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    You’ve probably seen news stories about multi-car pileups and huge crashes on local highways, like I-95, I-75, or the Sawgrass Expressway.

    How do “chain reaction” car crashes occur, and how do the police determine who is responsible?

    Chain reaction accidents occur when two or more cars are involved in a crash, typically bumper-to-bumper. Unfortunately, these multi-vehicle pileups too often result in serious injuries and complicated auto insurance claims.

    Multi-car accidents typically occur when visibility is bad, especially in high traffic areas where there is nowhere for vehicles to go once they come upon a crash that they weren’t expecting to encounter. Our skilled car accident attorneys attest that chain reaction accidents can be extremely dangerous because they often result in serious injuries and can be complicated by vehicle fires and by difficulties in getting first-responders to survivors. It can also be hard to determine who is legally liable and who should be held responsible for the crash.

    Fort Lauderdale multi-vehicle car accident attorney David Fuchs has more than two decades of experience and is dedicated to representing accident victims throughout Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade.

    Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents

    Chain reaction accidents can happen in any situation where two cars are involved and more vehicles proceed to hit the disabled vehicles, which may cause an untold number of secondary collisions. Low visibility is a major factor as the more difficult it is to see the road and the disabled vehicles, the more likely it is that a multi-car pileup will occur.

    These crashes have a domino effect and they most often occur at traffic stops or on narrow roads with adjacent lanes of traffic. Here are a few scenarios in which a chain reaction accident happen:

    • A driver comes into a lane of stopped traffic too fast. They run into the back of a stopped vehicle, and the force of the crash pushes the second car into the one ahead of it.
    • A driver slams on their brakes unexpectedly, which forces the driver behind them into a rear-end collision. Another driver, who is traveling much faster than everyone else, hits the rear end of the rear driver’s car. A fourth driver fails to react to the crash and causes a pile-up.

    Some of the factors that can contribute to chain reaction accidents include:

    • Fog
    • Heavy rain
    • Smoke due to fire including brush fires
    • Poorly designed highways and road systems

    In some cases, the Florida Highway Patrol or other state agencies can bear some responsibility for chain reaction accidents if their negligence contributed in some way to the crash. For example, if the state agency should have closed a road due to dangerous low visibility and failed to do so, then it can be considered partially responsible for causing the crash.

    When a state agency shares the blame, then the case becomes very complicated. Government agencies enjoy limited protections from immunity and there are special rules and timelines for taking legal action against them. A Fort Lauderdale lawyer should be consulted for help with filing a claim after a mult-vehicle wreck.

    Legal Liability in Chain Reaction Crashes

    When a collision involving multiple cars occurs, it is possible to take legal action. You may file a personal injury lawsuit and can present your case in court for a jury to decide liability and damages or you may settle your case outside of court for a reasonable damage award.

    Before you can take action, however, you need to know who was negligent and who should be held responsible, or liable, for the crash. Determining liability can be complex in these types of collisions.

    Often, the driver who created the first crash is liable for injuries, but as we’ve shown, drivers can share fault. In fact, even public agencies can share fault for an accident if there are preventable hazards on the road. Examples of other negligent behavior that can contribute to a multi-vehicle accident include:

    • Following too closely
    • Failure to fix a broken brake light
    • Speeding
    • Distracted driving
    • Failing to maintain roads or traffic signs
    • Texting

    In addition, it is also necessary to assess whether any state agency or third party played a role in causing the crash or exacerbating the severity of the injuries.

    The party or parties responsible for causing a multi-car accident can be held responsible for compensating you for:

    At the same time, there are also instances in which no one is responsible for a wreck. A common example is when a chain reaction occurs as a result of black ice or another inclement weather condition. Another might be a driver losing consciousness at the wheel as the result of a medical condition. In these examples, it’s possible that no one is responsible, and each driver seeks compensation from their own insurance companies.

    Can Multiple People be Responsible for a Chain-Reaction Collision?

    In the event that one or more parties are responsible for a serious chain accident, an independent investigation becomes necessary. A car accident lawyer can complete an accident reconstruction and determine which parties are at fault for serious injuries.

    This makes it possible for the victim to seek additional compensation to pay for damages, including immaterial losses like pain, suffering, and any loss in life quality. To reconstruct an accident, attorneys use tools like:

    • Physical and forensic evidence from the scene
    • Witness testimony
    • Police reports
    • Traffic records from the at-fault party

    Call a Fort Lauderdale Multi-Vehicle Car Accident Attorney Today

    If you’ve sustained an injury in a multi-vehicle accident, hire a skilled legal representative like David I. Fuchs to represent you and find the parties responsible. Because the damages may be very high, especially if you have suffered permanent injury or disability, you need to make the determination on who is responsible and you need to take legal action. A Fort Lauderdale multi-vehicle car accident lawyer can help.

    Call our team today to discuss your case and get started on your claim.

    Client Testimonials

    “…the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated”

    Fuchs was my car accident attorney and was very responsive from the first call. I had medical care the next day and the whole process was smooth. They handled everything with the insurance companies and coordinated all of the necessary medical information. It was a long process and in the end the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated I am more than happy and grateful for the outcome.

    Sean O.
    Google Review
    “Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely.”

    It’s been a long bumpy road to recovery but with David and his office’s help, we finally got it done! Through a great network of professionals, David Fuchs makes a good experience out of what could’ve been quite a headache. Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely. Thank you!

    Giovanni G.
    Google Review
    “…they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved.”

    I got in an accident in December 2021 when everyone was short staffed and insurance companies was not responsive. My boyfriend reached out to David F. and what a life changing experience. We had the pleasure of having all our worries handed to professional help. They worked diligently on our case, answered questions when asked and kept us updated on changes. More importantly they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved. I have dealt with others in the past but David got me the most according to the facts presented and never backed down when the insurance companies tried to make us settle for less. Thank you David, Jessica and the team for all your effort and hard work. I will recommend them to family and friends. [They’re] the best in town!

    Sheila N.
    Google Review
    “Best lawyer in Broward County”
    Evans P.
    Google Review
    “Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful.”

    I highly recommend Law offices of David Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful. The case was handled in a timely manner and I was always informed if there were any changes or updates with my case.

    Velouse G.
    Google Review
    “Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know.”

    Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know. He is really good at what he does and puts 110% in you case. I have been using him for 19 years now and refer all my friends to him. I can leave him alone with my case and not call him all the time. I know he is working hard in my case. When he has any information he calls me and we go from there. There are not a lot of attorneys I can do that with! If you have any Personal Injuries please do call him. You won’t be disappointed!!

    Libby E.
    Google Review
    “I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.”

    At first I was afraid…I was petrified! I truly was! But the extensive knowledge, patience and professionalism I received brought me not only such peace and assurance that I was in good hands, but we got through my case like shining stars! David made sure I understood exactly what, when, where, why and [answered] whatever question I had. I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.

    Donna M.
    Google Review
    “They have a wonderful team.”

    …took care of my well-being [and were] very informative about my situation. [T]hey were on the ball when it came down to settling…I highly recommend David.

    Nicholas G.
    Google Review
    “My experience with David Fuchs was awesome.”

    I got a really good return… thank you David Fuchs and staff for being so helpful and working so hard to help us, you are appreciated.

    Yvette W.
    Google Review
    “This is a great law office.”

    The David I Fuchs law office is a group of excellent people that helped to their fullest potential. They treated me with respect and I really appreciate that. This is a great law office.

    Jonathan Z.
    Google Review
    “Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident.”

    It has been an unexpected journey since stepping foot in Florida. Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident. I just want to thank the staff and all the support. The Therapy the doctors; you guys were awesome and made me feel better in my situation. This the first time I ever experience such a thing but I’m blessed , thankful and behind it all DAVID FUCHS who made it happen for me.

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    Google Review
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    I would totally recommend David to everyone. They’re extremely professional and work in a timely manner. They helped tremendously!

    A Boone
    Google Review
    “I highly recommend this man.”

    A good man knows, his law 35 years experience. Will get the job done and help you and your family get compensated for you pain and damages. I highly recommend this man. I want to revisit my review and say that Mr. Fuchs always picks up his phone and answer any questions that may pertain to my case. Thank you, David.

    N. Hit
    Google Review
    “He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner.”

    David Fuchs was my car accident attorney. He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend him to others.

    Samantha D.
    Google Review
    “…all went good and successful. thank you so much for all your help.”

    I got into an accident for the first time and I didn’t know what do or how things works, but I was lucky to find a professional and helpful people to guide through this experience.
    They did take care of my case all went good and successful thank you so much for all your help.

    Karen G.
    Google Review
    “Very professional. Had no problems with communication”
    Zuberi L.
    Google Review
    “He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.”

    I was in a car accident and looking for a professional, caring attorney.I was fortunate to find Mr. Fuchs, who helped me through the whole process. He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.

    Joan K.
    Google Review
    “My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled.”

    Had a car accident and needed an advocate to communicate my concerns through my insurance provider. The law office of David Fuchs, was efficient and thorough. My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled. Would highly recommend giving this office a call if you need legal assistance.

    Willie M.
    Google Review
    “A+++++ recommended.”

    I want to thank the office of David Fuch’s. A+++++ recommended.

    J. Hernandez
    Google Review
    “I could not have asked for a better team by my side.”

    They were very helpful. I could not have asked for a better team by my side.

    S. Rodriguez
    Google Review
    “They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me.”

    I was in an accident mid last year and Mr. Fuchs handled my case and his case manager[s] Yessi and Jessica were very informative as to the process. They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me. Mr. Fuchs was extremely knowledgeable and informed me of everything that would happen in my case. I will recommend this firm to my family and friends and i will be using their services in future if need be.

    Pastor D.
    Google Review