Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
According to a recent article, a fatal accident occurred in Naples, Maine, on Thursday afternoon when a man standing in a driveway was struck by a vehicle. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies and Naples firefighters responded to the scene on Roosevelt Trail shortly after 4:10 p.m. Investigators determined that a 29-year-old West Baldwin man driving a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee swerved to avoid another vehicle, left the roadway, and hit a parked 2013 Ford van in the driveway. The impact struck the pedestrian, who died from his injuries.
Multi-vehicle accidents, often called chain collisions or pileups, are among the most chaotic and dangerous roadway events. While most people picture them happening on highways and involving only drivers, pedestrians are also at serious risk — especially in areas with crosswalks, sidewalks, or driveways close to busy roads.
At Peter Thompson & Associates, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating these accidents can be for pedestrians. In this post, we explain how chain collisions happen, why pedestrians are particularly vulnerable, and what legal options may be available to injury victims.
How Chain Collisions Happen
A chain collision occurs when three or more vehicles crash in a sequence. These accidents often start with one driver’s sudden stop or loss of control, leading other drivers to collide because they can’t react in time. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Poor weather and road conditions
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Mechanical failures or tire blowouts
When vehicles are pushed off course or pile up near the edge of the road, pedestrians can be caught in the path of the crash.
Why Pedestrians Face Higher Risks
Unlike drivers or passengers inside vehicles, pedestrians have no physical protection in a collision. In a chain reaction crash, a pedestrian may be:
- Struck directly by one of the vehicles involved
- Hit by debris or parts of a damaged vehicle
- Pushed into traffic by the force of impact
- Pinned between vehicles or against fixed objects like walls or guardrails
Even a low-speed impact can cause severe injuries to a pedestrian, including fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or fatal harm.
Determining Liability in Pedestrian-Involved Chain Collisions
Proving fault in a multi-vehicle accident is more complex than in a typical two-car crash. Liability can be shared among:
- The driver who caused the initial collision
- Other drivers who were speeding, distracted, or tailgating
- A driver who left their lane or swerved onto the shoulder or sidewalk
- Vehicle owners or manufacturers if a mechanical defect contributed to the crash
- Municipalities if poor road maintenance played a role
In some cases, multiple parties may be held financially responsible for a pedestrian’s injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the accident, work with accident reconstruction experts, and identify all potential sources of compensation.
Compensation for Injured Pedestrians
Victims of pedestrian accidents caused by chain collisions may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
What to Do After a Chain Collision Injury
If you or a loved one is injured as a pedestrian in a chain collision, you should:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Call 911 and ensure the incident is documented by law enforcement.
- Gather witness contact information and take photos of the scene, if possible.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer who understands the complexities of multi-vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
We Can Help
Chain collision accidents that injure pedestrians can change lives in an instant. The legal and insurance issues can be overwhelming, especially when multiple drivers and policies are involved.
At Peter Thompson & Associates, we fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure full compensation for injury victims. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.
Call us at 1-207-874-0909 or visit our website for a free consultation.