Icy Roads and Multi-Car Pile-Ups: Can I File an Accident Lawsuit?
Poor weather can be dangerous to drive in. Icy roads affect traction and increase the risk of spinning and sliding into other vehicles, sometimes causing multi-car pile-ups.
When multiple vehicles are involved, determining fault can be confusing. At Foley Law Firm, our Lackawanna County car accident lawyers can review your claim to determine liability.
If you have been injured in a car accident due to poor road conditions and want to know who is liable, our Scranton, Stroudsburg, and Wilkes-Barre, PA, attorneys are available to discuss your case.
Driving in Poor Weather and the Risk of Multi-Car Pile-Ups
Road conditions in inclement weather can make safely operating a vehicle very difficult and requires drivers to adapt their driving by doing things like slowing down and leaving more room between other vehicles.
Since it takes longer for cars to slow down on wet or icy roads, driving too fast or leaving too little room to brake can lead to chain-reaction accidents involving numerous vehicles. Also, heavy rains, snow, or fog can make visibility very poor and drivers may not see the car in front of them until it’s too late.
Who’s Liable for a Multi-Car Pile-Up Accident in Poor Weather?
Determining fault in a multi-car pile-up depends on the circumstances surrounding the event. Investigations are generally done by law enforcement, insurance adjusters, and any car accident attorneys representing those involved in the accident to determine the initial cause of the accident.
Sometimes multiple drivers share fault. In other cases an accident may be caused by a poorly maintained road or even a vehicle defect. With this in mind, some parties who may be held liable include:
- Reckless motorists: It’s important that motorists adapt their driving to road conditions in poor weather. One or more motorists may be liable for an accident if they were driving too fast for road conditions, disobeying traffic signals, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving while distracted, or acting negligent in some other way.
- Party responsible for the road: The party responsible for maintaining the road, such as a county, municipality, or state, may be liable for an accident if the roads are not properly maintained. Problems like potholes, obstructed or missing traffic signals or signage, and damaged guardrails can all cause accidents.
- Auto part manufacturer: Sometimes accidents are caused by a defective car part, like manufacturing problems with tires, brakes, or fuel tank. When a car part is defective and doesn’t work properly it can cause a serious accident, especially in poor weather conditions. The manufacturer of the defective part may be held liable.
Recover Damages Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Those who are injured in a multi-car pile-up accident may be able to recover compensation for their losses even if they are partially at-fault. Injured parties may seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania as long as they are less than 50% responsible for the accident.
Through a personal injury lawsuit, accident victims may be eligible for financial compensation for damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Contact Foley Law Firm
If you have been injured in a multi-car accident, it’s important to speak with an attorney. The attorneys of Foley Law Firm can review your accident claim to help you recover damages you might qualify for. Contact our law firm to schedule a consultation.
