Houston is a sprawling city, and it only keeps growing. While it is a diverse and vibrant area that attracts people from across the country, it is also a dangerous place for motorists. Of the five largest cities in Texas, Houston has the highest recorded traffic fatality rate. In 2021, the Texas Department of Transportation recorded 327 fatalities and 66,988 total crashes in Houston. Unfortunately, many of these dangerous accidents involve multiple vehicles.
Multi-vehicle collisions, sometimes also known as pileups, are traumatic events. These crashes tend to cause significant injuries and complicated car accident claims. If you are involved in a Houston multi-vehicle crash, a seasoned attorney can help you navigate the complex process of recovering the compensation you deserve.
At The DJF Law Firm, PLLC, we believe multi-vehicle accident victims must understand their rights following a collision. When multiple parties are involved in an accident, determining liability and seeking meaningful compensation becomes more difficult. Our legal team can advocate for you while seeking fair compensation on your behalf.
After a multi-vehicle wreck, contact The DJF Law Firm, PLLC for a free consultation. We will sit down with you to review your legal options and address your concerns. Call our office at 832-529-3476 to speak with a skilled Houston car accident attorney.
A multi-vehicle collision is a crash that occurs between two or more motor vehicles. Some multi-vehicle collisions are also called pileup accidents. Pileups happen when a lead vehicle suddenly stops or slows down, causing the vehicle behind it to rear-end the first car. A chain reaction can occur where multiple cars are suddenly slamming on their brakes and rear-end other vehicles. Multi-vehicle pileups are common in icy or inclement weather conditions.
Multi-vehicle collisions are also common at intersections. Imagine what happens when a driver speeds through a red light and T-bones another vehicle. The energy from the crash can be so violent that it sends both cars careening toward other vehicles in the intersection. This scenario is another example of a chain reaction, multi-vehicle accident.
Driver error is the number one reason for most multi-vehicle accidents. Careless behavior can endanger you and everyone else on Houston area roads. Unfortunately, there are numerous ways that driver error can result in a traumatic multi-vehicle accident, including:
Road hazards are another potential problem for Houston area drivers. Debris, animals, and other road hazards may cause a driver to swerve or stop suddenly. This initial reaction can lead to a chain reaction of events that triggers a devastating multi-vehicle accident.
Unfortunately, multi-vehicle collisions can be catastrophic. Since multiple cars are hitting each other at multiple angles, multi-vehicle crashes cause enormous physical damage and significant injuries to drivers and passengers. Injuries that are commonly associated with multi-vehicle wrecks tend to include:
In addition to the physical injuries caused by multi-vehicle crashes, these wrecks can also cause significant stress and trigger mental health conditions in some victims. Anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder are not unheard of following a significant multi-vehicle accident.
Multi-vehicle accidents tend to be much more complex than other car crashes. Why? Because numerous individuals are involved in multi-vehicle accidents, establishing liability is complicated. In Texas, the person responsible for causing an accident is the same person responsible for compensating those who were injured in the accident for their financial losses. However, pinning liability on someone when several individuals are involved in a crash can be challenging.
Another factor that makes multi-vehicle accidents more complicated is Texas’s modified comparative fault rule. Under the modified comparative fault rule, a person’s compensation can be reduced by the percentage of responsibility they bear for causing a collision. If a person is ten percent to blame for causing an accident, the court can reduce their compensation by ten percent. However, if you are more than 50 percent at fault for causing a crash, you are barred from recovering any compensation. This rule only binds court decisions. However, it influences how an insurance adjuster may value an accident claim.
Not only is it difficult to establish liability, but it may also be challenging to calculate the potential value of your compensation. After a multi-vehicle accident, it is vital you talk to a skilled Houston car accident attorney. An attorney can be instrumental in investigating the cause of the accident and finding out who is at fault. The evidence an attorney uncovers with a thorough investigation can be used to strengthen your claim and increase your odds of recovering the compensation you deserve.
At The DJF Law Firm, PLLC, we have the knowledge and resources to investigate your multi-vehicle accident. We work hard to collect documentation and evidence that will help us build a compelling claim. With evidence in hand, our legal team will negotiate aggressively on your behalf so you can feel confident that we are doing everything in our power to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.
If you’ve been involved in a multi-vehicle accident, you probably have a lot on your plate. You may be juggling your recovery with managing daily tasks and staying financially afloat. At The DJF Law Firm, PLLC, we want you to know that you don’t have to navigate the aftermath of a significant multi-vehicle crash alone. Our legal team is committed to helping you recover from your injuries and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Ready to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their careless actions? Contact our Houston office today by calling 832-529-3476. We can discuss your claim in a compassionate and safe environment for free.