The winter weather much of the nation is experienced appears to have played a role in large crash that occurred in another state. The incident, which took place on an interstate, left three people dead and more than 20 injured. The pile-up, which involved both commercial tractor trailers and cars, shut down a 14 mile portion of the interstate for hours throughout the night.

A total of 46 vehicles were involved in the crash. Eighteen of those vehicles were semitrailers. Specifics regarding the types of injuries suffered by the victims are unknown. In some cases however, rescue workers struggled to free those who were hurt from the messy wreckage. Efforts were hampered by a variety of things including hazardous materials, leaking gas and winter weather. The three individuals who died suffered blunt force trauma.

An investigation into the incident has commenced and is expected to take a few weeks to complete. Icy roads and whiteout conditions are believed to have played a part in the crash. If drivers of specific vehicles were negligent in any way that will likely be determined in the course of the investigation.

Once the chain of events is determined, it is possible that individuals injured in the pileup will decide to file personal injury lawsuits against those deemed responsible for their injuries. These types of cases are common in situations such as this one. It is also possible that the loved ones of the people who died in the crash will file wrongful death lawsuits. Because there is a window of time in which these claims can be filed, those considering such an action should take action in a timely manner.

Source: WLS-TV, “Indiana pileup victims ID'd, injures 22, involves 46 vehicles, including 18 semis in Michigan City,” Jan. 24, 2014