Any car accident has the potential to derail the life of the victims; however, highway accidents are typically the most serious. This is because the speed at which vehicles move on the highway increases the impact of a car collision. A highway car accident can have severe consequences, such as long-term disability, enormous financial burden, or death.
In addition, highway driving is also more susceptible to driver fatigue or distraction, two leading causes of car accidents. On this page, you will find information about highway accidents and how a Jonesboro personal injury lawyer from T. Madden & Associates can help victims get justice.
Highway Accident Facts and Statistics
According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) statistics, speeding is the primary cause of serious highway accidents, resulting in 19.1% of accidents in 2020. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is the second most common cause, with 11.6% recorded highway car accidents in the same year.
In 2020, more than 6000 serious highway collisions involved a motor vehicle coming in contact with another vehicle, and 5000 accidents involved pedestrians getting injured or killed. In addition, rollover collisions contributed to more than 2000 highway accidents. Research shows drivers and occupants are more frequently injured or killed in highway accidents.
Causes of Highway Car Accidents
Distracted Driving
Focusing on anything other than the road while driving can make any drive dangerous. Unfortunately, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of highway car accidents. One of the main reasons for driver distraction is cell phone use while driving.
Inclement Weather
Poor weather, such as snow or rain, can make the road slippery and dangerous. It can also cause poor visibility. A driver needs to drive more carefully in inclement weather to avoid potential accidents.
Nighttime Driving
Driving at night has many disadvantages, including reduced visibility, increased chances of drowsiness, and the glare of headlights of oncoming vehicles. The majority of highway car accidents at night happen due to limited visibility.
Speeding
Disregarding the highway speed limit can have severe consequences. A significant number of accidents that occur every year in the U.S. result from speeding.
Driving Under the Influence
Drinking before or while driving is never a good idea because alcohol can impair one’s sense of judgment and reduce reaction times. An intoxicated driver can find it more challenging to control their vehicle, especially at highway speeds.
Tailgating
Driving too close to another vehicle is extremely dangerous, but people frequently tailgate on highways. Even if you are attentive to the car you are tailgating, when the other driver suddenly applies the brakes, you will have reduced time to brake your vehicle and avoid a collision.
Common Injuries in Highway Car Accidents
The following are common injuries suffered by people involved in highway car accidents:
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Even a minor car accident impact can inflict enough force to cause bones to fracture. Severe highway accidents can result in broken bones, which may take several weeks or months to heal.
- Bruises and Lacerations: Shards of broken glass, flying objects, or anything within the vehicle can scrape or pierce the skin during the accident and cause cuts and lacerations. Deep cuts and wounds can take a long time to heal and may become infected.
- Traumatic Head Injuries: Highway collisions can often result in brain injuries. Severe brain injuries can lead to various cognitive problems.
- Neck and Spine Injuries: Violent jolts from a highway car accident can cause the neck and spine to get damaged, resulting in different types of injuries, including whiplash and herniated discs.
Actions to Take After a Highway Car Accident:
If you get injured, the first thing you should do is seek medical assistance. Contact an ambulance and wait for it to arrive. If you are seriously injured, it is best not to drive to the hospital yourself.
It would be best if you also informed the police of the accident so they can get to the scene. They will make a thorough report that includes details of the scene and any witness statements.
If there is any vehicle damage, you can contact your insurance provider to inform them about the accident. You can also document the damages sustained in the accident, such as your injuries at the time of the accident, the location, and the damage done to your vehicle.
After you get the proper medical treatment, you can contact a Jonesboro car accident lawyer at T. Madden & Associates to discuss your legal options. If you want to file a claim against the offending driver, you can consult your attorney on how to secure the maximum settlement amount.
Attorneys are well-versed in state laws and the applicable statute of limitations, so they can give you the best advice on what legal approach to take. In addition, having legal representation in a claim or a personal injury lawsuit increases your chances of obtaining a favorable verdict and maximum compensation.