Generally, the more cars that are involved in an accident, the more people there are that will experience injuries. This stands to reason: more people and cars involved in the impact means that accidents are more serious.
According to a story from KHQ, US-2 was shut down for several hours after a three car accident on the afternoon of Sunday, March 3, 2024. According to Spokane County Fire District 2, the accident happened near Technology Boulevard on US-2 westbound. Multiple people were injured and transported to local hospitals. One person even had to be cut out of their vehicle.
The Spokane Police Department is continuing to investigate the accident.
What Causes Multi-Car Accidents?
The causes of multi-car accidents aren’t all that different from regular car accidents. What makes them difficult, though, is that the results are often compounded. Generally, these accidents are a chain reaction: One or more cars are involved, then others become entangled when they either don’t stop in time or try to get around the initial crash.
Still, in order to be prepared, it’s important to look at what causes these accidents:
- Distractions – When drivers aren’t paying attention, they might not notice when traffic slows down or stops, causing rear-end collisions and chain reactions.
- Bad weather – Rain, fog, snow, or ice can make it hard to see and control vehicles, leading to accidents involving multiple cars.
- Tailgating – Following too closely behind another car means there’s less time to react if they suddenly brake, often causing a chain of collisions.
- Aggressive driving or speeding – Dangerous behaviors like weaving through traffic or cutting off other drivers can lead to accidents involving many cars. Further, driving too fast makes it harder to stop in time, making crashes worse.
- Not following the law – Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, or not yielding the right-of-way can cause multi-car accidents.
- Driving under the influence – Being drunk or on drugs impairs judgment and reaction time, making accidents more likely.
- Mechanical failures -Problems with a car’s brakes or tires can cause the driver to lose control and crash into other vehicles.
- Road problems – Debris, potholes, or construction zones can create hazards that cause multi-car accidents.
- Driver fatigue – Being tired or sleepy while driving can slow reaction times and increase the chance of accidents, especially on long trips or at night.
Regardless of the causes, it’s important to take the same steps you would in any other car accident. This means prioritizing your safety by checking for injuries and moving vehicles to a safe area. Exchange contact and insurance details with other drivers and document the scene with photos. Report the accident to the police and your insurance company, seeking medical attention for injuries promptly.
With that taken care of, you should reach out to our Spokane car accident lawyers for further instruction.
Spokane Car Accident Victims Can Trust CCD Law
Since 1948, CCD Law has helped Spokane car accident victims through the legal process. We understand how difficult these situations are, and can guide you through the recovery process. We’ll make sure you’re able to file an injury claim for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
