Highway driving presents a number of dangers that simply are not found on city streets or in the suburbs. First of all, there are far more vehicles on highways. Second, drivers travel at higher speeds, making auto accidents on the highway much more dangerous. If a collision occurs, the injuries can be severe and even fatal. The law firm of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help.
Let’s take a moment to consider the dangers of highway collisions. We will then cover how our attorneys can help clients in their time of need.
Statistics on Highway Auto Accidents
Looking at 2015 statistics from the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Highway Safety Office, there were a total of 60,012 motor vehicle crashes. These collisions involved 151,237 people. Of these total crash numbers, there were 258 fatal collisions. These fatal accidents claimed 278 lives.
It’s also worth noting that collisions on rural highways can be quite harrowing. Emergency personnel may require additional time to get to an accident scene. Delays in urgent medical attention could mean all the difference between life and death.
Potential Causes of Highway Auto Accidents
There are many different potential causes of highway auto accidents. These include the following:
- Excessive Speed – When people driver faster than the posted speed limit, they run a much higher risk of striking other drivers and losing control of their own vehicle.
- Reckless Driving – Constant lane changes, erratic driving, and other risky behaviors on the highway can lead to major single-vehicle and multi-vehicle accidents.
- Drunk Driving – If you drive while you are drunk or under the influence of other controlled substances, this can affect your decision-making and motor skills.
- Driver Fatigue – Driving while you are sleepy can be just as bad as driving while drunk. If you are drowsy, be sure to rest rather than stay on the road.
- Texting While Driving – Texting while driving distracts your attention. With your eyes off the road at highway speeds, you can cover the length of a football field in just a matter of seconds.
- Poor Road Conditions – When a road has debris in it, lacks proper lane markers, has obscured signs, or is otherwise unsafe, accidents are more likely to happen.
- Inclement Weather – When it’s raining or snowing, the roads are slick. Drivers are more likely to lose control even if they are being safe.
- Vehicle Defects and Malfunctions – Sometimes automakers or makers of auto parts make dangerous products that fail while in use. These defects can lead to serious collisions.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Following a major collision, our attorneys can help you seek damages to cover medical expenses, damage to your vehicle, lost wages, and more. In the case of the death of a loved one, we can seek damages for funerary expenses as well as emotional pain and suffering.
While we focus on legal matters and offer expert counsel, you and the people you love can focus on each other and what is necessary as you move forward in life.
Contact the Attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton
For more information about your legal options following a serious motor vehicle collision, we encourage you to contact our team of injury attorneys today. The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton will help you and your loved ones in their time of legal need.