On September 15, 2016, the driver of a black Honda Accord on Highway 6 crossed over into oncoming traffic and crashed into a pickup. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Several cars piled up as they attempted to stop suddenly when the pickup and Honda collided. At least one other person was taken to the hospital with possible life threatening injuries. The highway was closed for several hours as a result of the accident investigation.
A driver never knows when an unexpected event may occur on the road. Always wear your seat belt and keep a safe distance behind the car in front of you. Luckily, none of the drivers in the vehicles that piled up suffered any serious injuries. Those drivers likely will each be found liable for the damage caused to the rear of the car in front of them because they did not keep a safe distance between the car in front of them. All of the drivers will likely blame the driver of the Honda for causing the collisions, but it is unlikely that he will have enough property insurance to cover all of the claims. Thus, the insurance companies will assign fault on each driver for not keeping a safe distance.
This accident also provides a good example for why drivers should carry underinsured/uninsured coverage (UIM). It is highly unlikely that the driver of the Honda will have enough insurance to cover the medical bills and pain and suffering of the pickup driver. UIM covers all of passengers in the car and the driver.
If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, contact O’Hara Law Firm for a consultation.