Earlier this summer, a Las Vegas multi-vehicle crash resulted in delayed traffic and minor injuries. The accident happened at around 3:30 am, involved five vehicles colliding, and caused two crash victims to be taken to a nearby hospital to treat their injuries. The driver who caused the pile-up by crashing into a car stopped in line at a traffic light at Flamingo Road and Jones Boulevard was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Establishing Fault
A multi-vehicle crash occurs when three or more cars collide in an accident. This type of crash can result in a pile-up or a chain reaction collision, like the Las Vegas accident over the summer. Because multiple vehicles and drivers are involved in these accidents, it can be difficult to determine the critical issue of who was at fault for the collision. Determining fault requires an injured victim to establish that a driver, or multiple drivers, was negligent. The legal doctrine of negligence is used in car accident lawsuits and refers to a person’s failure to exercise due care when driving, resulting in the crash and subsequent harm to accident victims.
Establishing fault requires investigation, including contacting law enforcement at the scene, witnesses to the crash, expert witnesses for their opinions, and insurance companies of the parties involved. The investigation should also include obtaining video surveillance or photos of the accident scene and the injuries of the victims involved. Factors that may contribute to a multi-vehicle crash and may also establish fault include driving behaviors such as:
- Following too closely;
- Speeding above the posted limit;
- Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign;
- Distracted or reckless driving;
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Driving on the wrong side of the road;
- Failing to use the headlights while driving.
What to Do
According to data, these types of crashes are common in the Las Vegas Valley, and it is essential for you to know what steps to take in the event of a crash. Being a crash victim can be scary and overwhelming, making it difficult to know what steps to take after a collision. The best thing to do is to remain calm. Below is some basic information on what to do, however, if you are ever involved in a multi-vehicle car accident:
- Be sure to come to a complete stop, turn off your ignition, and put on your hazard lights;
- Avoid creating more hazards by moving your vehicle to the side of the road, if possible;
- As soon as it is safe to do so, dial 9-1-1 even if everyone seems to be fine;
- If you are uninjured, check on others involved in the crash and provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the crash as required by Nevada law;
- Get medical care right away if you are hurt or not, as some symptoms may delay;
- Collect as much information as possible after the crash.
We Can Help
If you are hurt in a Las Vegas area multi-vehicle crash, speak with the experienced personal injury attorneys at H&P Law today. We will work aggressively to fight for your rights and seek maximum compensation for harm suffered. Contact us today for your initial case evaluation.
