Our experienced Greenville car accident lawyer at Bobby Jones Law explains multiple-vehicle accidents in Greenville, SC. Here’s how fault works and what you need to know about compensation.
What Counts as a Multiple-Vehicle Collision?
A multiple-vehicle collision is a traffic accident involving three or more vehicles. Usually, there is a chain of events in which two vehicles collide, followed by a secondary impact with another vehicle or multiple vehicles. In addition, an accident can be a multiple-vehicle accident if a third vehicle causes the collision but is not part of the physical impact.
Common Causes of Multi-Car Pileups
Common causes of multi-car pileups include:
Following distance. A vehicle fails to leave sufficient following distance and rear-ends the vehicle ahead when it stops. Another vehicle behind it then does the same thing.
Pushed into the vehicle ahead. When a vehicle is rear-ended, it gets pushed forward and strikes the vehicle in front of it.
Distracted driving. Someone isn’t paying attention and strikes a vehicle that has stopped after an accident.
Drunk driving. The driver’s ability to maneuver and respond to road conditions is impaired.
Crash mechanics. When a crash occurs, a vehicle is thrown into the path of another vehicle.
Traffic obstructions. A driver creates a traffic hazard, and others swerve to avoid them.
Road and weather conditions. Bad road conditions or poor visibility make driving conditions hazardous.
Unusual traffic patterns. Construction, temporary traffic diversion, and unusual road design confuse drivers. They may drive the wrong way or merge too quickly.
How Chain-Reaction Rear-End Crashes Unfold
Chain-reaction car accidents can unfold in less than a second. When a collision occurs, the energy of the moving vehicles transfers. The momentum from one vehicle pushes another vehicle in a different direction. The displacement can be hard for other vehicles to avoid.
Sometimes, a multi-car pileup involves two separate collisions. A second collision may occur before the first accident scene is cleared.
Where Multi-Vehicle Crashes Happen Most Around Greenville
NHTSA reports that 12% of traffic crashes involve three or more vehicles. ScienceDirect reports that multiple-vehicle collisions cause more severe damage than two-vehicle crashes.
In Greenville, SC, serious traffic accidents, including multi-car pileups, are most common where traffic is congested and commercial traffic is heavy. Examples of common locations are:
- US-123
- I-385
- I-85
- Grove Road
- Stone Avenue
- North Pleasantburg Drive (SC-291)
- Pelham Road
- Haywood Road
- Woodruff Road
- White Horse Rd (US-25)
Peak travel times and unusual conditions can make multi-car pileups especially likely.
How Fault Is Determined When Several Drivers Are Involved
In multi-car pileups, the general principles of car accident fault in South Carolina apply. The party that caused the accident through negligence is at fault. This is the driver who creates the road hazard. For example, the driver who fails to stop, rear-ends a vehicle, and pushes it into the vehicle in front of it is at fault.
Depending on the circumstances and how long between impacts, insurance may treat the accident as a single event or as two separate events. Regardless, any party whose actions contributed to an accident is at fault. A driver doesn’t necessarily have to have a vehicle involved in the impact to be at fault.
You must determine whose actions contributed to the accident. Fault may be shared.
South Carolina’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
South Carolina law recognizes that more than one person can contribute to an accident. The law allows fault to be shared among multiple parties. This can be especially important in pile-up accidents.
Fault is assigned as a percentage. If a party is more than 50% at fault, they cannot receive compensation from anyone else. If they’re less than 50% at fault, they may receive compensation from others. When the person seeking compensation shares fault, their award is reduced by their percentage of fault.
This can make the assigned percentage of fault especially important. It’s a subjective question that depends on the facts. It’s important to explain why the defendant is to blame. A lawyer can help you investigate, build your case, and present information.
When Multiple Insurance Policies Are in Play
Multiple vehicle accidents mean multiple insurance policies. In South Carolina, you look at the insurance policy of the party at fault to pay compensation. Each driver will have their own policy limits. These limits can vary significantly, especially when commercial drivers are involved. When a party doesn’t have insurance, your own uninsured coverage can be important.
One reason to have a lawyer is to sort out the different insurance policies. An attorney can represent you with the insurance companies.
Third Parties Who May Share Liability
In South Carolina, if a party is less than 50% at fault, they must pay only their assigned percentage of fault. If a party is more than 50% at fault, they have joint and several liability. When there is joint and several liability, it means you can pursue the entire compensation award from that party.
You won’t double recover. The party with liability has a right of contribution against other tortfeasors if they pay more than their share of the common liability.
What To Do at the Scene of a Multi-Car Accident
When you’re at the scene of a multi-car accident, get to immediate safety. If you’re near traffic, you may still be in danger. If it’s not safe to move your vehicle, stay inside. Keep your seat belt on. Call 911. Turn on your hazard lights until police can secure the scene.
Always report a multiple-car accident. Law enforcement can document the scene, which can help determine fault.
Take photos and videos, if you’re physically able. Don’t jeopardize your health or medical care to take photos. Get names and contact information for others involved and witnesses. Get license, vehicle, and insurance information for all other vehicles.
Contact a lawyer as soon as possible. We can work quickly to preserve evidence.
Bobby Jones Law is a Multiple Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Greenville
Robert “Bobby” Jones of Bobby Jones Law represents people involved in multiple vehicle accidents. We handle cases in Greenville and the surrounding areas. Call or message us now for legal help.
