What to Know About Multi-Vehicle Accidents and Liability

Multi-vehicle accidents, often referred to as pile-ups or chain-reaction crashes, are some of the most complex and devastating motor vehicle accidents. In New Jersey, where high-density traffic and congested highways like the New Jersey Turnpike and I-295 are common, multi-vehicle accidents can lead to serious injuries and disputes over liability. Understanding how fault is determined, what the state’s serious injury threshold means, and how to navigate a personal injury claim are crucial for anyone involved in these types of crashes.

What Are Multi-Vehicle Accidents?

Multi-vehicle accidents involve three or more vehicles and typically occur in high-speed, congested areas or during adverse weather conditions. These crashes often result from a combination of factors, such as:

• Rear-End Collisions: One car collides with another, triggering a chain reaction.

• Distracted Driving: A driver using their phone or failing to notice slowing traffic can spark a pile-up.

• Adverse Weather: Icy roads, fog, or heavy rain can reduce visibility and increase stopping distances, leading to multi-vehicle crashes.

For example, a winter storm on the Garden State Parkway could cause a vehicle to slide on black ice and spin out of control, leading to a 10-car pile-up. Such accidents are chaotic, making it difficult to determine who is at fault.

New Jersey’s Serious Injury Threshold

New Jersey operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own insurance typically covers medical expenses and lost wages after an accident. However, to pursue a personal injury claim against another party, your injuries must meet the state’s serious injury threshold.

Under this law, you can file a claim for a multi-vehicle accident in New Jersey if your injuries result in:

• Loss of limb
• Significant scarring or disfigurement 
• A displaced fracture
• Loss of a fetus
• Death (claim to be filed by the family)
• Permanent injury that affects a body part or organ

For instance, if you sustain a spinal cord injury in a multi-vehicle accident on I-295, leaving you with permanent mobility issues, you may qualify to file a personal injury claim for damages beyond what your no-fault insurance covers.

Determining Liability in Multi-Vehicle Accidents

One of the most challenging aspects of multi-vehicle accidents is determining who is at fault. Unlike two-car accidents, where liability is often more straightforward, pile-ups involve multiple drivers, vehicles, and insurance companies, all potentially pointing fingers at one another.

Key factors in determining liability include:

• Position in the Chain Reaction: Where your vehicle was in the sequence of collisions can influence fault.

• Police Reports: Officers on the scene document initial findings and witness statements, which play a vital role in identifying responsible parties.

• Weather and Road Conditions: External factors, such as icy roads or poor lighting, may contribute to assigning shared fault.

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows multiple parties to share fault. If you are found to be 20% responsible for the crash, your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages from other parties.

Injuries Commonly Seen in Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents often lead to severe injuries due to the compounded impacts of multiple collisions. These injuries frequently exceed New Jersey’s serious injury threshold, making victims eligible for personal injury claims. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Secondary impacts in a pile-up can cause concussions or more severe brain injuries.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: The crushing force of multiple vehicles can lead to herniated discs, fractures, or paralysis.

• Internal Injuries: The force of impact can cause damage to internal organs, often requiring immediate medical intervention.

• Severe Fractures: Multi-vehicle accidents frequently result in displaced fractures that require surgical repair and extensive recovery.

For example, a driver involved in a five-car pile-up on Route 130 in Camden County might experience internal bleeding from the airbags deploying, a broken leg from the impact, and long-term mobility challenges. Such injuries would warrant a personal injury claim to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Filing a Claim for a Multi-Vehicle Accident in New Jersey

Filing a personal injury claim for a multi-vehicle accident in New Jersey requires careful preparation and legal expertise. Here are the key steps:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated to document potential delayed symptoms and establish medical records.

• Collect Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle, and your injuries. Request a copy of the police report and gather witness contact information.

• Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident promptly, but be cautious about what you say. Avoid admitting fault, as you may not know who’s at fault until an investigation has been completed. 

• Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: An attorney experienced in motor vehicle accidents can navigate the complexities of multi-vehicle claims, identify liable parties, and negotiate with insurance companies.

It’s crucial to act quickly. New Jersey’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident, but evidence and witness recollections can fade much sooner.

Why Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer is Essential

Multi-vehicle accidents are legally and logistically complex. A skilled personal injury lawyer can:

• Investigate the Crash: Your lawyer will gather evidence, consult accident reconstruction experts, and analyze traffic camera footage to determine fault.

• Negotiate with Multiple Insurers: Pile-ups involve several insurance companies, each aiming to minimize payouts. A lawyer ensures your interests are prioritized.

• Calculate Damages Accurately: Beyond medical bills, your lawyer will factor in lost wages, future care costs, and pain and suffering to secure maximum compensation.

• Protect Against Unfair Blame: Insurance companies may try to assign you more fault than warranted. Your lawyer will fight back with evidence to minimize your liability.

For instance, if you were injured in a collision involving six cars, your lawyer would ensure that every party’s role is evaluated and that you receive compensation proportional to your damages.

Tips for Protecting Yourself After a Multi-Vehicle Accident

If you’ve been involved in a multi-vehicle accident, taking these steps can safeguard your health and legal rights:

• Call 911: Ensure the police document the scene and provide emergency medical assistance.

• Document Everything: Take photos, write down details about the accident, and collect witness information.

• Refrain from Speculating About Fault: As mentioned above, avoid discussing fault with other drivers or insurers until consulting your lawyer.

• Follow Up on Medical Care: Keep all medical appointments and maintain records of your treatment and recovery.

Don’t Let the Complexity of a Multi-Vehicle Accident Stop You – Contact DiTomaso Law to File a Personal Injury Claim in New Jersey

A multi-vehicle accident can leave you overwhelmed with medical bills, injuries, and legal challenges. Let the skilled personal injury lawyers at DiTomaso Law fight for your rights and handle the complexities of your case. 

Serving clients in Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Trenton, and surrounding areas, we’re ready to guide you through every step of the process. Call us today at 856-414-0010 for a free case review.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.