Woman, Child Injured in 4-Vehicle Accident
Rear-end accidents are often minor fender benders, but they can sometimes lead to major, multi-vehicle crashes. This was recently the case in Lakewood Ranch, where two people suffered serious injuries in a four-vehicle accident.
The crash happened on the afternoon of April 21 at the intersection of Greenbrook Boulevard and State Road 70. A 24-year-old man from Sarasota was driving an Infiniti. He was traveling east on State Road 70 when he failed to stop. He rear-ended a Kia sedan that was stopped at a red light.
The impact pushed the Kia into the intersection. The driver of the Infiniti then veered across the median. He headed into traffic traveling in the opposite direction and hit two other vehicles: a Mercedes-Benz SUV and a Honda sedan. Both were stopped at a red light.
The driver of the Kia, a 56-year-old Lakewood Ranch woman, and a child passenger were both seriously injured. The driver of the Infiniti suffered minor injuries. The driver of the Honda, a 52-year-old woman from Punta Gorda, also suffered minor injuries. It is unknown if the driver of the Mercedes, a 16-year-old, suffered any injuries. The crash is still under investigation.
How Car Accidents Can Cause Subsequent Crashes
Car accidents can cause subsequent crashes through a ripple effect, especially in high-traffic areas or on highways. One accident can lead to another through the following:
- Chain reaction crashes. On highways or congested roads, when one vehicle crashes, those behind often have limited time to react. Sudden stops can cause a domino effect of rear-end accidents.
- Driver distraction. People slow down to look at the accident, causing traffic to bottleneck. This is also called rubbernecking. Distracted by the scene, drivers may miss vehicles in front slowing or stopping, leading to additional fender-benders.
- Obstructed lanes and debris. Disabled vehicles or debris can block lanes. Drivers swerving to avoid these hazards can collide with other vehicles, especially if visibility is low or traffic is heavy.
- Emergency response hazards. Police, fire, and medical responders may block lanes or create traffic detours. Drivers unfamiliar with the detours or impatient in traffic jams can make risky maneuvers.
- Weather conditions. In rain or snow, the initial accident might reduce traction or visibility further. Drivers coming upon the scene too quickly may lose control, causing more crashes.
These crashes can lead to the following:
- Higher injury risks. Secondary crashes involve more vehicles and tend to happen at high speeds.
- Increased legal complexity. Fault and liability become more complicated when multiple parties and accidents are involved.
- Insurance claims. More crashes mean more claims, which can delay settlements and complicate coverage.
Contact Us Today
Rear-end accidents can often lead to chain reaction or multi-vehicle crashes. Many vehicles and people may be involved.
These types of accidents can lead to complicated claims. A Bradenton car accident lawyer from Cahall Law Firm can help determine liability and protect your legal rights. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (941) 281-2019.
Source:
bradenton.com/news/local/article304769986.html
