Multi-Vehicle Accidents in Orlando, FL

Speeding

Speeding can not only cause multi-vehicle accidents but also increase their severity because of the greater force of vehicular impact.

Failure To Slow Down Or Stop On Time

Many crashes happen when a driver fails to break on time after the vehicle ahead stops or slows down. The odds increase with tailgating, the term for when drivers don’t leave enough space between their vehicles and the ones in front of them to prevent other vehicles on the road from cutting the line. If several drivers are tailgating and one of them stops abruptly, a chain-reaction crash may happen.

Distracted Driving

Using a cell phone, changing the radio station, or attempting to do any task other than driving is distracting. Without full awareness of the roadway and traffic slowing down ahead or around them, a distracted driver may cause a multi-vehicle accident.

Weather Conditions

Heavy rain or fog create treacherous driving conditions and increase the risk of multi-vehicle accidents. The poor visibility and slippery roadways that result from inclement weather require driving at lower speeds and leaving more space between vehicles.

Intersection Crashes

When a driver hurries through an intersection, usually attempting to beat a changing light, they may hit another vehicle and cause a chain reaction. Motorcyclists are often struck at intersections when another vehicle makes a turn as the motorcyclist is going straight. Left-hand turns are responsible for 42 percent of all accidents between a motorcycle and car, whether at an intersection or on another roadway.

Highways

The higher speeds and traffic volume on highways can increase the risks and dangers associated to multi-vehicle accidents. For example, drivers who witness an accident may swerve in an attempt to avoid it and inadvertently cause another one. Highway construction zones are common locations for multi-vehicle accidents, as they sometimes force drivers coming from several lanes to cram into a single one at reduced speeds. If one or more drivers aren’t paying attention as they enter a construction zone, a multi-vehicle collision may occur.

Call 911

As soon as you’re able or it’s safe to do so, call 911. Serious injuries that frequently result from multi-vehicle accidents — such as fractured bones and head and brain injuries — require immediate medical attention.

Stay In The Vehicle

It’s important to stay in your vehicle, with the seatbelt fastened, until law enforcement or medical personnel let you know it’s safe to exit. Because many multi-vehicle accidents continue escalating for several minutes, staying in the vehicle provides some protection if another vehicle joins the crash.

Write Down What You Saw

This may take some time given the stress of the situation, but write down your account of the accident in the most detailed way possible. Things to make note of include:

• Weather conditions;
• Roadway conditions; and
• Other vehicles involved.

Any notes you can make of the accident will be of great help to a personal injury lawyer in Orlando assisting you with filing claims.