Interstate and Highway Accident Lawyer

Experienced Litigation Nationwide

Interstates and highways enable drivers to easily travel from one state to another. Although they offer convenient ways to travel for many people, they can be sources of catastrophic vehicle accidents.

Due to congestion and high rates of speed, drivers and passengers may become injured as a result of negligent drivers on highways and interstates. If you have suffered an injury due to another driver’s negligence, your life has been dramatically altered. As a result of your injuries, you are eligible to recover damages due to lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering.

Interstate and Highway Accident Facts
In many states, there are severe aggressive driving laws. Aggressive driving occurs when drivers intentionally operate their vehicles in a manner that makes the roads unsafe for other drivers.

Unfortunately, some drivers disregard these laws and cause accidents. Here are some interesting facts about interstate and highway accidents.

• Each year, approximately 31,000 fatal vehicle accidents occur in the United States.
• Interstates and highways in the United States are more dangerous than highways in European countries.
• United States highways have 3 times more deaths than the United Kingdom’s highways.
• Excessive speed is the most common cause of accidents on interstates and highways.

What Causes Interstate and Highway Accidents?
With millions of people driving on highways each day, there are many factors that can contribute to an accident. Here are five causes of highway accidents.

1. Speeding – On many highways, the speed limit is at least 55 miles per hour. In some states, the speed limit is 75 miles per hour. Even at these high speeds, many drivers think it is fine to exceed the speed limit by ten miles per hour.

As vehicular speed increases, it makes it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles. In some instances, accidents are caused by a driver’s inability to stop at a moment’s notice.

2. Driving under the influence – It is a common occurrence for drivers to operate their vehicles under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In the case of alcohol, some drivers overestimate their ability to safely operate their vehicles.

Even a small amount of alcohol can impair the driving ability of the best driver. When drivers are under the influence, they are not able to accurately judge speed or distance between cars.

3. Tailgating – Drivers who fail to keep a safe distance between their cars and other cars on the road can cause serious accidents. By driving too closely, drivers can crash into the back of other cars.

4. Distracted driving – Smart phones have given people the ability to have information at their fingertips. They enable people to constantly stay in contact with other people as well.

Unfortunately, many drivers feel the need to connect with people as they are driving. Manipulating smart phones is a form of distracted driving that can result in injuries. Other forms of distracted driving include eating, talking to other passengers, looking away from the wheel and reading.

5. Constant lane changes – The highway is an open road in which many drivers like to test their speed and advanced driving skills. Some drivers who operate fast cars frequently change lanes and ‘cut off’ other drivers as they are driving. This behavior causes other drivers to panic and lose control of their vehicles.

Driver Negligence
When drivers operate a vehicle on the interstates, it is their responsibility to drive in a manner that exercises reasonable care and caution. This is referred to as duty of reasonable care.

When drivers do not operate their vehicles in this manner, they are liable for injuries and damages. This is referred to as violating the duty of reasonable care.

If the plaintiff’s attorney can show that their client was injured as a result of the violation, then the negligent driver is responsible for damages. The negligent driver and their insurance company will have to pay the plaintiff.

Interstate and Highway Injuries
In accidents on the interstate and highway, injuries can be minor or severe. The type of injury depends on the impact of the crash.

Some injuries that may occur are:

• Scrapes and cuts
• Head injuries
• Broken bones
• Chest injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Brain injuries
• Pelvis and abdominal injuries

How the Doan Law Firm Can Help You
At the Doan Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys have the experience to get the best possible results for you. If you have been injured in an automobile accident through no fault of your own, contact us immediately. We will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve.

Our legal professionals are available to speak with you about your case. We are available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to assist you. There is no fee obligation when you call. Our case evaluations are free.