Chain Reaction

Chain-reaction car accidents can have drastic consequences for all those involved. Knoxville car accident attorney Mark C. Hartsoe has handled complex, serious car accident cases for over twenty years. He understands the nuances involved in chain-reaction car accidents, and can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. If you were involved in a multi-car collision in Tennessee, contact the Hartsoe Law Firm today.

Chain-reaction car accidents occur when three or more vehicles collide with each other. The first collision triggers a chain-reaction that results in multiple other accidents. This can lead to serious injuries and even death for drivers and their passengers. According to the most recent data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Board, car-occupied fatalities from chain-reaction car accidents account for forty percent of the total number of car accident-related deaths.

Several factors can contribute to a multi-vehicle accident. Negligent drivers can cause the initial collision, and the negligence of other drivers may exacerbate the gravity of the accident. Weather conditions or failure to maintain a particular stretch of highway may also contribute to a chain-reaction car accident.

If you were involved in a chain-reaction car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The accident may have been caused by one driver, or it may involve a series of negligent or reckless actions by more than one driver or entity. Because numerous factors can come into play, establishing fault is critical to recovering damages. Drivers are required, under Tennessee Law, to exercise due care when they operate a vehicle. In order to recover compensation, you will have to show which driver or entity was negligent and therefore liable for the injuries or damages you sustained in the accident.

One factor that contributes to chain-reaction accidents is the distance between a vehicle and the one in front of it. Tennessee Law prohibits one vehicle from following another too closely. Drivers should maintain a safe distance that is reasonable and takes into account road and traffic conditions. This allows the driver space and time to avoid unexpected stops or hazardous driving.

In chain-reaction car accidents, there is often more than one negligent act at issue. It is important to establish the order of each impact to determine which driver(s) acted negligently. Police reports, eyewitness accounts, and vehicle damage are just some of the factors that can help establish fault.

A driver who acted negligently and caused a chain-reaction car accident can be held legally and financially responsible for a victim’s injuries. If more than one driver or entity is at fault, then each one will be responsible for their share of liability. For example, if vehicle A is fifty percent negligent, vehicle B is forty percent negligent, and vehicle C (your vehicle) is ten percent negligent, you would recover ninety percent of the damages caused by vehicle A and vehicle B’s negligence. However, under Tennessee law, if your responsibility for the crash exceeds a certain level, you may not be eligible to recover damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can assess your case and advise you regarding your chances of prevailing under these circumstances.

If you are a victim of a chain-reaction car accident, compensation you may be entitled to can includes coverage for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. If the accident is fatal, relatives of the deceased victim may pursue a wrongful death claim against those responsible for the accident.

Knoxville personal injury lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe can help you navigate the challenges of seeking compensation in a chain-reaction car accident case. Mr. Hartsoe has handled multiple complex car accident cases. He can parse the facts, conduct a thorough investigation, and provide the guidance you need to obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us by phone at 865-804-1011 or through our online contact form today to discuss your case.