Who is at-fault in a chain reaction crash in New Mexico?
Nearly half of all car accidents will involve multiple vehicles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute. Multiple vehicle accidents are among the most serious of all accidents to occur on roadways nationwide. Multi-vehicle crashes often involve injuries and potentially fatalities, along with immense property damage and chaos at the accident scene. There are several types of multiple vehicle collisions, and each accident will involve complex examinations to determine which driver is at-fault. Our Rio Rancho, New Mexico car accident lawyers discuss some common types of multiple vehicle accidents and fault issues involved with each below.
- Chain reaction accidents: Chain reaction crashes involve three or more vehicles. These collisions occur when several vehicles collide, typically triggered by one vehicle stopping suddenly and the following vehicles running into the stalled car in front. Typically, the car in the chain that caused the initial collision will be deemed responsible for the crash, but at times liability is shared among the drivers.
2. Rear-end accidents: Rear-end accidents happen when a vehicle in front comes to a slow or stop and the following vehicle runs into it. Usually, in this type of accident, the rear driver will be deemed at-fault. Vehicles following are required to maintain a safe driving distance. Generally, when a rear-end crash occurs, it is determined to be because the second vehicle was following too closely. Nonetheless, there are circumstances in which the lead car could be deemed at-fault for the crash.
3. Intersection crashes: Another type of multiple vehicle accident occurs commonly at intersections. In this collision type, one vehicle may run a red light or stop sign and hit the driver passing through the intersection. At times, more accidents will happen as a result of the initial intersection crash. The driver who violated the law and ran the stop light or stop sign will be considered at-fault for the accident.
Multiple vehicle accidents can involve complex fault issues and tremendous damages. Contact a car accident lawyer should you find yourself injured in a multi-vehicle crash to find out more about your legal rights.
Posted in: Automobile Accidents