Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers is proud to serve Boston and communities throughout Massachusetts with trusted, compassionate advocacy for accident victims. One of the most frightening roadway events is a multi-vehicle pileup, a chain-reaction crash involving several cars, trucks, or even dozens of vehicles. These accidents are often chaotic, resulting in severe injuries, multiple insurance claims, and complicated questions of fault.

Victims of pileups may feel overwhelmed, but with the right legal guidance, you can pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

Why Multi-Vehicle Pileups Happen

Pileups are most common on highways such as the Mass Pike (I-90), I-93, and Route 128 where vehicles travel at high speeds in close proximity. Common causes include:

Poor weather conditions (snow, ice, or fog reducing visibility)
Distracted driving leading to delayed reaction times
Sudden stops or traffic slowdowns on congested roadways
Tailgating or speeding
Commercial truck accidents where heavy vehicles trigger chain reactions

In Massachusetts, winter weather alone is a frequent factor, but human negligence is almost always part of the equation.

Injuries in Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Because of the number of vehicles and the severity of impacts, injuries in pileups can be catastrophic, including:

Hospitals like Massachusetts General, Boston Medical Center, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital often treat victims of these large-scale crashes.

Who Is Liable in a Multi-Vehicle Pileup?

Determining liability in a pileup is more complex than in a two-car accident. Several parties may share fault:

The driver who caused the initial collision (e.g., a motorist speeding or texting).
Other negligent drivers who were following too closely or failed to maintain control.
Commercial trucking companies if a tractor-trailer contributed to the pileup.
Municipalities or contractors if unsafe road maintenance or signage played a role.

Massachusetts uses a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the crash. Damages are reduced by your percentage of fault.

Challenges in Multi-Vehicle Claims

Insurance companies often dispute pileup claims aggressively because of the number of parties involved. Common challenges include:

Finger-pointing between drivers about who is at fault.
Complicated insurance negotiations with multiple carriers.
Delays in compensation due to lengthy investigations.

At Sweeney Merrigan, our attorneys are experienced in untangling these disputes and building strong cases for our clients.

Injured in a Massachusetts pileup? Call Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers in Boston today for your free consultation.

Evidence in Multi-Vehicle Pileup Cases

Because liability is complex, evidence collection is critical. Our team investigates thoroughly, using:

Police crash reports from Massachusetts State Police
Highway camera footage
Witness testimony
Accident reconstruction experts
Vehicle black box data from trucks or newer cars

This evidence helps us identify negligent parties and maximize available compensation.

Damages Available to Victims

Victims of pileups may be entitled to compensation for:

Emergency medical bills and ongoing treatment
Lost income and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

These damages are critical to helping victims rebuild their lives after catastrophic highway accidents.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Without experienced counsel, victims of pileups may be pressured into accepting low settlements that do not reflect the true cost of their injuries. Insurance companies may argue that fault is “too complicated” or deny responsibility altogether.

At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring decades of combined experience handling car accidents, truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death claims across Massachusetts. We know how to hold negligent drivers, corporations, and insurers accountable.

You don’t have to face this process alone. Get a trusted Boston injury team on your side, reach out to Sweeney Merrigan today.

Moving Forward After a Pileup

Multi-vehicle accidents can leave families facing months or years of recovery, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. The right legal team can investigate thoroughly, fight insurance disputes, and ensure you get the financial support you need.

No matter where your pileup occurred, on the Mass Pike, I-93, or Route 128, Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Call us today for your free consultation and take the next step toward justice and recovery.