Chain reaction crashes occur when one initial vehicle hits another vehicle, and subsequent crashes occur. In some cases, a chain reaction crash involves the impact of one accident causing the vehicle that is rear-ended to then hit another vehicle. In other cases, multiple vehicles may be involved in a car accident because after hitting one vehicle, the at-fault driver continues to drive and collides with more than one vehicle. Whatever the case may be, dealing with multiple insurance claims, vehicle damages, and injuries, all while trying to determine and/or prove who was at-fault as the driver can be a headache. Connecting with an experienced attorney can help you as you navigate such complexities.
For example, according to a recent news report, a four-vehicle crash in Maine, leading to the closure of Route 17 for a few hours. An eastbound vehicle driven by a 31-year-old allegedly crossed over the center line, striking the side mirror of another vehicle. The 31-year-old driver’s vehicle continued in the westbound lane, striking a second vehicle before finally hitting a vehicle head-on. The 31-year-old driver was transported to a local hospital with injuries. Another passenger in a different vehicle was also transported to a local hospital. Multiple EMS agencies responded to the accident, as well as other agencies such as the Department of Environmental Protection.
Determining Fault in Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Even in vehicles involving only two cars, determining who the at-fault driver was in such a scenario can sometimes turn out to be tricky. In accidents where multiple vehicles are involved, determining fault can seem like a nightmare. In some chain reaction accidents, more than one driver may be at fault. Because Maine is a state that applies the modified doctrine of comparative negligence, the court will determine how much percentage of fault each person is responsible for, if any, if they are found to have contributed to the cause of the accident.
The modified comparative negligence doctrine in Maine allows a person to recover some damages/awards in a lawsuit only if he contributed to the accident to a degree that is less than 50 percent. This means that if it is determined that an accident victim was 50 percent or more at fault for the accident, that particular accident victim will not recover any damages. Because of the complexity of the laws, having an attorney who can help walk you through this process can be essential to a successful case.
Have You Suffered Injuries From a Car Accident in Maine?
Car accidents can be scary, and dealing with the aftermath can be stressful. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Maine, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. Retaining quality legal counsel can be critical to your success. Our attorneys have years of experience handling some of the most complex personal injury cases and have helped clients secure the damages they deserve. We represent Maine clients in most types of personal injury claims, including auto-pedestrian accidents. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today, call us at 1-800-804-2004 or reach out to us through our website.