Though interstates offer a lot of advantages when traveling, the same attributes that make them so convenient can also make them more deadly than other roads. Accidents on these high-speed roads can cause life-changing accidents that have long-ranging consequences.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an interstate auto accident in Bridgeport, reach out to an experienced accident attorney so that you can learn about your rights and work to choose a legal path that will best help you and your family move on from the accident. Bert McDowell Injury Law is here for you and your family during this difficult time.
Contact us to schedule a free case review by calling (203) 590-9169 or filling out our online contact form. We are looking forward to hearing from you and working to help you move forward with your life.
An Experienced Bridgeport Interstate Accident Attorney
Being injured in an interstate auto accident can obviously be a terrible disruption to your life. It can be tempting to try to settle with the insurance company so that you can get some money to help pay bills and move on with your life.
However, unfortunately, settling for the first offer is rarely the best course of action to take.
Insurance companies are, at the end of the day, companies. This means they will try to give you the least amount of compensation possible to protect their bottom lines, with no regard for how your life will be affected.
Trying to figure out where to start when seeking compensation can feel confusing and difficult, but accident attorneys are here for you and your family. After you schedule your free consultation with us, an attorney from Bert McDowell Injury Law will listen to the details of your case and work to devise a legal strategy that gives you the best chance at receiving the compensation you need to recover.
Your attorney will help you investigate the circumstances of the accident, accurately value all damages, identify liable parties, and then represent you throughout the claims negotiation stages. If you are unable to reach a reasonable settlement offer, we can help you file a lawsuit and potentially even take your case to court.
We are prepared to leverage our knowledge and experience in order to do whatever it takes to seek compensation for the damages you have suffered.
What Are Some Common Dangers on Interstates?
Some common dangers on interstate roads may include:
High Speed Travel
Speed limits on interstates are often significantly higher than on other roads around town. While this enables people to travel from place to place more quickly, it can also mean that accidents are more likely to happen and are more likely to be more serious.
When vehicles are traveling at high rates of speed, it can take them longer to slow down or stop than when traveling more slowly. Couple fast speeds with drivers who are distracted or driving in a reckless way, and the chance of a serious accident occurring grows almost exponentially.
Worst of all, high speeds can make accidents worse, often affecting multiple vehicles and resulting in more serious injuries.
Entering and Exiting the Roadway
Accidents can occur when drivers entering the interstate misjudge the distance between themselves and another vehicle, which could cause a collision or force another driver to swerve into a different lane. Additionally, cars can cause accidents when speeding through an exit or trying to get into the exit lane at the last minute.
Commercial Vehicles
As interstates are typically the most convenient way to travel long distances, it makes sense that most commercial vehicles would choose to travel those routes. Drivers of commercial vehicles are often on a time crunch and may not be resting or sleeping as much as they should be, which could increase the chance of accidents.
Additionally, the trucks they drive are generally larger and heavier than the vehicles around them, which can cause slower stop times. There is also a risk that the cargo has not been properly secured, which can cause obstacles to appear on the road or even a direct collision with another vehicle.
Distracted Drivers
Many people who travel on interstates are traveling long distances and may have the goal of arriving at their destination as soon as possible. While the motive may be understandable, the outcome is that tired, distracted, or otherwise impaired drivers make the roads more dangerous for everyone.
Drivers using phones, driving while under the influence, or driving while fatigued contribute to many of the accidents that occur on interstates in Bridgeport and other places around Connecticut.
Congestion
Even though accidents that occur in congestion are typically not caused by high rates of speed, they can still cause significant damage. Heavy traffic causes the rates of accidents to increase, no matter the speed.
According to TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit, Connecticut is ranked 8th in the country for the amount of congestion on its interstates. This congestion significantly contributes to the rates of accidents in Connecticut.
What Are Common Injuries From Interstate Accidents?
The main danger of interstate accidents is the speed at which the vehicles are traveling. Some common injuries that occur as a result of high-speed accidents include:
If you have been in an interstate accident, it is of utmost importance that you seek medical assistance as soon as you are able. Medical professionals have a lot of experience with car accidents and will be able to check you for injuries you may not even know that you have.
Some injuries take hours or days to make themselves known, and the sooner you can address those, the better.
Additionally, seeing a doctor after your accident helps tie your injuries to the accident, as the doctor will make a record of your injuries. If there is no documentation that proves that your injuries occurred as a result of the accident, the liable driver or their insurance company could argue that those injuries had occurred prior to the accident and that they should not be held liable for them.
Seeking medical care after an accident is one of the best things you can do for yourself, both in terms of your health as well as your future.
What Damages Can I Seek From My Interstate Accident?
If you have been injured in a car accident that you are not liable for, you are entitled to seek compensation from the liable party or their insurance company. However, trying to calculate the amount of damages to seek can be a daunting task and one that an experienced interstate accident attorney can help you with.
When trying to determine the amount of compensation you should ask for, your attorney will look at your expenses in two different categories: economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are expenses that are easy to determine, often because these expenses will be concrete.
Some examples of economic damages you may consider are:
- Hospital and other medical bills, both current and future
- Prescription costs
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- In-home care
- Transportation costs
- Property damages
- Lost wages
- Diminished future earning
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are those costs that do not have a price tag. These can be difficult to determine, and having an experienced attorney can really come in handy.
Some examples of non-economic damages are:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
As you can see, there are numerous factors to consider when trying to determine the final number you should ask for when seeking compensation for your accidents. It is difficult for someone to do this on their own.
Instead, an accident attorney works on these cases daily and can ensure that you are asking for enough money to help cover every cost you will incur as a result of your accident.
Bridgeport Interstate Accident Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Bridgeport interstate accident, the injuries can be devastating. When you are ready, reach out to a Bridgeport personal injury law firm with experience in fighting for victims of interstate accidents.
Bert McDowell Injury Law is here for you and will work tirelessly to ensure that you have the best chance of receiving the compensation to which you are entitled. Don’t try to do this on your own — Attorney Bert McDowell and the other professionals at Bert McDowell Injury Law are eagerly awaiting your call!
Call us today at (203) 590-9169 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We will listen to your stories and use the details from your accident to help build your case.
We can also investigate the accident, act as a liaison for you with whatever insurance companies are involved in your case, and ensure that all the details are taken care of, all while you focus on resting and recovering from your accident.
When you are ready, Bring on Bert!
(203) 690-1030
