
