Major Crash on I-85 in Gwinnett County
A major crash along I-85 in Gwinnett County, GA, kept traffic at a standstill for almost four hours. The pileup crash took place at approximately 8 a.m. near State Route 317, Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, blocking all six northbound lanes. The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) reported that 10 or more motor vehicles were involved, one being a tractor trailer.
Troopers found two overturned vehicles on the scene, and Gwinnett Fire responders had to free one driver from the wreckage. That driver was in critical condition due to a severe head injury and was rushed to Northside Gwinnett Hospital. Three other drivers also sustained serious injuries. As evidenced by this major crash, pileup crashes can lead to serious injuries. But why do pileup accidents happen? And who is liable for the damages resulting from them?
How Do Pileup Crashes Happen?
To determine who should be held liable in a pileup crash, the initial cause of the crash must be evaluated and identified. This would be the pileup crash’s starting point and establish the identity of the driver that caused the wreck. The following are the most common pileup crash causes:
- Distracted driving
- Following too closely or tailgating
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Rubbernecking
- Rear-end collisions
- Drowsy driving
- Driving while drugged or drunk
- Bad weather
- Running stop signs and red lights
Most multi-vehicle pileup crashes are preventable. In most cases, they happen when one or multiple drivers make serious errors or engage in negligent actions while driving. If you were part of a multi-vehicle pileup crash because of another driver’s reckless or negligent acts, you may be able to hold them financially responsible for your accident-related losses.
How is Fault Determined in a Pileup Crash?
While the driver that caused the pileup crash will be liable for the damages resulting from the accident, since the crash involves multiple drivers and vehicles, determining liability will not be easy. Usually, the primary liable party in pileup collisions is the rear driver. This driver probably hit the driver in front of them, sparking a chain reaction accident that ultimately ended up in a multi-vehicle pileup. But it is possible that the rear driver might not be 100% liable for the crash, and multiple drivers might share liability.
Georgia follows the modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you contributed to the crash, the court would reduce your judgment award or settlement. All drivers who share fault for the crash can still recover financial compensation if their share of fault is not more than 51%. On the other hand, if their share of fault is more than 51%, they will lose their right to receive compensation.
Reach Out to Our Gwinnett County Car Accident Attorneys Now
Whether you were involved in a multi-vehicle crash or any other kind of motor vehicle accident, the Gwinnett County car accident attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland can help. To discuss your case with our Gwinnett County car accident attorneys and explore your legal options, call 770-887-1209 or send an online message to schedule your free consultation.