According to a report from CBS News, four lanes of Interstate 95 (I-95) were closed for several hours following a massive (10-vehicle) pile-up collision. The crash—which happened near Exit 74 in Harford County—is still being investigated by the Maryland State Police.
Pile-up accident claims are exceptionally complex. At The Law Offices of Michael A. Freedman, we help injured victims navigate these challenging legal cases. Within this blog post, our Baltimore auto accident lawyer highlights key things to know about pile-up crashes.
What is a Highway Pile-Up Crash?
Highway pile-ups are often devastating crashes. Most often, these accidents happen on highways or freeways—such as I-95—these collisions are characterized by high speeds and dense traffic. They may be chain reactions. These accidents can cause cars, trucks, and other large commercial vehicles.
Why Do Pile-Up Accidents Happen in Maryland?
Unfortunately, pile-up accidents happen on a relatively common basis. Why do so many of these collisions happen in Maryland? Here are some of the leading causes of pile-ups:
- Dense Traffic: Maryland’s highways—especially around urban areas like Baltimore and Washington D.C., often experience heavy traffic, increasing the likelihood of pile-ups.
- Speeding Vehicles: Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for conditions is a common factor in pile-ups, as it reduces reaction time. Varying speeds can increase the risks.
- Distracted Driving: Activities like texting or using a phone while driving can distract drivers, leading to a failure to notice slowing or stopping traffic ahead.
- Tailgating: Following too closely does not provide adequate stopping distance if traffic suddenly halts. Dense traffic can require vehicles to make a quick, unexpected stop.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Whenever a vehicle changes lanes on a highway, it is imperative that they ensure the other lane is clear. Unsafe merges contribute to many pile-up collisions.
Who is Liable for a Collision?
It depends. Maryland is an at-fault motor vehicle accident state. As a general rule, the party who caused the initial collision is often considered at fault. However, in multi-vehicle accidents, there may be multiple parties who share responsibility. In Maryland, the contributory negligence rule applies—meaning that if a driver is even partially at fault, they may not be able to collect damage.
Involved in a pile-up collision in Maryland? It is imperative that your crash is thoroughly investigated by a top attorney. Your Baltimore auto accident lawyer can proactively gather and secure all of the evidence that you need to prove liability and secure the full and fair financial compensation that you deserve.
Contact Our Maryland Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
At The Law Offices of Michael A. Freedman, our Maryland auto accident lawyers go above and beyond to protect the rights of victims and families. If you or your loved one was hurt in a highway pile-up crash, we are here to help. Contact us right away for your free, no-obligation case evaluation. We take on car accident claims in Baltimore and throughout all of Maryland.
