The holiday season is always chaotic—and this year is no exception. With more cars on the road and more people rushing from place to place to get last-minute gifts or supplies for their holiday gatherings, the roads can often be a frustrating and dangerous place to be this time of year. Thus, if you find yourself suddenly caught in a multiple vehicle, chain reaction accident—whether it’s this time of year or any other time of year—it is crucial to remain level-headed and prepared for your next steps, no matter how chaotic the situation may seem.
According to a recent local news report, 11 people were injured following a major chain reaction car accident. Based on a preliminary investigation of the accident, a major set of collisions involving approximately 35 vehicles and multiple semi-trucks over the course of half a mile shut down multiple lanes for several hours. Although no fatalities have been reported, two of the 11 people injured had to be pulled from their vehicles, and everyone who was injured was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Local authorities are still investigating the details of the accident.
Chain reaction accidents take place when one event causes an initial car accident, which leads to other vehicles in the vicinity of the initial accident to also collide with each other. In most chain reaction car accidents, the driver who caused the initial crash is usually the at-fault party. This, however, can change based on the circumstances and facts surrounding an accident.
In addition, usually, the driver who caused the initial accident is liable for all injuries and damage stemming from the accident. Florida law, however, requires that drivers maintain a safe following distance between themselves and the car in front of them. Thus, if a car was tailgating or following too closely and was unable to stop in time, that driver may also be partially at fault for the accident.
It is also worth noting that Florida is considered a “no-fault state,” which means that accident victims must go through their own insurance companies first before seeking compensation from others involved in the accident. Under the no-fault framework, accident victims should contact their insurance companies and use up their personal injury protection coverage—which is typically $10,000—before moving to other at-fault parties. In less serious car accidents, $10,000 is sometimes enough to cover the cost of smaller medical expenses and property damage. For larger chain reaction accidents, however, it is more likely that subsequent fault will need to be determined so that accident victims can be fully compensated for their injuries or property damage.
Do You Need a Florida Car Accident Attorney?
If you or someone you love was recently involved in a Florida car accident, contact the attorneys at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada. Our experienced personal injury lawyers fight for the injured and have represented clients in all types of personal injury claims, recovering significant compensation on their behalf. To schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team today, contact us at 877-448-8585.