St. Louis Pile-Up Car Accident Lawyer

If you find yourself caught up in a highway pile-up accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our St. Louis car accident attorneys can help ensure your rights are protected.

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Highways are set up for optimum convenience, allowing drivers to move through traffic with ease—at least, that’s the plan. However, car accidents can and do happen on highways—sometimes resulting in pile-ups with more than two cars involved.

What Exactly is a Pile-Up Accident?

A pile-up accident, also known as a multiple-vehicle collision or chain reaction accident, is a type of traffic accident in which a series of vehicles collide with one another in rapid succession. These types of accidents can result in serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities.

Reasons pile-up Accidents Happen on Highways

Tailgating

One of the main reasons pile-up accidents happen on highways is due to tailgating, a common occurrence on highways, especially during rush hour. Tailgating is the practice of following the vehicle in front of you too closely. This is dangerous because it gives you little or no time to react if the car ahead of you suddenly makes an unexpected move – such as braking, swerving, or changing lanes. 

Tailgating can increase the likelihood of a rear-end collision, which can trigger a chain reaction of collisions as other vehicles cannot stop in time.

Weather Conditions 

Adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, fog, and ice can also lead to pile-up accidents on highways. These extreme weather conditions create slippery roads, which decrease the tire traction needed to safely maneuver a vehicle. This makes it more difficult for drivers to control their vehicles, increasing the likelihood of a pile-up collision. 

Adverse weather conditions can also make it more difficult for drivers to see the road ahead, which can lead to sudden braking or other evasive maneuvers that can trigger a pile-up accident.

Unfamiliar Road Features

Unfamiliar road features are another reason that pile-up accidents happen on highways. Roundabouts, for example, are becoming increasingly common in the U.S. but are still relatively unfamiliar to many drivers. This means many drivers are not accustomed to navigating around them while driving at high speeds and can easily be thrown off balance when approaching or trying to enter into one. Sadly, pile-ups may ensue as a result of drivers reacting out of confusion or panic and colliding with others who have made the same mistake.

Distracted Driving

Another common cause of pile-up accidents is distracted driving, which involves taking your focus off the road while driving. Examples of distractions on highways include:

• Eating while driving
• Texting or talking on your phone
• Looking at maps or GPS devices
• Adjusting the radio or climate controls

When drivers become distracted behind the wheel, it can increase their chances of causing an accident that leads to a pile-up accident. 

St. Louis Pile-Up Car Accident Lawyer

If you find yourself caught up in a highway pile-up accident caused by someone else’s negligence, speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm as soon as possible. We have 25 years of experience protecting the rights of injured car accident victims in and around St. Louis, Missouri, and can put our experience to work for you. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation.

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