A San Antonio motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene after a massive accident involving four other vehicles in South Bexar County earlier this week. The accident occurred on a Sunday night at approximately 10:00 p.m. The motorcyclist was on Interstate 10 and Old Fredericksburg Road when they were struck by a vehicle. This set off a “chain reaction,” and three other cars that had been traveling behind the vehicle that initially hit the motorcyclist all collided, as well. The impact of the vehicles against the motorcycle sent the motorcyclist’s body and bike over 300 feet from the other vehicles at the scene. All four vehicles involved in the accident are said to have suffered extensive damage. The identity of the motorcyclist has not yet been revealed. Police did not comment on what they believe caused the crash, or whom they believe is at fault, however, the investigation into the accident remains ongoing.
Understanding “Chain-Reaction” Car Accidents
“Chain-Reaction” accidents are far too common in big cities like San Antonio, where traffic is heavy, and a single distracted driver can result in a major highway catastrophe. ‘Chain-reaction accident’ is a term generally used to describe accidents in which one vehicle rear-ends another, and in turn is rear-ended by one or multiple vehicles behind it. This type of accident is common in rush-hour and heavy traffic, when there is little space between vehicles and little margin for error. However, these accidents can occur whenever multiple drivers are not maintaining proper distance or are not focused on the car ahead of them.
Avoiding “Chain-Reaction” Car Accidents
The best way to avoid being involved in a chain-reaction car accident is to maintain a safe and appropriate amount of distance between you and the car in front of you, even in heavy traffic situations. You can determine the appropriate amount of distance to keep between you and the car in front of you based on the speed you are traveling. You should aim to keep one car-length of distance between you and the car ahead of you for every 10 miles per hour that you are traveling. In a grid-lock situation, one car length is sufficient. If you were traveling 55 miles per hour, you would want to keep approximately six car-lengths of space between you and the car ahead of you in order to ensure that you would have sufficient time and space to stop in the case of an accident ahead of you. Maintaining sufficient space also decreases the likelihood of you being rear-ended, as you can come to a safe and gradual stop.
Determining Liability in Texas “Chain-Reaction’ Car Accidents
While there are exceptions, the general rule of thumb for determining liability in chain-reaction car accidents in Texas involves determining liability for the initial crash. Generally, this means that the first car to rear-end another vehicle is the liable driver. This driver then becomes liable for all damages and injuries resulting from the crash. Chain-reaction car accidents are complex, and it can take insurance investigators weeks to reach a determination of fault. Hiring a local motorcycle accident lawyer is a good way to ensure you are not pegged with the blame for an accident you did not cause, and that you get the coverage and compensation that you deserve.
Talk to a San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured in a San Antonio chain-reaction or multi-vehicle accident that was not your fault, the Law Office of Eric Ramos is prepared to zealously advocate on your behalf and get you the compensation that you deserve. Call today and schedule a free consultation. There is no fee until we win.