The collisions lasted more than 10 minutes. Dozens of people were injured. Thirty-five people were sent to the hospital, eight of whom were severely injured. But after more than 130 cars crashed into one another, no one died, leading many to call it a miracle that nothing worse occurred in this massive accident.
The crash occurred in the early morning of Thursday the 5th of September. It was rush hour on Sheppey Bridge, which connects mainland Kent with the Isle of Sheppey. There are many reports that drivers were much too close to the car ahead of them. These actions were made all the more hazardous by the fact that there was a heavy fog that morning. Witnesses also said they could hardly see in front of them, no more than three cars forward. Officials speculate that drivers were also going without their fogs light on. While this action is not illegal, it is risky. The bridge itself does not have any lights either. Then about 7:15 am, a chain reaction started. Motorists said they could hear the crashes for several minutes, crashes that were only sounds for the longest time until the fog cleared, showing a mass of crushed cars and trucks.
Cars were totaled, some with their roofs clean gone, others looking like accordions. Five people had to be rescued from their vehicles by firefighters. Hundreds of people were cared for at the scene by emergency personnel. Still, no fatalities were reported. Some credit this in part to the quick actions of others on the road, such as one truck driver who is said to have blocked off traffic, preventing others from joining the calamity. Since the crash took so long to occur, a man and his son were able to stop in time, then run down the road, yelling out warnings to approaching drivers.
The bridge was closed for several hours, not reopening until it about 5:30 pm. An investigation into the crash is still going. Officials believe that it was essentially "stupid driving" that led to the disaster, though weather was probably a factor as well. There have also been comments that many drivers do not even know how to use their fog lights. It is surmised that many of the motorists involved in this accident will have to put up the first £200 to £300 for their claims. This is because the collisions were for the most part "shunt" crashes, the UK term for a rear-end collision.
It is in these types of crashes that fault is quite apparent. Nearly every single time, a rear-end accident will be the fault of the driver behind. So for us on this continent, it is vital to remember to drive responsibly. Tailgating is not worth it. This is also a vivid example of what someone else's negligence can cause. If you have been rear-ended, not only can your car be totaled, but you could suffer severe injuries. Even temporary soft tissue damage, such as whiplash, can cause severe pain, and even keep you from work. Broken bones are serious injuries that can entail months of expensive therapy. Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, can potentially lead to permanent damage. Any harm inflicted along the spinal cord can be likewise debilitating.
If you have been in a rear-end collision, you should not have to pay for the carelessness of someone else. With an experienced car accident attorney on your side, you could win the compensation you are owed, which can cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and perhaps more. Learn more about your options when you call a car accident lawyer today!