A multi-car accident can be simply defined as a collision that involves several vehicles. Many times, people refer to this type of traffic accident as “pile-ups,” especially when six or more cars are involved. These accidents are common on highways where hundreds of vehicles travel side by side at high speeds.
Here is what you need to know about this type of accident and how a Columbus car crash lawyer can help if you were involved in such a wreck.
What Causes Multi-Car Accidents?
Multi-car accidents are often caused by a combination of factors, from weather conditions to distracted driving. Here are some of the most common causes of these chain-reaction crashes:
Poor Visibility
Adverse weather like heavy rain, snow, or fog can severely reduce visibility for drivers. Not being able to see other vehicles, obstacles, or changes in traffic patterns increases the likelihood of a multi-car accident. Always reduce your speed, leave extra distance between you and other cars, and avoid sudden braking, accelerating, or lane changes when visibility is low.
Distracted Driving
Anything that takes your attention away from the road – like texting, using a cell phone, eating, or fiddling with the radio – makes an accident much more probable. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to not seeing traffic slowing or stopping in front of you until it’s too late. Keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road, and your mind on the task of driving.
Aggressive or reckless driving
Speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, running red lights – all reckless behaviors that amplify the chance of you causing a serious multi-vehicle accident. Obey the rules of the road, leave safe distances between cars and stay patient. No one’s life is worth putting at risk just to shave a few minutes off your travel time.
Traffic Congestion
Bumper-to-bumper traffic moving at a crawl, unfortunately, also sets the scene for chain-reaction crashes. Congested road conditions make it difficult to see what’s happening ahead of you and react in time. Go slowly, avoid sudden braking, and assume cars in front of you may stop suddenly. The more distance you leave between vehicles, the more time you’ll have to respond.
Injuries Associated With Multi-Car Crashes
Multi-car accidents often result in injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. The forces involved in high-speed, multi-vehicle collisions mean occupants can experience injuries not typically seen in lower-impact crashes.
Whiplash
Perhaps the most common injury in multi-car accidents is whiplash. This occurs when your head is jerked backward and forward violently, straining the soft tissues in your neck. Whiplash can cause pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion in the neck. More severe cases may lead to disc injuries or even fractures in the spine.
Head Trauma
Head injuries like concussions frequently happen during multi-car crashes. Your brain can impact the inside of your skull upon collision, causing bruising, bleeding, and swelling. Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can have long-lasting effects and require immediate medical evaluation after an accident.
Internal Injuries
The extreme forces involved in high-speed, multi-vehicle wrecks also put occupants at risk of internal organ damage. Your internal organs are not anchored in place and can shift upon rapid deceleration, twisting, or compression. This can lead to injuries such as ruptured spleens, collapsed lungs, and damage to the liver or kidneys. Internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent but requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Fractures and Broken Bones
It is not uncommon for drivers and passengers to suffer broken arms, legs, ribs, and other fractures during a multi-car accident. As vehicles crumple and fold upon impact, extremities and other body parts can be crushed, pinned, or severed. Pelvic fractures are particularly dangerous as the pelvis supports internal organs and major blood vessels.
Contact a Columbus Car Accident Lawyer Today!
Our Columbus car accident lawyers understand how stressful and overwhelming multi-car accidents can be. On top of dealing with injuries and vehicle damage, you now have to navigate complicated insurance claims and legal proceedings. Don’t go through this difficult process alone.
Call us today at 844-853-7373 to schedule your free consultation.
