1 Killed, 3 Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-801 Killed, 3 Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-80

Four vehicles were recently involved in a major crash in Morris County. The result left one person and three others seriously injured.
The fatal accident happened on the morning of April 9 on I-80 west at milepost 34.5 in Wharton Borough. A Subaru SUV driven by a 39-year-old woman from Piscataway was rear-ended by an Audi SUV. The impact sent the Subaru into the guard rail. The Audi continued forward and hit a Pontiac, which slammed into a Chevrolet SUV.
The driver of the Subaru was killed in the crash. There were three people inside the Audi SUV:
an adult driver and two children. All were hospitalized with moderate injuries. Nobody else was injured.
The crash is still under investigation. Police have yet to announce any criminal charges.
What to Know About Multi-Vehicle Accidents
A multi-vehicle accident involves three or more vehicles. These crashes commonly occur on highways where high speeds and heavy traffic increase the likelihood of a chain reaction.
Several factors can trigger a multi-car crash, including:
- Sudden stops in traffic.
- Distracted driving.
- Speeding or tailgating.
- Poor weather conditions.
- Low visibility.
- Reckless or impaired driving.
Multi-vehicle crashes often result in severe injuries because vehicles may be struck multiple times. Occupants cannot predict or avoid secondary impacts. High speeds increase force of impact. Also, fires or hazardous spills may occur in large pileups.
An important part of a crash investigation is determining liability. Liability in multi-vehicle accidents can be difficult to sort out. Unlike a two-car crash, fault may be shared among multiple drivers. Investigators often rely on the following:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage
- Accident reconstruction experts
In some cases, one negligent driver (like someone speeding or texting) may trigger the entire chain reaction. It appears to be the case in this instance. One driver caused a chain reaction after rear-ending one vehicle.
Insurance claims in multi-vehicle accidents can also be complicated due to:
- Multiple insurance companies involved.
- Disputes over who caused the crash.
- Policy limits that may not cover all damages.
In addition, serious injuries or death can result from a multi-vehicle crash. Common injuries include the following:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
Because of all these complexities, it is important to seek legal help after a multi-vehicle accident. An experienced lawyer can handle your case with ease and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
A violent rear-end crash can lead to subsequent accidents. It is important for drivers to drive carefully and give themselves time to slow down to avoid fatal crashes like this.
In a crash? Get the help you need from a Morristown car accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We have more than 40 years of experience helping clients recover the compensation they need and deserve for car accident injuries. To schedule a consultation, call (973) 455-1567 or fill out the online form.
Source:
patch.com/new-jersey/morristown/woman-killed-kids-hospitalized-multi-vehicle-i-80-crash