Auto Accidents on California’s Interstate System

When you get behind the wheel in California, you’re surrounded by many beautiful environments, including mountains, beaches, and deserts. Life feels good, and it’s easy to get lost in disbelief that such a paradise exists. However, there are many types of drivers about when you’re traveling the roads, and, quite frankly, some are just not paying attention. Using the national highway system in the Los Angeles metro, which includes Interstates 5, 10, and 15, means you could be stuck hours in traffic and risking your life due to the carelessness of other drivers. If you get in a car accident, you could be seriously injured or killed and there could be a devastating effect on your family. It’s important to learn about your rights as a crash victim if you’ve been involved in one of these auto accidents on California’s interstate systemcto determine if you should pursue a personal injury claim against the defendants in your case.

The Background

California drivers and tourists who visit throughout the year due to the warm climate and popular Hollywood attractions often expect that all motorists on the Interstates will follow the speed limit, which is typically 70 miles per hour. In a perfect world, drivers are always paying attention because they’re ignoring frequent distractions from their cell phones, passengers and pets traveling in their vehicle, and events happening on the highway. These statistics about driving on our Interstates might surprise you:

• One report found that Interstate 5 was the fourth-deadliest highway in the U.S.
• A 2015c report from the Insurance Information Institute found 15 percent of California drivers were uninsured, which is 11 percent lower than the worst state (Florida).

Tips for Driving Safely on the Interstate

Using the Interstate system does not have to claim the lives of you or your loved ones. It’s possible to use these highways for efficient commuting by remembering these safety tips:

• Talk to your boss about changing your work shift.cThis could enable you to use the Interstate system at non-peak times. For example, starting at 7:00 am instead of 8:00 am could get you off the Interstate before most commuters are using it. Then, you could leave work and get home before rush hour in the afternoon.
• Watch your GPS for alerts on accidents and construction zones.cMost sections of the Interstate have an alternate route. A serious accident could shut down the highway for hours, especially to accommodate onlooker delays.
• Pack a cooler with drinks, sandwiches, and snacks.cThen, you can stop at rest areas and minimize stops on the exits.
• Schedule sections of your trip when you’re likely to be tired for non-peak hours.cYou need all of your wits about you on the road.
• Avoid driving late at night and during inclement weather.cIf you must drive at night, travel with at least one other person. This person can talk to you and help you stay awake when the road is dark and less traveled.
• Keep your gas level above half a tank.cIf there is a long traffic delay, worrying about running out of gas could distract you.
• Stop and rest your eyes.cTake a walk. Relieve the stress of being on the road.

For more information about filing a claim for injuries sustained in a California car accident,contact us catcFreeman & Freeman and schedule a free consultation. We help clients in the Los Angeles metro and nearby communities. There is a statute of limitations, which is a time limit on when you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver in a car crash case. Typically, you have onlyctwocyearscto pursue a claim for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We will determine if our dedicated legal team can aggressively pursue your rights under the law.