New Mexico Motor Vehicle Accidents Causing Large Chain Crashes or Interstate Pileups is Usually Caused by Negligence
Even just a single vehicle accident is dangerous enough, and the most common type of motor vehicle accident is a two vehicle accident. But large chain crashes or interstate pileups involving five, ten, fifteen, or even more vehicles can be outright deadly. This is particularly true on some of New Mexico’s interstates such as I-10, I-25, and I-40, which are major tractor trailer and trucking routes throughout the United States.
Here at the Mark Caruso, our experienced New Mexico motor vehicle accident attorneys know that chain crashes and large interstate pileup accidents can cause serious injury or death. Victims of these accidents are entitled to compensation, and should call us for a FREE consultation by dialing (505) 308-1556.
Common Causes of Chain Crashes and Interstate Pileup Crashes
There are many causes to any type of motor vehicle accident, but interstate chain crashes and highway pileups are almost always caused by negligence. And usually the negligence of several different parties. Some common causes include the following:
– Speeding or driving excessively fast;
– Failing to yield;
– Dust storms or other weather events;
– Failing to guard against ice or other slippery conditions;
– Failing to slow down as reasonable in a dust storm;
– Road rage;
– Drowsy driving or driving while fatigued;
– Drunk driving;
-Drugged driving;
– Improper lane changes;
– Following too closely or tailgating;
– Slamming on the brakes;
– Tire blowouts; and
– Many other causes.
Liability in Chain Crashes or Interstate Pileups
Determining who is at fault for an interstate chain crash or a massive pileup is always very difficult. Generally, the rule is that the vehicle who rear ends another vehicle will almost always be liable. There are exceptions, but that is the general rule and a good place to start in the analysis of a pileup car accident.
While it is also obvious to say that the first few cases who may have “started” the pileup may be liable, other vehicles in the back of the pack may also be liable for not stopping in time. In fact, every vehicle may be liable to the next vehicle in front of it that they hit for negligence. This is why massive pileups can be a nightmare and require strong counsel to represent your interests to ensure you get the compensation you deserve, especially with a large trucking accident.
In smaller chain crashes, liability is generally placed on the first or final vehicle. Again, when it comes to any pileup, the general rule is that the rear ending vehicle will be negligence. For instance, take these examples using three cars:
Example 1: The first car stops, the second car stops, and the third car rear ends the second car and pushes it into the first car. Because the first and second car were able to stop without difficulty, the third car will be the cause of the accident and liable. Even though the second car rear ended the first car, the second car was pushed by the third car—the second car stopped in time and did nothing wrong.
Example 2:The first car stops short for no reason, the second car cannot stop and time and rear ends the first car, the third car can also not stop in time and rear ends the second car. Here, it is likely the first car will be liable for the entire accident. Stopping abruptly for no reason is negligent and the proximate cause of the second car rear ended the first, and the third car rear ending the second. Now, the third car may be liable for not stopping in time before it hit the second car for following too closely. But that is also not likely in a chain where the first car caused the accident.
Example 3:If the first car stops short, the second car stops just in time, and the third car rear ends the second car and pushes into the first car, the third car will likely be liable for the entire crash. This is because, even though the first car stopped short, the second car was able to stop in time thus demonstrating that a reasonable person could stop in time. But the third car failed to do so, and will be liable.
Sounds complicated? Think about the scenario if there are five, ten, or even twenty vehicles involved. Imaging trying to have to dissect who is liable and taking all of the witness accounts. It is a nightmare! That is why you should not try to guess about liability yourself, and contact an experienced New Mexico motor vehicle crash attorney instead.
The Mark Caruso: Fighting for Victims in Interstate Pileup and Chain Crash Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call the experienced New Mexico car accident attorneys at the Mark Caruso today by dialing (505) 308-1556 You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
