Who’s at Fault in a Multi-Car Crash on Pennsylvania Highways?

Chain-reaction crashes on I-76 or I-95 can involve multiple vehicles, serious injuries, and plenty of confusion over who’s actually to blame. In the aftermath of a multi-car pileup, drivers often point fingers while dealing with wrecked vehicles and medical emergencies. So how is fault determined in chain-reaction crashes on I-76 or I-95, and what can you do if you were one of the drivers injured in the chaos?

The truth is that establishing liability in these types of collisions can be incredibly complex. They often involve more than one at-fault driver, varying degrees of negligence, and difficult-to-read accident scenes. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law provides a framework for sorting it out. With the right legal guidance, you can protect your rights and pursue compensation.

What Is a Chain-Reaction Crash?

A chain-reaction crash, sometimes called a multi-vehicle collision or pileup, occurs when a series of vehicles crash into each other in rapid succession. These accidents are particularly common on high-speed highways like I-76 (the Schuylkill Expressway) or I-95, especially during rush hour, poor weather, or road construction zones.

The most common scenario looks like this:

Car A is stopped.
Car B ris stopped or rear ends Car A
Car C then crashes into Car B pushing Car B into Car A

Before long, you could have five or more cars involved and no clear picture of who caused what. These crashes often result in severe injuries, extensive vehicle damage, and massive insurance complications.

Why Determining Fault Is So Complicated

Unlike a standard two-car accident where one driver is clearly at fault, chain-reaction crashes often involve multiple drivers making simultaneous or near-simultaneous decisions. Several factors can contribute to the difficulty of assigning blame:

Multiple points of impact
Different accounts of what happened
Involvement of commercial vehicles or out-of-state drivers
Delayed reactions due to traffic, weather, or visibility
Pre-existing hazards like disabled vehicles or road debris

In places like Norristown, Bensalem, and Bristol, where commuters frequently rely on access to I-95 and I-76, these crashes are all too common. But no matter where the accident occurs, determining fault is critical to any insurance or personal injury claim.

Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence system. That means fault can be shared among multiple drivers, and each party’s level of responsibility affects how much they can recover.

Here’s how it works:

If you are found to be 0% at fault, you can recover full damages
If you are 25% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 25%
If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages

So in a chain-reaction crash, the insurance companies and possibly a court will need to assign percentages of fault to each driver. That’s why having strong evidence on your side is key.

Evidence That Can Help Prove Fault in a Multi-Chain Vehicle Accident in Pennsylvania

When you’re dealing with a multi-car accident, details matter. Even small pieces of evidence can help clarify who did what and in what order. Here’s the type of information that can be used to determine fault:

Police reports with officer observations and initial conclusions
Dashcam or traffic camera footage
Eyewitness statements
Physical evidence like skid marks or vehicle damage
Cell phone data showing potential distractions
Vehicle event data recorders (black box data)

In major Pennsylvania highway crashes, investigators may also reconstruct the scene using expert analysis. An experienced personal injury attorney can gather this evidence on your behalf and present it in a compelling way.

Common Causes of Chain-Reaction Crashes

Although every crash is different, some common behaviors and conditions tend to trigger these types of multi-car collisions:

Tailgating or following too closely
Distracted driving (such as texting or using GPS)
Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
Sudden lane changes without signaling
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Inclement weather, like rain or snow
Road construction or sudden traffic slowdowns

If one driver causes the initial impact, they may carry the bulk of the fault. But others may still be partially responsible if they were speeding, not paying attention, or failed to keep a safe following distance.

What If You Were Hit Multiple Times?

One of the most frustrating aspects of a chain-reaction crash is being hit more than once. For example, you could be rear-ended and then pushed into the car ahead of you. Or you might be hit from the side after an initial impact. In these cases, it’s common to wonder which driver is responsible for your injuries and vehicle damage.

The good news is that you don’t have to figure this out alone. A qualified motor vehicle accident attorney can investigate the crash, identify all liable parties, and pursue claims against each one as appropriate. Even if your accident involved multiple vehicles from different insurance providers, you can still recover damages if liability is established.

How to Protect Your Rights After a Chain-Reaction Crash

If you’re involved in a chain-reaction crash on I-76 or I-95, here’s what you should do to protect yourself legally and medically:

Call 911 immediately and wait for emergency responders
Get medical attention; Even if you feel okay initially, some injuries, including whiplash and concussions, take time to appear
Exchange information with all drivers involved
Take photos or videos of the scene, vehicles, and surroundings
Collect contact information from witnesses
Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause
Contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially when multiple insurance companies start calling. But remember: Each insurance company is looking to minimize what they have to pay. Having a lawyer on your side ensures someone is looking out for your interests.

What Can You Recover?

If you were injured in a chain-reaction crash that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible for compensation that covers:

Medical bills (past, present, and future)
Lost income or earning potential
Pain and suffering
Vehicle repairs or replacement
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life

If your injuries are serious or permanent, your claim may involve significant damages. But getting full compensation requires building a detailed case, which is where the right legal team makes a difference.

Why Choose van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim?

Chain-reaction crashes require a level of legal skill, strategic investigation, and negotiation that not every firm can provide. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we have decades of experience handling high-stakes personal injury cases across Pennsylvania. From Montgomeryville to Levittown, our team is trusted to deliver results for those injured on some of the state's busiest highways.

We don’t rely on shortcuts. We go to the scene, speak with witnesses, consult with experts, and build each case with precision. Our attorneys know how to take on powerful insurance companies and win.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a chain-reaction crash on I-76 or I-95, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim today for a free consultation. We’re ready to fight for the compensation and accountability you deserve.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.

How Is Fault Determined in Chain-Reaction Crashes on I-76 or I-95?