Multi-Vehicle Collisions Involving Trucks

To finish the year 2022, the state of Washington experienced a horrific vehicle crash that closed part of a major highway for almost half a day. As Kennewick car accident attorneys, Telaré Law wants our clients to know they have legal options if they experience a motor vehicle accident with other cars or even large trucks. In this article, we will tell you about the collision that occurred and all the information you need to know before filing a claim.

What is a multi-vehicle collision?

Multi-vehicle collisions are when three or more vehicles are involved in an accident. They are also commonly referred to as multi-vehicle pileups. While these crashes have similar causes as a regular car accident, they can be more dangerous and destructive. The reason for this is because several vehicles may collide in different directions and at different impact speeds. However, it can also depend on the type of vehicles that are involved. It is not uncommon for tractor trailers, buses, tanker trucks, and other large vehicles to be part of multi-vehicle collisions.

When these types of accidents occur, depending on how bad the crash is, it could also take a long time for emergency medical technicians to respond to each vehicle and driver to give them the medical attention they need.

The 38-vehicle pileup on Interstate 90

In Kittitas County, Washington, the driver of a large tractor trailer truck was charged for causing a 38-vehicle pileup on Interstate 90 in early December 2022. Many of the vehicles experienced severe damage, and three people were injured. While the highway was eventually cleaned and cleared, it remained closed for over 10 hours after the collision.

State troopers mentioned that freezing fog was a large part of the issue that led up to the accident. However, the large semi-truck was driving over the speed limit for these weather conditions, which was considered to be a main contributor to the crash as well.

The trucker lost control on the icy highway and came to a stop, blocking all eastbound lanes, which caused 38 vehicles to crash and pile up on the road. The driver of the large truck is the only person being charged for this accident.

The accident occurred close to Ellensburg, Washington, about two hours north of our Kennewick office.

How is fault determined in a multi-vehicle accident?

It can be difficult to determine fault in any type of accident. However, when a multi-vehicle accident occurs, it can become even more challenging to find out who is responsible for the collision. The reason for this is because these types of accidents involve several drivers, who each could have played a part in the accident or none whatsoever.

With that being said, it is very important to hire an experienced Kennewick truck accident attorney to represent your case. Our lawyers at Telaré Law will collect the proper evidence needed to determine who is at fault and should be held accountable for their actions. This may require statements from law enforcement, notes from investigators, photos and video footage from the crash site, witness statements, medical records, and more.

Once the at-fault driver is discovered, your skilled Kennewick car accident attorney will ensure that you receive the proper amount of compensation you are owed. No matter how many conflicting stories are given, we are here to make sure the truth is told and that your voice is heard.

Common causes of multi-vehicle accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents usually occur suddenly. This means there is usually no warning that alerts the drivers to slow down or stop. From an unexpected turn to snowy conditions, there are many different causes that lead to multi-vehicle accidents, including:

• Inclement weather
• Reckless and careless driving
• Driving while intoxicated
• Distracted driving
• Chain reaction

Injuries from multi-vehicle crashes with trucks

There are a variety of different injuries that may result from a multi-vehicle crash. Sometimes, these accidents are deadly, while other times individuals are lucky enough to walk away with just a scratch. However, even if you do not feel like you are injured in any way, it is important that you seek medical treatment after any type of accident. The reason for this is because it can take days or weeks for some injuries to show up, and it can be too late when this happens. The following are the injuries that victims in these crashes commonly experience:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken and fractured bones
• Whiplash
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic amputations
• Lacerations
• Burns
• Internal damage to organs
• Internal bleeding

Does a large truck being involved change your case?

Large trucks and 18-wheelers are often involved in multi-vehicle crashes. When these large vehicles are involved, the outcome is usually more devastating. They can also make things more complicated with your case.

It is normal to want to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties to help pay for your injuries, medical bills, and daily needs and bills. However, it is important to know that you cannot automatically blame the truck driver with no proof they are at fault. While it can be common for truck drivers to cause these accidents, your attorney will look at the factors of your case to determine who exactly was at fault.

If the large truck caused the accident, there are multiple parties that will be investigated, which include the driver, the employer, and the truck manufacturer. Therefore, if you have been involved in an accident with a semi-truck, it is important that you hire a lawyer that has experience with these types of cases.

If you have recently been involved in a multi-vehicle accident with a truck driver, our Kennewick truck accident attorneys will assist you. We take these cases very seriously and will do everything in our power to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

If this sounds like a good fit, our team is located in Kennewick and Richland. You can begin the legal process with us by calling our office or completing our contact form, and a member of our staff will be in touch with you as quickly as possible.