Virginia Beach Multi-car Accident Attorneys Protect Your Rights

Virginia personal injury lawyers seek compensation for multi-vehicle collisions

As the population of Virginia Beach swells, there are more drivers in a hurry on our major arteries, and this raises the likelihood of chain-reaction accidents. When a crash involves more than two vehicles, it can be difficult to determine fault. Under Virginia’s contributory negligence law, victims with severe injuries can be denied compensation if they were partially at fault for the crash. Fortunately, the multi-car accident attorneys at Ernest Law Group, PLC in Hampton Roads have the knowledge and experience you need to build the strongest case possible for the compensation you deserve.

Common causes of multi-vehicle crashes

All it takes is one negligent driver on a crowded roadway to set off a chain-reaction accident. Factors that contribute to multi-vehicle crashes include:

• Excessive speed — Speeding reduces a driver's ability to avoid a crash and at the same time increases the force of impact. On a crowded roadway, this practically guarantees that a car that is hit will in turn hit another vehicle. 
• Tailgating — Following too closely leaves inadequate stopping distance to avoid a rear-end collision. If that collision occurs with sufficient force, the impacted vehicle will likely strike the car ahead of it.
• Weather — While Virginia Beach and vicinity don’t see as much of the severe winter conditions that cause chain-reaction crashes in the north, we are subject to sleet and heavy rain. When drivers don’t adjust to slick conditions and low visibility, multi-car crashes happen.

As with most auto accidents, the underlying cause of a multi-car crash is that someone wasn’t paying close enough attention.

Injuries often sustained in multi-car accidents

What is particularly worrisome about multi-car accidents is the possibility of a secondary impact that is heavier than the first. This often occurs when the first strike diverts a car into the path of an oncoming vehicle still traveling at full highway speed. Multiple impact crashes can worsen the effects of whiplash and other common injuries. 

Determining liability for Virginia Beach multi-car accidents

Generally speaking, the driver whose negligent actions initiated the first contact can be held responsible for the entire chain of events. However, the driver of a struck car might fail to prevent a subsequent collision that a reasonably skilled driver would have avoided. That can raise the issue of who is liable for the subsequent collisions.

A multi-vehicle accident can be a difficult knot to unravel. Our firm consults experts in accident reconstruction who are adept at determining complex sequences of rapid-fire events. We also interview potential witnesses to piece together the full picture of what occurred.

How much can victims of a multi-car accident case collect?

Victims of multi-car accidents are entitled to receive personal injury damages and compensation for property losses. These amounts depend on the severity of the injuries and the value of the property.

What happens if you are partially at fault for a multi-vehicle car accident?

Under Virginia’s strict contributory negligence statute, a driver who is at-fault to even a minute degree cannot collect compensation for their losses. This is an important reason to have a skilled auto accident lawyer on your side. As your advocate, we will not only present your case for compensation but also vigorously defend you against allegations of contributory negligence.

Contact a determined Virginia attorney for a multi-car accident consultation

Ernest Law Group, PLC represents clients throughout the Hampton Roads area who have been injured in chain-reaction vehicle accidents. Please call 757-289-2499 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at our Virginia Beach office.