Some accidents involve only one or two vehicles, and it is easy for authorities to determine who was at fault and to issue the necessary citations. However, other accidents involve multiple parties, and in these situations authorities may have a difficult time ascertaining what caused the initial accident and who was at fault in subsequent collisions between motorists that may not have been involved in the initial collision at all.
In multi-vehicle car or truck accidents, it may be that the fault for the accident was entirely attributable to one driver because they were drunk or distracted at the time. However, it is also possible that one driver’s negligent conduct started a chain-reaction accident that could have been prevented if other drivers had been diligent. A prime example of this is a multi-vehicle accident that involves a single collision and then several smaller collisions, due to approaching vehicles following too closely.
In these situations, establishing who is liable to whom can be a difficult task to sort out. The bottom line is, however, that an innocent driver should not have to worry about whether or not they will be able to recover compensation for their injuries just because it is difficult to determine who caused the accident leading to their injuries. It is for this reason that a thorough investigation is often necessary in multi-vehicle accidents.
Nine-Car Pileup on Route 202 Results in One Woman’s Death
Earlier last month, a nine-vehicle accident on Route 202 near Lottsford Road in Upper Marlboro claimed the life of one woman and sent several others to the hospital. According to one local news source, the accident occurred at around nine in the morning when an SUV and a pickup truck collided.
Evidently, after the initial collision between the two vehicles, seven other cars were struck. After the collision, the woman driving the SUV was trapped in her car, and emergency responders had to extricate her. However, by the time she was removed from the vehicle and taken to the hospital, it was too late. She passed away shortly after her arrival.
It is not clear at this early time how each of the additional cars came to be involved in the accident. However, it is known that the driver of the pickup truck had a suspended license and also had a warrant out for his arrest relating to a prior DUI charge. After the pickup truck’s driver was released from the hospital, he was arrested for his open warrant. Charges are pending against him relating to the most recent accident.
Have You Been Involved in a Multi-Vehicle or Drunk Driving Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in any kind of Maryland car accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Drivers owe other motorists a duty to operate their vehicles in a safe and careful manner, and this includes driving free of intoxicants as well as distractions. If you have been hurt by another’s negligence, call 410-654-3600 to set up a free consultation to discuss your injuries with a dedicated personal injury attorney. Calling is free, and you will not be billed for our services unless we can help you recover for your injuries.
More Blog Posts:
Car Accident Victim’s Failure to Submit Evidence of Negligence Results in Dismissal of Case, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published January 5, 2016.
Plaintiff Sanctioned by Court for Bringing Claim for Punitive Damages Without Basis, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published January 19, 2016.