Three or more cars. One split-second mistake. That’s all it takes to trigger a chain reaction and a real-life crash course in chaos theory.
Just last month in Plainview, Long Island, a seven-car pileup on Old Country Road left one elderly man dead and five others injured. It started with a single rear-end and turned into a grim domino effect.
A multi-car pileup crash can mean serious injuries, high property damage, and a tangled mess of insurance claims. If you’ve been hurt in a pileup on Long Island or anywhere in New York, here’s how fault is determined and what to do now.
What’s Inside This Guide:
- What Is a Multi-Car Pileup?
- Quick Stats on Multi-Car Accidents in New York
- How Is Fault Determined in a Chain Reaction Crash?
- What Is Comparative Negligence?
- What Evidence Helps Prove Fault?
- Your Rights Under New York’s No-Fault Law (Insurance Code §5104)
- Injured in a Multi-Car Accident? Here’s What to Do
- FAQs
What Is a Multi-Car Pileup?
A multi-car accident usually involves three or more vehicles crashing in quick succession. These crashes often happen on highways, at intersections, or during poor weather like fog, snow, or heavy rain.
Common causes include:
- Sudden braking in traffic
- Tailgating
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Low visibility
- Speeding or reckless driving
Quick Stats on Multi-Car Accidents in New York
- 6,859 total collisions were reported citywide in NYC in March 2025 alone
- Those crashes involved over 10,300 vehicles
- Driver distraction was the #1 contributing factor in injury and fatal crashes (1,920 vehicles)
- “Following too closely” contributed to 530 collisions, a key cause of multi-car pileups
- 2,934 collisions in March involved injuries or fatalities
- Nationally, crashes with 3+ vehicles make up about 9% of all crashes
- Pileups with 10+ vehicles are 100x more likely to cause 5+ fatalities than smaller crashes
Source: Motor Vehicle Collision Report Statistics Citywide March 2025
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How To Determine Fault For a Multi-Car Crash
Assigning fault in a pileup isn’t simple—multiple drivers can share responsibility.
Investigators look at:
- Who caused the initial crash
- Whether other drivers were tailgating or distracted
- Speed and weather conditions
- Reaction time and brake patterns
- Vehicle positions and damage
Example: If one car rear-ends another and sets off a chain reaction, that driver may hold most of the liability. But if the following drivers weren’t keeping a safe distance, they could also share fault.
What Is Comparative Negligence?
Your compensation is lowered by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 30% responsible, you’ll still recover 70% of your damages.
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What Evidence Helps Prove Fault?
When multiple vehicles are involved in a chain reaction accident, evidence is everything. Collect as much documentation as possible:
- Photos/videos of the scene
- Dashcam footage
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage reports
- Medical records
In our last blog about ceiling collapses, we talked about how dramatically evidence and quick documentation can impact your case. Even one strong photo or statement can change how fault is assigned.
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Your Rights Under New York’s No-Fault Law
New York is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your own insurance will cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash.
But under Insurance Code §5104, if your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold, you may file a lawsuit with a car injury lawyer for pain and suffering and other damages.
Qualifying injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Major disfigurement
- Permanent limitation of a body part
- Disability lasting 90 days or more
- Significant limitations
Injured in a Multi-Car Accident? Here’s What to Do:
- Get Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, some injuries aren’t immediately obvious.
- Call the Police –You’ll need an official report to support your claim.
- Document the Scene – Take photos, get witness info, and note weather and road conditions.
- Do Not Admit Fault – Don’t say “sorry” or speculate on what happened. Even casual comments can be used against you later.
- Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer – These cases get messy fast. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better.
FAQs
Q: Should I get a lawyer for a car accident that wasn’t my fault? A: Absolutely. Even if you weren’t at fault, insurance companies may try to minimize payouts. A car accident lawyer protects your rights and builds your case.
Q: Who pays in a multi-car accident? A: Fault is shared across all responsible parties. Your own no-fault insurance pays first unless your injuries qualify as serious.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim? A: In New York, you generally have 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit. But don’t wait—earlier is always better.
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Helpful Resources
- NY DMV Accident Report Requirements
- New York Civil Practice Law & Rules § 1411
- New York State No-Fault Insurance Summary
Contact a Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer for Help with Your Negligence Claim
If you were hurt in a multi-car pileup, don’t try to untangle this alone. Contact Chaikin Trial Group for a free case evaluation. We’ll review your situation, explain your rights, and help you reach the best multi-car accident settlement.
We serve injured clients across:
- Long Island
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- The Bronx
- Manhattan
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Legal Disclaimer: If you believe this information is relevant to your situation, please contact our office directly to schedule a consultation. Mr. Chaikin is licensed to practice law in New York. The response herein is not legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship with Chaikin Trial Group. The blog is in the form of legal education and is intended to provide general information about the matter within the question.
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