This is a case study of a multi-vehicle accident triggered by a spinning SUV on an icy highway, which led to a direct collision and a non-contact evasive crash.
1. Accident Overview
Weather/Road Conditions
Overcast with light snow; road surface was icy.
Vehicles Involved
Vehicle A: SUV (Ford F-150)
Vehicle B: Sedan (Honda Accord)
Vehicle C: Rear truck (Freightliner Cascadia)
Sequence of Events:
Vehicle A, a rear-wheel-drive SUV, was driving in the far-left lane (lane 1) and attempted to change lanes quickly to pass a slower vehicle.
As it crossed onto lane 2, it hit a patch of black ice (a thin, invisible layer of ice), causing the SUV to lose traction.
The driver overcorrected while braking, resulting in the vehicle spinning clockwise approximately 1.5 times. The SUV continued to rotate while sliding forward between lanes 2 and 3.
The spin lasted about 3–5 seconds due to the icy surface.
Vehicle B, a Honda Accord, was traveling normally in lane 2.
Upon seeing the spinning SUV ahead, the driver hit the brakes and attempted to swerve right.
However, the SUV suddenly drifted into Vehicle B’s path, and the left rear of the SUV collided with the right front of the sedan just before both vehicles came to a stop.
Vehicle B sustained front bumper and headlight damage; the driver suffered minor injuries (neck strain).
Vehicle C, a Freightliner Cascadia truck, was traveling in lane 2 about 80 meters behind.
The driver noticed the brake lights and the spinning SUV and began slowing down while steering toward the right shoulder.
To avoid a secondary collision with Vehicle B, the truck veered right, but due to its heavy trailer and delayed steering response, it hit the guardrail on the right side.
There was no contact between the truck and the other vehicles. The truck driver was uninjured, but the side panels and front axle suffered moderate damage.
2. Statements from Each Party
Vehicle A (Spinning SUV)
The driver claimed the loss of control was unavoidable due to the icy road conditions.
They argued that they were driving within the speed limit and lost control when braking, and that the following drivers could have slowed down more or reacted differently to avoid the collision.
Vehicle B (Sedan that collided with SUV)
The driver stated that the SUV spun unexpectedly into their path, leaving no time or space to avoid a crash.
They emphasized that visibility was limited and that they attempted to swerve, but the SUV’s erratic motion made a collision unavoidable.
They maintained that their response was reasonable under the circumstances.
Vehicle C (Truck that hit the guardrail)
The truck driver explained that they immediately reduced speed and steered right to avoid the vehicles ahead.
Given the weight of the truck and the icy surface, they couldn’t steer sharply enough in time.
They pointed out that there was no contact with other vehicles and that the impact with the guardrail was an unavoidable outcome of trying to avoid a worse crash.
3. Court Ruling & Conclusion
Vehicle A (Spinning SUV)
Fault: 90%
Findings
Making a sudden lane change and braking hard on an icy highway was deemed negligent.
There were known freezing conditions and the driver failed to drive cautiously.
The SUV spinning across lanes created an unpredictable hazard for other drivers.
Conclusion
The SUV driver was found to be the primary cause of the incident and was held liable for the majority of the damages.
Vehicle B (Sedan)
Fault: 10%
Findings
The driver attempted to avoid the SUV but reacted slightly late.
Brake marks and the angle of impact supported the claim of a last-minute evasive maneuver.
Conclusion
As a mostly non-fault party, the driver was entitled to compensation for most of the damages.
Vehicle C (Truck)
Fault: 0%
Findings
The evasive action was considered appropriate given the emergency.
The truck's handling limitations and the icy surface were taken into account.
Conclusion
The truck driver was not at fault. The cost of repairs was to be covered by the insurance provider for Vehicle A.
Weather-Related Accident Cases
Traffic Accident Caused by Blinding Sunlight Reflection Case