Ten people involved in the crash were taken to the hospital with injuries, but all were expected to recover.
Hazardous Road Conditions and an Abundance of Commercial Vehicles Lead to Heightened Perils of Driving
Black ice is an especially dangerous winter road condition. If possible, avoid the road on days where there are icy conditions, as it is especially difficult to control your vehicle when there is ice on the road, and where the ice is difficult to identify. As the snow melts quickly, flooding of roadways can occur. Additionally, should the temperature go back below freezing after thawing has begun, then roads can become dangerously icy.
Determining liability and recovery for an accident such as this one involves consideration of a number of complex factors. For example, several commercial vehicles were involved in the pile-up. Companies operating a commercial fleet of large trucks bear a responsibility to ensure that those trucks are carefully maintained to keep them safe on the road. If the trucks involved had bald tires or brakes that required replacement, the trucking company could be held liable for resulting crashes. Additionally, the company must ensure that drivers are fit to work and have received adequate time to rest between shifts. If a driver is impaired from lack of sleep or intoxication, and a crash results while that driver is carrying out employment-related duties, then his or her employer may also be partially liable. Finally, the sheer number of drivers involved leads to greater complexity in assigning responsibility for damages among insurers.
Car accident investigation needs to be done quickly after a crash, as evidence can be quickly moved or destroyed. Investigations become even more complex when multiple vehicles are involved. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash, don’t wait to contact seasoned attorneys in the field of personal injury and car accident law. Basch Keegan & Spada’s attorneys are well-versed in pursuing recovery for damages incurred in car accidents in the Kingston, Ulster County, or greater Hudson Valley area. Call (845) 303-2748 for a free consultation.