Skip to main content

Exit WCAG Theme

Switch to Non-ADA Website

Accessibility Options

Select Text Sizes

Select Text Color

Website Accessibility Information Close Options
Close Menu

Chain Reaction Collisions: Understand Some Basics

Car_Rear

An auto accident can result in lost wages, thousands of medical bills, or car repairs, and, sometimes, a motorist’s PIP coverage may not be enough to cover them. In such a case, a motorist has the right to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. Establishing liability in an accident involving two cars can be an easy task. However, establishing fault in accidents involving more than two cars is usually a daunting task.

What Is a Chain Reaction Collision?

A chain reaction collision is an accident involving more than two vehicles. Such a collision is usually triggered by an initial impact originating from one of the vehicles. The vehicles involved in a chain reaction collision mostly hit each other in a series of rear-end collisions. Chain reaction accidents are often quite serious.

Here is an example of a chain-reaction collision.

Motorist 1 Motorist 2 Motorist 3 Motorist 4

Motorist 3 rear-ends the car in front (motorist 4). Motorist 2, who’s tailgating and cannot stop on time, then rear-ends the car in front (motorist 3). Because of that collision, and because motorist 1 is also tailgating, another rear-end collision happens when motorist 1 crashes into motorist 2. A scenario where motorist 4 rear-ends a vehicle is also possible if the force experienced after motorist 3 collides with motorist 4 sends motorist 4 forward into another vehicle in front. From this scenario, it is evident that chain reaction collisions can involve numerous cars.

Unfortunately, since most chain reaction collisions involve several motorists, who carry a percentage of blame, filing claims over such accidents can be complicated. Proving liability and negligence in a chain reaction collision can be a daunting task.

Proving Liability in a Chain Reaction Collision

In Florida, proving liability entails proving negligence. Tailgating is one of the negligent acts that cause chain reaction collisions but is not the only negligent act that can cause such an accident. Even over speeding can cause a chain reaction collision.

Regardless of the circumstances that lead to a chain reaction collision, victims of such collisions need to know that they can still file claims and obtain compensation from other drivers’ insurance companies as long as they can prove negligence. Nonetheless, you must keep in mind that Florida is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that if you played a part in causing the collision, your compensation stands to be deducted by the percentage of your fault.

Regardless of how a chain reaction collision accident plays out, you must have enough proof that can help you prove negligence on the side of another party. Things such as eyewitness accounts and police reports can help you prove negligence.

Legal Help Is Available After a Chain Reaction Collision

Chain reaction collisions are among the most complicated types of auto accidents. However, no matter how complex such an accident might appear, you can receive compensation for damages incurred. To increase your chances of obtaining compensation, you need to work with an experienced attorney. Our qualified Orlando personal injury attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of chain-reaction collisions and prove negligence. Our team can also help you understand how pure comparative negligence can affect your claim. Contact us today to schedule a free and no-obligation consultation.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Jacksonville, Miami, Ocala, Daytona Beach, Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach areas.

Resource:

flhsmv.gov/insurance/

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

  • I can't express how much I appreciate this law firm. I had the honor to deal with attorney Daniel. He kept me updated on my case. I couldn't ask for a better law firm...

    — Terry Mcphillips
  • Speedy & superb handling of clients & cases, kind & caring. Highly recommended professionals. They made everything very easy for us, were outgoing & polite. I would call them again if ever in need, rather than call the larger firms that need to advertise & brag about winnings...

    — Joseph Kestell
  • Wow I called Pendas Law Firm the other day at their main intake line it was around 11 o’clock at night and I’ve got this wonderful representative his name was Jeffrey Alvarez. This guy was very professional and his compassion was out of this world..

    — Luis Sanchez
  • Thank you for helping us in our time of need. This firm handled my father’s workers comp case, and helped us with every question we had, and we had a plenty. Thankful for the entire legal team!

    — Enilno Resu
  • I just concluded a case with attorney Michael Sanchez and paralegal Camilo Lopez. I can only say they are exceptional. The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. They are not only courteous and professional, but they also are amazing at their job...

    — Israel Garcia
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family.

    — Ian Brito
  • Very Professional law firm. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (worker's compensation). Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. They are very kind, friendly, responsible, I love this firm. They fight for their clients. AwesomeTeam!

    — Lau Rod
  • I am very proud and happy that my case was closed, and definitely won! Lizette Gonzalez was my case manager and I definitely recommend this P.A.! Honestly, no other lawyer even tried to fight my case at all, I was turned down by most of those who I called...

    — KingArroyoVEVO
  • Great lawyers who speak Spanish and English. Danny Cruz and Lizette Gonzalez helped with my case and put my parents worries at ease. They got my case over and done with within a year and helped get all my bills paid.

    — Caroline Matute
  • This was a positive, informative and pleasant experience concerning an unpleasant situation. Everyone I spoke to was very professional and compassionate. I always felt to be in the best and most capable hands. the Pendas Law Firm lives up to its reputation!

    — Jean Villarreal
  • Pendas Law did an awesome job working my claim against my homeowners insurance. They had refused to pay for the wind damage to the roof. Larry with Pendas Law Firm was assigned to my case and immediately started working on it. I could not be happier. Will definitely use Pendas Law in the future if needed.

    — John Hibbert
  • I'm thankful to have chosen them , very responsible and communicative , Went in the office with my family and the environment was great ,Sahily walked me through the process professionally, I got a good settlement faster than I expected, would totally recommend.

    — Juan Fernandez
  • I'm very happy with this firm... Joel is an excellent attorney and Carolyn is an amazing paralegal, After been ditched from another law firm, Pendas took care of me and they won my case. I recommend them 100%...

    — MARIA PASTOR
  • This law firm is amazing. I love how they always try to stay/keep in contact with you. It shows that they really care and want everything taken care of correctly, Thank You!...

    — SHANTELLE BLACKWELL
  • I'm very thankful for all the attention of all the Pendas staff that took care of my case and helped me through the process, thanks for your patience, collaboration and comprehension!...

    — CARLOS GUADALUPE
  • The Pendas Law Firm was amazing! They are very kind, professional, and hard-working! They always kept me informed. Larry Trias was great to work with! I always recommend Pendas to family and friends. Thank you for helping me with my case!

    — HEATHER PEPPER
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like family.

    — IAN BRITO
  • I would definitely recommend this firm. The staff really helps you and they actually show you that they care, especially Siomara Roldan. She has been a great help for my family and myself, she is always helpful with any questions.

    — WILMER D SANTANA RODRIGUEZ
  • Pendas is the best! The paralegals are very attentive to your case, knowledgeable, and communicative! The attorney also won’t just be there the day of your sign up, but all throughout the process as needed. I truly recommend Pendas!

    — MCKENZIE CZABAJ
  • Previous
  • Next
 

By submitting this form I acknowledge that form submissions via this website do not create an attorney-client relationship, and any information I send is not protected by attorney-client privilege.

Florida Personal Injury Offices

Skip footer and go back to main navigation