Chain reaction truck accidents in Miami and other South Florida communities occur when a trucking accident causes multiple other accidents. Because of the size of tractor trailers, tankers, and other commercial vehicles, chain reaction accidents are not uncommon in situations where a commercial vehicle is in a collision.
Chain reaction accidents are especially deadly because they can involve multiple points of impact. This can mean passengers are impacted or jostled multiple times, increasing the risk of injury and complicating injuries already sustained. The force of the crash can also be greater with a chain reaction accident with multiple points of impact.
There are many reasons why chain reaction accidents may occur:
- On busy highways and freeways, a truck accident can cause other cars to swerve out of the way, which can cause them to collide with other vehicles sharing the road
- Other drivers may not be paying attention and may be involved in a rear-end accident if the car or truck in front of them stops suddenly.
- Trucks and tankers may spill their cargo, which can cause visibility issues or obstacles for other vehicles on the road, leading to secondary accidents.
- The impact and force of a truck accident can cause damage to roads and infrastructure, which can cause secondary collisions.
- A truck tire blowout can cause pieces of rubber to fly at other cars, which can cause visibility problems (if the rubber impacts the windshield) or can cause other drivers to swerve, putting more drivers at risk of a car accident.
- Drivers well back from the truck may not realize there is a danger, because they may not see the initial accident. This may mean they do not have time to avoid the accident or to maneuver out of the way.
Chain reaction accidents can be frightening, but there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Leave additional space in front of you. If there is an accident up ahead, you will have more time to react if the car in front of you brakes suddenly.
- Give commercial trucks more room. Keep in mind their blind spots are larger, so staying well back means the truck driver can see you. More room also gives you more time if the truck driver runs into problems.
- Never drive drunk or distracted. Anything that slows your response time can be fatal in a chain reaction accident.
- Always drive defensively. Stay aware of the entire road – including what is happening in front of you, behind you, and in other lanes. Think a few moves ahead and be prepared for unexpected movements by other drivers. Driving defensively helps keep your mind on driving and can help you react quickly when dangerous conditions arise.
- Buckle up. There may be times when even the best driving will not protect you from a collision. When this happens, a seat belt can save your life.
Have you been injured in a chain reaction accident in Miami or anywhere in South Florida? Because these collisions involve multiple plaintiffs and potentially multiple defendants, they can be complex. Even determining the cause of the crash can be a challenge when there are multiple points of impact or multiple collisions. For assistance and advice, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation to review your situation. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of combined experience and would be pleased to review your potential case with you. Your initial consultation is free and comes with no obligation.