Any time you are in a car accident, it’s a scary situation. Countless things could be running through your mind, from the shock of what happened to the possible costs. Additionally, when you end up in a car accident caused as a direct result of another accident, it can leave you wondering who is responsible.

Police motorcycle at the scene of a car accident

Below you will learn what constitutes a secondary car accident, who is ultimately responsible for any damages, and how to find a New York car accident lawyer.

Common Secondary Car Crashes

According to the Federal Highway Administration, one in every five car crashes is a secondary car crash. The most common secondary car crash is a rear-end accident.

Common causes of secondary car crashes include:

  • Rollovers
  • Swerving from the lane to avoid debris or an animal in the road
  • Rubbernecking (accident caused by slowing down to look at another accident that happened)
  • Sideswipes
  • Stalled or disabled vehicles

The most common place a secondary car accident may occur is on highways with at least four lanes in urban areas. These areas usually have more vehicles on the road, and motorists drive faster than normal, leading to a higher probability of accidents.

Who Is Liable in a Secondary Car Accident?

Considering that most secondary car accidents involve multiple vehicles, determining who is at fault can often be challenging. If you find yourself in this situation, the best thing for you to do is contact a car accident lawyer. They will collect evidence of what happened and use their findings to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Leav & Steinberg LLP Can Help

If you have been injured in a secondary car accident, the Leav and Steinberg LLP team is here to help. Since opening our doors in 1999, our firm has provided premier legal representation and excellent client care to those suffering from serious injuries.

Give us a call at 212-766-5222 to get the compensation you deserve.