Interstate Accidents: Protecting Your Rights on High-Speed Roads

Interstates are also areas that can be dangerous—with many drivers going at around 65 mph, vehicle accidents can be deadly. If you or a loved one has been in a crash, a Little Rock interstate accident lawyer from McMath Woods can offer legal options. We will fight for your rights to fair compensation. We understand how a serious accident can upend your life—between injuries, medical expenses, and missing work, filing a car accident claim may be the last thing on your mind. McMath Woods will do everything possible to investigate your case. We will look at the scene of the accident, medical records, and other evidence that will help prove that you were wrongfully injured. We will hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions.

A Closer Look at Arkansas Highway Safety Trends

As Arkansas citizens, it’s important to know the facts about the interstates and highways within the state. The Arkansas Highway Safety Improvement Program 2017 Annual Report takes a look at past highway data in terms of fatal accidents and accidents that cause injuries. The report shows the following from 2015:

  • 531 fatalities
  • 3,594 serious injuries
  • 1,520 fatality rate per HMVMT (hundred million vehicle miles traveled)
  • 10,310 serious injury rate per HMVMT
  • On a five-year average, there were 28.4 fatalities and 194.6 serious injuries on urban principal arterial interstates.

While the state is taking measures to reduce the number of interstate crashes, you still should know what to do if you’re ever in that situation. After an accident, it’s vital to get in touch with a Little Rock car accident lawyer. Let’s look at specific highways that have more crash incidents in Arkansas.

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Dangerous Highways in Arkansas

There are a couple of roads in Arkansas that drivers should be aware of because there tend to be more accidents on these roads. It’s imperative to be alert and cautious at all times while driving. Interstate 30 has had severe accidents. Just last May, there was a major crash that involved three trucks. Another road you should know about is the US-65 highway. On this road, there are about 14 fatal accidents each year. There have been 143 crashes and 120 fatalities total on this road.

What’s Putting Drivers in Danger on Arkansas Highways?

A large commercial truck is one of the most common vehicles to encounter on a highway. These big rigs are usually hauling cargo across the country. Because of their increased size and weight, a truck accident is usually more severe and can cause devastating injuries. In 2017, the Arkansas State Police were working to stop drivers who had unsecured loads. Tractor-trailers with unsecured loads constitute a significant threat to drivers because the driver can lose control of the vehicle, or the debris can fall off the truck and into the road. 

If a 20-pound object falls from a truck traveling 55 mph, it creates a force of 1,000 pounds on impact. In the past four years, more than 200,000 crashes occurred because of road debris. Between 2011 and 2014, those accidents caused about 500 deaths and 39,000 injuries. Drivers deserve to know that the trucks around them have secured their cargo. The Arkansas State Troopers have stated the following guidelines to help prevent losing cargo or debris:

  • Secure cargo with rope or netting.
  • Large objects should be tied directly to the vehicle.
  • The entire load should be covered with a tarp or netting.
  • The cargo should be evenly distributed, and the weight shouldn’t exceed capacity.
  • After doing the above, double-check before leaving.

Since 2013, the Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division has issued over 700 citations for vehicles with unsecured loads or debris spilled onto the road. If your accident was caused because of debris left in the road or it fell off a vehicle in front of you, the interstate accident lawyers at McMath Woods P.A. can look into your case and help you get the justice you deserve.

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How Can a Little Rock Interstate Accident Lawyer Help You?

When you’re trying to settle your claim, insurance adjusters may call you and try to get you to settle early. While this may seem like a good option so you can be done with the claims process, you may be settling for less than you deserve. It may take time for you to understand the extent of your injuries. If you settle before an injury presents symptoms, you may not be able to receive compensation to treat it.

Your lawyer will be able to advise you on how to speak with insurance adjusters so you don’t jeopardize your claim. We will determine the value of fair compensation and fight to get the settlement you need and deserve. You can recover without stressing about finances. To get started on your case, give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.

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