Multi-vehicle crashes can happen on almost any highway. A notable crash occurred on Interstate 49 near Fayetteville, leaving several parties injured. Multi-vehicle crashes, also called “pileups,” occur when more than two vehicles collide. These accidents can cause serious injuries and deaths. If you’ve been injured in a multi-vehicle crash in northern Arkansas, speak to an experienced Fayetteville accident attorney today.
Multi-Vehicle Accident Risks
In 2022, 42,514 motor vehicle crash deaths occurred nationwide, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Nationwide, this total corresponds to a death rate of 12.8 deaths per 100,000 US residents.
In 2022, Arkansas recorded 1,302 roadway deaths. Arkansas’ death rate was 17.7 deaths per 100,000 residents, higher than the national average. Arkansas had the fourth-highest rate of death in motor vehicle accidents among all US states in 2022.
Multi-vehicle accidents produce a higher risk of death and serious injury than many other accident types. In one study, 42 percent of cases of severe motor vehicle accident injury occurred in multi-vehicle crashes.
The study also examined how each crash occurred: front, side, rear, or rollover. Researchers found that the most common combination was a front crash followed by a side crash. Side crashes followed by front crashes were the second most common. The most serious injuries occurred in side-side, front-side, and front-front crashes.
Each new collision increases the risk of additional injuries. Multiple collisions also risk making an existing injury worse.
Why Multi-Vehicle Accidents Are More Common Than You Think
Multi-vehicle accidents can be complex to unravel. They are usually triggered by an initial event, such as two cars colliding with one another. Each following vehicle becomes involved in the crash due to one or several causes.
Common causes for vehicle pileups include:
- Speeding. Drivers who are driving too fast for conditions may lose control, starting or adding to a pileup. Drivers who are exceeding the posted speed limit may not have the time or distance they need to avoid becoming part of the crash.
- Roadway conditions. Ice, snow, fog, and similar conditions can result in drivers losing control or being unable to see a crash ahead until it is too late to avoid the collision. These conditions often contribute to pileups, turning an initial crash into one involving several vehicles.
- Drunk, drowsy, or distracted driving. A driver is more likely to trigger a pileup – or become part of one – if the driver is drunk, drugged, sleepy, or not paying attention to traffic ahead. All these conditions can prevent a driver from reacting in time to prevent a collision.
Other events can also trigger a multi-vehicle collision or contribute to vehicle crashes within the pileup. If you’re injured in these accidents, speak to an experienced attorney.
What To Do If You’re Injured in a Multi-Vehicle Crash
In a multi-vehicle crash, it can be difficult to act quickly. Severe injuries may prevent you from protecting yourself or others. You may be stuck in your vehicle due to other vehicles around you.
Take the following steps to the best of your ability. Speak to an attorney as soon as possible after you’ve safely left the scene and received medical care. A lawyer can help you gather any missing evidence and understand what happened.
- Put safety first. Move yourself and others out of the way of traffic, if possible. Do not move a severely injured person. Use lights, flares, or brightly colored objects to warn oncoming traffic.
- Call 911. Emergency responders can treat the injured, direct traffic, contain fires or spills, and otherwise secure safety at the scene.
- Take notes, photos, or video. Documenting the scene can help you determine what happened and hold any negligent parties accountable.
- Speak to a lawyer. An attorney can investigate, gather information, and build a case for the compensation you need.
Some injuries in multi-vehicle collisions prove fatal. If you’ve lost a loved one in a vehicle pileup, an experienced attorney can help you file a wrongful death claim. These claims can help you recover needed compensation after the unexpected death of a loved one.
Multi-vehicle crashes can do devastating harm. If you’ve been injured, speak to an experienced attorney. The dedicated Fayetteville car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield can help.