Top Highway Car Accident Lawyers

Here are five common ways that highway accidents can happen:

• Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle hits the back of another vehicle. This can happen if the leading vehicle stops suddenly, or the following driver is not paying attention.
• Sideswipes: Sideswipes often occur when a driver fails to check their blind spot before changing lanes. They can also happen when a driver merges onto a highway without yielding to other vehicles. 
• Running off the road: This type of accident can occur when a driver loses control of their vehicle and runs off the road. This can result in a collision with a fixed object or another vehicle.
• Rollovers: Rollovers often happen when a driver veers into a ditch or a vehicle gets struck on the side by another vehicle. 
• Head-on collision: Head-on collisions involve two vehicles colliding with each other while traveling in opposite directions. This can occur when a driver drifts into the oncoming lane or goes the wrong way on an on-ramp or off-ramp.

From minor distractions to impaired driving, many factors cause or contribute to highway crashes. These factors include:

• Wrong-way driving: This happens when a driver goes the wrong way on a highway, resulting in a head-on collision or other serious crash.
• Distracted driving: Distracted driving diverts drivers' attention from the road and gives them little time to react to obstacles. This often includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-vehicle technologies while driving.
• Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, motor skills, and reaction time.
• Drowsy driving: Drowsy driving often leads to slower reaction time, impaired judgment, and even falling asleep at the wheel.
• Speeding: Driving too fast reduces drivers' ability to react to unexpected situations. It also increases stopping distances and makes it more challenging to maintain control of a vehicle.
• Aggressive driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, making frequent lane changes, and ignoring traffic signals and signs pose a danger to both the driver and others on the road.
• Vehicle malfunctions: Malfunctions in a vehicle's brakes, tires, steering, or other critical components can lead to highway crashes. This often occurs with defective or poorly maintained vehicles.
• Road defects or debris: Potholes, fallen tree branches, and other items or defects in the road can contribute to a highway crash. Drivers often lose control of their vehicles after hitting objects or swerving out of the way.
• Weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, or ice can make highways slippery and reduce visibility.

It's important to stay calm after a highway crash and take the following steps:

1. Check for injuries: Ensure you and anyone else involved in the accident are okay. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately to report any serious injuries.
2. Move your vehicle to a safe location, if necessary: If your vehicle is blocking traffic, move it to the side of the road to avoid a second collision. If your vehicle is not drivable, turn on your hazard lights and stay in the vehicle until help arrives. If at all possible, take pictures of your vehicle and the scene before you move it, but always put safety first.
3. Call the police: Even if you’re involved in a minor crash, always call the police. They can document the accident and assist with traffic control and other emergency procedures.
4. Exchange information: Gather the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of any other drivers involved in the crash. Give the same information to the other drivers as well. Also, get the names and contact information of any witnesses. But don’t discuss the accident any further; stick to the basic facts of what happened and don’t comment on fault.
5. Document the accident: Take photos of the crash scene, including any damage to your vehicle and visible injuries.
6. Get medical attention: Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if you don't feel any pain. Many injuries can take days to produce symptoms. 
7. Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide basic information regarding your crash, but don’t go too deep into specifics.
8. Speak to an attorney: An experienced attorney can seek compensation for any damages or injuries you've sustained.

If you've been in a highway crash, you should never attempt to handle your case alone. Here are some key things a lawyer can do for you:

• Provide legal advice: A lawyer can assess your case, explain your rights, and provide guidance on the best course of action to take.
• Investigate your crash: A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence to support your claim. This includes accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and other evidence.
• Communicate with insurance companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. A lawyer can handle all communications with the insurance companies involved in your crash.  This ensures that they don't take advantage of you.
• Negotiation and settlement: A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement. That includes recovering medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Litigation (if necessary): If a lawyer can't settle with an insurance company, they can represent you in court. Your lawyer can file a lawsuit and prepare to present your case to a judge and jury.
• Timely filing: A lawyer can ensure that all paperwork is accurate and filed within the required timeframe.

If you sustained an injury in a highway accident, there's simply too much at stake to go it alone. The at-fault driver's insurance company may conduct a biased investigation. They may blame you for the crash or downplay the severity of your injuries.  They may also use aggressive tactics to delay your settlement or reduce your payout.

Without the help of an attorney, you could end up paying out of your own pocket. Don't let the insurance companies take advantage of you. Speak to an attorney who understands the complexities of highway accidents.

The sooner you act, the better chance you'll have to build a strong case. Our verified attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you don't pay any upfront fees. Schedule your free consultation today to get started.