While damage and injuries can happen when vehicles are traveling at low speeds, high speed accidents dramatically increase the chance of serious injuries or fatalities. This is why a freeway car accident that occurs on an interstate or highway – where drivers are automatically driving at high speeds – is so dangerous. The high rate of speed creates enormous impact upon collision.
Are There More Accidents on the Street or Freeway?
More accidents happen on city streets than on freeways, largely because streets have more intersections, pedestrians, cyclists, and frequent stops, which all serve to increase the chances of collisions. Roughly 70% of all motor vehicle accidents happen on urban streets and roads. Freeway crashes account for fewer accidents overall but a higher percentage of fatal accidents, with speed being the leading factor.
If you or a loved one was injured in a freeway collision, you may be overwhelmed with medical bills and lost wages while you attempt to recover from serious injuries. An experienced, local car accident attorney understands what you are going through and can help you gather evidence and negotiate a full and fair accident settlement on your behalf.
What Makes a Freeway Car Accident So Dangerous?
Freeway accidents are some of the most dangerous types of crashes because drivers are traveling at high speeds and often navigating curves to keep up with traffic. Even a single mistake—like drifting too wide on a turn or losing focus for just a second—can lead to serious consequences.
In addition, freeway crashes can quickly turn into multi-car pile-ups because of the heavy traffic on highways, like the multi-car collision that occurred on I-5 in Bellingham, WA in 2018. When a freeway accident happens, everyone on the road faces the risk of a high-speed, high-impact collision that could be fatal.
Who is At Fault in an Accident on Freeway?
Determining who is at fault in a freeway accident depends on how the crash happened and whether a driver acted negligently. Common examples of negligence include speeding, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
Because freeway crashes often involve multiple vehicles, fault may be shared by more than one driver, and insurance companies or courts will look at evidence like police reports, witness statements, and traffic cameras to assign responsibility.
Some common causes of fault in freeway accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions: when one car crashes into the vehicle in front of them, the accident is typically the fault of the driver who was following too closely.
- Unsafe lane changes or merges: When unsafe lane changes or merges cause an accident, the fault typically lies with the driver who failed to check blind spots or signal before merging or changing lanes.
- Speeding or reckless driving: When speed or reckless driving causes an accident, the driver who was exceeding the speed limit, weaving through traffic, or otherwise behaving recklessly before the crash is typically at fault.
- Distracted driving. When distracted driving behaviors such as texting or eating are responsible for an accident, the distracted driver will often be found responsible for the accident.
- Driving under the influence. When drugs or alcohol are the cause of a collision, the intoxicated driver is typically liable.
Who Pays After a Freeway Car Accident?
The injured victim is usually compensated for the losses they endure in a freeway accident through an insurance claim against the at-fault driver. The at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering damages such as medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering.
In cases where multiple drivers and vehicles are involved, each may be required to pay a portion of the damages based on their percentage of fault. If the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance—or no insurance at all—victims may need to use their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to recover costs.
In serious cases where a fair settlement cannot be negotiated, accident victims may file a personal injury lawsuit through their car accident attorney to seek full compensation for their losses.
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! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
