Auto Accidents and Highways: Causes and Effects
Despite a steady decline in car accidents in Pennsylvania since the 1990s, more than 100,000 accidents still occur each year. Over 3,000 of those collisions result in serious, life-altering injuries for victims. Highways like the Pennsylvania Turnpike see a large number of crashes each year due to the density of traffic and the speeds at which motorists travel along those roads. At Foley Law Firm in Scranton, PA, we fully understand the causes and effects of auto accidents on highways and work with victims to recover full compensation for serious injuries.
Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents on Highways
Speed limits on highways can range from as low as 55 miles per hour to as high as 70. Of course, not all motorists abide by those limits. Many drive at least 5 to 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, with some going as fast as 15 to 20 over the speed limit. Speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents. When it doesn’t cause an accident, speeding can be a contributing factor to more severe injuries and damages.
In addition to speeding, some other common causes of highway accidents include:
- Not keeping to the right except when passing
- Failing to use a turn signal when changing lanes
- Failing to turn on headlights and taillights as weather conditions affect visibility
- Driving slower than the posted minimums
- Speeding through construction zones
- Distracted driving
Effects of Highway Accidents on Victims
Victims involved in highway accidents are more likely to suffer severe, life-threatening, and life-altering injuries. This is because the vehicles involved are traveling at higher speeds than they would on a neighborhood street. These high speeds create higher crash impacts, which result in more injuries and damage. If a victim survives an auto accident on a highway, he or she may be left with serious injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis or other form of mobility loss
- Severe burns
- Multiple broken bones
- Loss of limbs
- Deep lacerations
Even victims who wore their seatbelts and had functioning airbags are at risk for serious injuries. The above injuries, if not fatal, can cause irreversible damage. Victims and their families must deal with the consequences of these severe injuries over and over again. Some injuries may cause personality changes or diminish a victim’s ability to communicate. Other injuries may completely immobilize a victim. The cost to care for victims with such severe injuries often exceeds a family’s financial capacity.
How Foley Law Firm Can Help
At Foley Law Firm, we will fight for your right to compensation if you were the victim in a highway accident. Victims and their families may be entitled to compensatory damages for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, identifying the driver that was at fault and gathering evidence against the negligent party. If you or a loved one was injured in a highway accident, contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation.
