Deadly Multi-Vehicle Accident on Route 30 in West Manchester Twp: A York Personal Injury Lawyer’s Perspective

A horrific multi-car accident occurred on Route 30 in West Manchester Township, killing one passenger and seriously injuring at least eight other people, according to the York County Office of Emergency Management/York County 911. At least 13 vehicles were involved in the tragic wreck, according to the York Daily Record.

According to the West Manchester Township Police, a box truck traveling eastbound struck several vehicles at the intersection of Route 30 and Kenneth Road before it crashed into a 2008 black Toyota Yaris.

Suffering a serious injury in a multi-vehicle wreck can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. In the blink of an eye, you could be left significantly damaged physically, financially, and psychologically. If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident and suffered a debilitating bodily injury, contact KBG Injury Law to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

What exactly is considered a multi-vehicle accident?

A multi-vehicle accident is generally considered a collision involving three or more vehicles. Other terms for a multi-vehicle accident include:

• Chain-reaction wreck
• Pileup crash
• Domino crash

These types of collisions can be devastating and potentially life-altering for the victims and their loved ones. Pileup accidents on major interstates, such as I-83, often lead to serious bodily injuries and even loss of life.

As with any car crash, it is in your best interest to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable York, Pennsylvania, auto accident attorney. You may have grounds to pursue compensation for your harm and losses.

Common causes of multi-car accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents can occur due to various factors and circumstances. Nevertheless, some of the most common causes of multi-car accidents include the following:

• Intoxicated motorists: Each day, nearly 37 people are killed in accidents caused by drunk drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That equates to one person losing their life every 39 minutes. Drunk driving causes poor judgment, lack of attention, and reduced reaction times. These issues can contribute to a motorist causing a serious multi-vehicle accident.
• Distracted motorist: According to Forbes Advisor, approximately 3,000 people lose their lives in auto accidents caused by distracted motorists each year. When a motorist is texting and driving, they are likely not paying attention to the roadway and other vehicles. This lack of attention can play a big factor in causing a serious multi-vehicle wreck.
• Traveling in excess of the speed limit: Speeding reduces a motorist’s capacity to react to certain situations quickly. When a motorist is speeding and cannot stop, slow down, and adapt to certain traffic changes promptly, it can result in a multi-car accident.
• Aggressive motorist: When motorists become angry, they may not be able to control their temper and could develop road rage. Signs of aggressive driving and road rage include weaving between lanes and tailgating. This type of irresponsible and dangerous behavior can cause a multi-vehicle accident.
• The heavy volume of traffic and significant congestion: Heavy traffic and congestion result in frequent braking and accelerating lane changes, as well as impatience among drivers. Therefore, when heavy traffic and congestion occur on a busy roadway, there is an increased risk of multi-car accidents.

Common injuries suffered in serious multi-car accidents

When a multi-car accident occurs, the damage inflicted on the victims can be significant and debilitating. The types of injuries suffered in a multi-vehicle wreck can take weeks or months to fully recover, if ever. Below are examples of common types of injuries suffered in multi-car accidents:

• Broken or fractured bones
• Whiplash
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury and/or paralysis
• Scarring
• Lacerations
• Burns
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Ligament and tendon damage

Who is liable in a multi-car accident?

Established liability in a multi-vehicle accident can be challenging since there may be multiple parties that should be held accountable for causing your harm and losses. Every aspect of the collision must be assessed to properly identify which motorists, or motorists, acted negligently and can be held responsible for the wreck.

Important pieces of evidence to help determine liability in a multi-vehicle wreck include:

• Eyewitness testimony
• Police reports
• Surveillance footage
• Dashcam footage
• Photographs
• Videos
• Medical records
• Cell phone records
• Drug and/or alcohol tests

What are the first steps I should take after an accident?

If you see a serious car crash ahead and can stop in time, do so by pulling off to the shoulder or the side of the road. Do not stop in a travel lane, if possible. Getting as far from the road as possible is best to mitigate the risk of being hit by another vehicle.

If you are involved in a multi-vehicle pile-up, do not leave your vehicle until it is safe to do so. Check yourself for injuries, and remember that if you cannot exit the car safely, you should keep your seatbelt on and contact law enforcement.  If the accident scene is clear, and you are mobile, try to get out of your vehicle and get as far from the accident scene as possible. Do not linger near your vehicle to assess the damage. Why? Another oncoming vehicle could strike you or your car in a secondary impact.

Be sure to seek medical treatment right away for your injuries and the injuries of any passengers. Adrenaline tends to run high following an event like a multi-vehicle wreck. As a result, you may not initially realize the full extent of your injuries, including the full extent of the damage to your body and mind. For example, it is relatively common for brain injuries to go undiagnosed and lead to long-term damage. This is why it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible following a multi-vehicle collision. Make sure to maintain detailed records of your doctor visits, along with copies of medical bills.

While you should report the multi-vehicle accident to your auto insurance company, you are not required to speak to a claims adjuster with another motorist’s insurance company. In fact, it is recommended that you speak to a York, Pennsylvania, personal injury lawyer before agreeing to any communication with an insurance company claims adjuster.

Even if you are unsure whether you have grounds for a car accident injury claim, speak to an experienced multi-vehicle accident injury lawyer as soon as possible. Speaking to an attorney is a zero-risk proposition. There is no charge for the initial consultation.

What types of compensation can I pursue through a personal injury claim?

As the victim of a serious multi-vehicle accident, you may be able to pursue financial restitution for economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages generally include calculable harms and losses, including:

• Ambulance bills
• ER bills
• Physical therapy bills
• Surgical bills
• Prescription medication costs
• Lost wages (including diminished earning capacity).

Non-economic damages generally include the incalculable harms and losses, such as:

• Physical pain, suffering, and trauma you have been forced to endure following the accident
• Diminished quality of life
• Missing out on family events and other occasions due to your injuries or medical treatment
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress

The total amount of compensatory damages you may obtain through a car accident injury claim will depend primarily on the extent of your injuries and related losses and the amount of available auto insurance coverage.

Injured in a multi-car accident in or around York, Pennsylvania? Contact KBG Injury Law today

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a multi-vehicle accident in or near York, PA, then you may have grounds to pursue financial restitution for your harm and losses through a car accident injury claim. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact the office of KBG Injury Law or submit our contact form to schedule a no-cost, confidential consultation. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers in York and Lancaster are dedicated to serving the people of Pennsylvania and have been for nearly four decades. If you are badly hurt in a car wreck and do not know where to turn, turn to the car accident attorneys with KBG Injury Law.