Multi-Vehicle Crash in Lancaster County Sends Two to Hospital

Police are currently investigating a multi-vehicle car accident that sent two people two people to the hospital on December 13 in Lancaster County.

According to news reports, the accident occurred in Manheim Township where one of the vehicles overturned in the middle of the highway. Police officials say the southbound lanes of Route 222 were closed for several hours as the crash were investigated.

Authorities say two people sustained serious injuries in the accident.

The Difficulties Surrounding Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents, often called chain-reaction crashes or pileups, can be particularly devastating events that frequently occur on highways and major roadways, especially during adverse weather conditions or periods of heavy traffic. These accidents typically begin when one collision creates a cascade effect, with subsequent vehicles unable to stop in time to avoid the initial crash. Common triggers include sudden braking in dense fog, black ice causing multiple vehicles to lose control, or distracted drivers failing to notice stopped traffic ahead. The complexity and danger of these accidents increase exponentially with each additional vehicle involved, as the points of impact come from multiple directions, often trapping occupants and making emergency response more challenging.

The severity of multi-vehicle accidents is amplified by the multiple impact points victims may experience, as their vehicle might be struck repeatedly from different angles within seconds. This can lead to more severe injuries than a typical car accident, as the injured driver or passengers endures multiple trauma events in rapid succession. Additionally, the risk of fire increases significantly in pileups, as multiple vehicles with damaged fuel systems are often pressed together, creating hazardous conditions for both victims and first responders.

In Pennsylvania, handling insurance claims for multi-vehicle accidents presents unique challenges due to the state’s modified comparative negligence system and choice no-fault insurance laws. Insurance companies must determine the percentage of fault for each driver involved, which often leads to prolonged investigations and disputes between multiple insurance carriers. Claims adjusters must investigate multiple points of impact, review numerous witness statements, and analyze police reports that might not fully capture the sequence of events, often leading to delayed settlements and disputed liability determinations.

The legal complexity is further compounded by Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule, which states that a driver can only recover damages if they are found to be 51% or less at fault for the accident. In multi-vehicle scenarios, determining these percentages becomes increasingly difficult as each driver’s actions must be evaluated in the context of the entire accident sequence. Insurance companies often initially deny claims or offer minimal settlements while they investigate, leaving victims in financial limbo. That’s why it’s always important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer to protect your claim and make sure your side of the story is heard.

Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Pennsylvania. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Munley Law as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.