Multiple Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Chicago

A multi-vehicle accident is notoriously more dangerous than common collisions. Normally, a multiple car accident results in a chain reaction. This means that many cars may be damaged due to one person’s negligence. Accidents where there is more than one impact can not only be scary, but lead to confusing legal issues as well.

A large question in a multiple vehicle collision is who is at fault? The answer to this question can be hard to determine in a court of law. However, a car pile-up can result in grave injuries. If a person is in a multiple car accident, it is important to not admit fault to the police and seek legal representation.

Multiple Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Have you been involved in a multi-vehicle or chain-reaction accident in the greater Chicago area? Do you wish to seek compensation for your medical expenses? If yes, then it is imperative that you call an experienced accident attorney.

The attorneys at Susan E. Loggans & Associates are practiced, with thirty years of experience in auto accident cases. Susan E. Loggans & Associates accepts clients throughout the Cook County Judicial Circuit and nearby adjoining counties including Cook County, Kane County, Kankakee County, Lake County, McHenry County, and DuPage County.

Do not admit fault to something you didn’t do. Contact through phone ((312) 201-8600) or schedule an online appointment for a free consultation today.

Common Causes for Multiple Vehicle Accidents

Many factors can result in a car pile-up. Normally, it is a combination of causes that creates a multi car pile-up. A few common causes for multiple car accidents include:

  • Tailgating

    This is very common in the Chicago area due to population density. Drivers tailgate when they are less than ten feet from another vehicle. Tailgating can easily result in a collision because of the automobiles proximity.

  • Rubbernecking

    The definition of rubbernecking is when drivers look at another accident. Rubbernecking causes a distraction and can result in an accident.

  • Speeding

    A very common cause for multi-car accidents. If a driver ignores the speed limit, their reaction time might not be fast enough to stop an accident.

  • Distracted Driving

    With the rise of cell phones, distracted driving is on the rise. If a driver is texting, talking on the phone, eating, sleeping, or any other distracting activity they do not have full attention on the road.

  • Driving in a Construction Zone

    Illinois roads and highways are familiar with construction zones. Often times drivers choose to not slow down in a construction zone and can cause a multiple vehicle collision.

  • Drowsy Driving

    Drivers can sometimes be drowsy or fall asleep at the wheel. This is especially common for truck drivers. If someone is driving drowsy a multiple car accident may occur.

  • Inclement Weather

    Chicago is no stranger to ice and snow. If inclement weather occurs it is harder to see or navigate the roads. Inclement weather raises the chance of car collisions.

Types of Chain Reaction Collisions

Multi-car accidents can be classified in three categories. Some types of accidents that lead to chain reaction collisions include:

  • Rear-End Collisions

    This normally happens when drivers are tailgating. Vehicles collide with the stopped row of car in rear-end collisions. This can create a car pile-up.

  • Highway Crashes

    Since highways require high speeds, multiple car accidents are common. Normally, a chain reaction collision happens when drivers swerve out of the way of stopped damaged vehicles.

  • Intersection Accidents

    Intersections are commonplace for multi-car collisions. If a driver is speeding through an intersection and strikes another vehicle, they could start a chain reaction of accidents.

A multiple vehicle accident with a black car wrecked between two other vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is at fault in a multiple car collision?

A big question that arises in multi-car accidents is who is liable? Sometimes a car collision can happen so quickly that it is hard to determine. Not to mention, the other drivers do not want to admit fault. It is an expectation in Illinois for drivers to act reasonable and prudent on the highway. However, this is not always the case.

In Illinois, comparative laws determine who is responsible for a car accident. Illinois uses modified comparative negligence for recovering damages. The definition of modified comparative negligence is when the injured driver may recover damages only if he or she is determined to be less than 51% at fault. If a person is not more than 50% liable, then they can move forward with filing a claim.

Insurance companies can be complicated at times. The other driver may have their damage fines reduced to the degree he or she is determined to be at fault. For instance, if one driver is determined to be 70% at fault and the injured driver is 30%, the driver at fault may only have to pay 70% of damages.

If a person has been injured or involved in a multiple vehicle collision, it is in their best interest to get legal representation from an attorney.

What should I do after a multiple vehicle car accident?

It is common to be shaken and overwhelmed after a multiple car collision. However, if you are involved in a multi-car accident it is important to do the following things if able:

  1. Check for Injuries, and Call for Help

    Your first reaction should be to check yourself and the other participants of the crash for injuries. After this, you should immediately call 911 for assistance. Listen to dispatch and follow their instructions if you need to do medical assistance on someone at the scene. Wait for the professionals to arrive and help.

  2. Stay at the Scene of the Accident

    It is imperative that you do not leave the scene of the crash. There are strict laws against leaving the scene of an accident, and you could get a criminal charge for doing so. Even if a person is injured and you are able to rush to the hospital it is not wise. Call the authorities and wait for their instructions.

  3. Move Away from Oncoming Traffic

    If possible, move yourself and your vehicle away from oncoming traffic. You do not want to put yourself or others in any more danger.

  4. Gather and Exchange Information

    If you are able, ask the participants of the crash their names, contact, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses nearby, it is wise to gather information from them as well. Taking photos or vehicles of the crash is advised as well.

  5. Do Not Admit Fault

    This is the most important tip to remember. When at the scene, do not admit fault to any crash participants or law enforcement. If a police officer wants an account of what happened, give them a concise version. Do not make any signed statements before contacting an attorney.

The final tip not listed is to contact an accident attorney. A multi-car case can be very complex, and it is vital for you to have legal representation. Call an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident.

Multiple Vehicle Accident Resources

Safety and Financial Responsibility Law

Visit the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State to read about driver services. See the specifics, regarding the Safety and Financial Responsibility Law and how it might fit into your case. Read more into how a person can return their license and registration into good standing.

Chicago Crash Data

View live data from the City of Chicago regarding crashes that have occurred, including specific dates and information relating to the crash events.

Traffic Accidents On the Rise in Chicago

Visit the Chicago Tribune’s website and read an article written by Jon Hilkevitch. See statistics regarding roadway deaths and accidents in Illinois since 2013. Learn possible causes as to why traffic accidents are on the rise in the Chicago area.

Susan Loggans Law

If you are suffering from a multiple car collision in the Chicago area, then it is crucial you call an accident attorney. Our attorneys at Susan E. Loggans & Associates can evaluate your case and see if you are entitled to compensation.

Illinois attorneys at Susan E. Loggans & Associates are experienced in handling auto accident claims. Our attorneys have thirty years of experience and accept clients throughout Cook County and adjoining counties including Geneva in Kane County, Yorkville in Kendall County, Woodstock in McHenry County, and Kankakee in Kankakee County.

Call (312) 201-8600 or send a contact form for a free initial consultation.