Car accidents have a far-reaching impact on a community, affecting not only those directly involved but also their families, friends, and even local businesses. In Bellingham, Washington, the I-5 has seen its share of car accidents in 2024, leaving many people with injuries, vehicle damage, and the financial strain that follows. For those who have been injured, choosing a local Bellingham car accident attorney can make all the difference when seeking compensation and justice.
2024 Bellingham I-5 Accident Statistics
As reported by Whatcom-News.com, according to the Washington State Patrol’s (WSP) Collision Analysis Tool, more than 200 crashes have occurred along the 10-mile stretch of I-5 between the Old Fairhaven Parkway and Slater Road interchanges so far this year. As the population of Bellingham has grown, this stretch of highway has become notorious for heavy traffic and frequent accidents, with an average of 23 accidents per month so far this year.
Here’s a closer look at the details behind these crashes:
What times did the accidents occur?
- Midnight to 6 a.m. – 12 crashes
- 6 a.m. to noon – 41 crashes
- Noon to 6 p.m. – 141 crashes
- 6 p.m. to midnight – 24 crashes
The majority of accidents happened during the afternoon and early evening hours, aligning with peak traffic times.
Accident locations by nearest interchange:
- Old Fairhaven Parkway – 12 crashes
- Samish Way – 13 crashes
- Lakeway Drive – 6 crashes
- Ohio/Iowa/State Streets – 58 crashes
- Sunset Drive – 63 crashes
- Meridian Street – 30 crashes
- Northwest Avenue – 11 crashes
- W. Bakerview Road – 16 crashes
- Slater Road – 9 crashes
These statistics reflect that high-traffic areas like Sunset Drive and Ohio/Iowa/State Streets are seeing the most crashes.
Severity of injuries:
- No injuries – 173 crashes
- Minor injuries – 11 crashes
- Serious injuries – 2 crashes
- Unknown injuries – 3 crashes
While most accidents resulted in no injuries, the risk of serious harm remains, especially in multi-vehicle collisions or those involving obstacles.
Crash causes and contributing factors:
- 13 accidents involved a vehicle striking an obstacle (e.g., deer, debris, or objects on the road).
- 45 accidents involved multiple vehicles, with anywhere from three to seven cars involved in these pileups.
Weather conditions:
- Clear – 130 crashes
- Overcast – 39 crashes
- Raining – 42 crashes
- Sleet/Hail/Freezing rain – 2 crashes
- Snow – 5 crashes
While clear weather might seem safer, most accidents in Bellingham occurred on clear days, likely due to increased speed or inattention on the road.
Why You Need a Local Bellingham Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been in an accident on I-5 or anywhere in Bellingham, choosing a local car accident attorney who knows the ins and outs of the community and its judicial system is crucial. Here’s why:
- Knowledge of local laws. Washington state law governs how personal injury claims are handled, but specific details like local road conditions, accident hotspots, and Bellingham’s unique traffic patterns play a key role in building a strong case. A local attorney is familiar with these nuances and can navigate the legal system more effectively.
- Understanding of local courts and insurance companies. A Bellingham-based lawyer has experience dealing with the local court system, judges, and insurance adjusters. They know what strategies work best in your area, making them more likely to secure the maximum compensation for you.
- Accessibility and personal connection. Working with a local attorney means you’ll have face-to-face access to your legal representative. You won’t be just another case file; you’ll have an advocate who is part of your community and personally invested in getting the best outcome for you.
- Quicker response times. Local attorneys are often more responsive and can act faster, especially when immediate action is required. In an accident case, time is critical when it comes to gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and building your case.
Protect Yourself with a Local Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident, it’s vital to have a local Bellingham car accident attorney by your side. Their deep understanding of the local roads, courts, and laws will help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, while offering a personalized, compassionate approach that larger, out-of-town firms may not provide. Don’t wait—if you’ve been injured in a crash, contact a local attorney today to protect your rights and your future.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
