More Than 130 Vehicles Involved in I-35 Pileup in Texas
On February 11, 2021, Texas experienced one of the largest vehicle pileups on record in the United States, with more than 130 total vehicles involved in the accident on I-35W in Fort Worth. The pileup, which occurred during the morning hours when many drivers were on their way to work, has resulted in at least six fatalities and over 60 people requiring treatment for injuries. The initial cause of the accident is still under investigation, but icy road conditions are suspected to be a contributing factor.
While collisions of this magnitude are fairly rare, multi-vehicle pileups are not an uncommon occurrence, especially on busy interstate highways and during times of low visibility and dangerous weather conditions. If you are injured in such a crash, it can be complicated to determine who is at fault and how you might be able to recover compensation. Fortunately, an experienced personal injury attorney can help.
Determining Negligence in a Multi-Car Pileup Accident
Typically, a driver whose negligent behavior causes an accident is liable for damages related to injuries suffered by the people involved. However, there are a few complicated issues when it comes to negligence in a multi-vehicle pileup. First, an injury victim may need to determine whether their injuries were caused by the incident that started the pileup, or a subsequent accident in which a driver failed to react appropriately to the pileup that had already started.
It will also be important to determine whether multiple negligent drivers or parties contributed to the injuries. Each negligent party may be held proportionately responsible for providing compensation for an injured person’s damages, depending on their percentage of fault in the accident. In some cases, the injured person may bear some fault, and while this may reduce the compensation they can recover, it will not prevent their recovery entirely unless they were more than 50 percent responsible for their injuries.
Recovery Through Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Another complication in a multi-vehicle accident is that if a single driver is responsible for the injuries of several people, the damages can quickly exceed the liability limits on the driver’s car insurance policy, meaning that some of the victims may have to pursue compensation from other sources. If you find yourself in this situation, the best option is often to file a claim with your own car insurance company, provided that you have uninsured motorist coverage. Insurance providers in Texas are required to offer this coverage, and you can often choose the coverage limits to secure the level of protection you are comfortable with.
Contact a New Braunfels, TX Personal Injury Attorney
Figuring out how to get compensation for your injuries can be overwhelming, but you do not have to do it on your own. At The Bettersworth Law Firm, we can help you investigate your case and identify the best course of action for achieving a fair settlement or verdict. Contact our New Braunfels car accident lawyer today at 830-443-9193 for a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.kens5.com/article/traffic/multiple-people-trapped-in-pileup-crash-on-northbound-i-35w-in-fort-worth/287-b35e90ca-5b55-4254-8c32-ce6aeefd5800
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.33.htm
https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb020.html
