What is Considered a Highway Auto Accident?
An uninsured driver case involves a car accident in which the at-fault driver has no auto insurance, leading to potential issues with Highway crashes happen anywhere along the interstate, involve at least one vehicle, and result in any of the following:
- injury
- loss of life
- damage to property
These incidents can range from minor fender benders to fatalities. What makes highway crashes unique is the fact that pile-ups are more common when there are so many cars going 75 miles an hour. Auto accidents are a leading cause of death in Arkansas and Oklahoma, some of the biggest offenders being I-40, I-49, and Highway 23. I-40 is a major east-west transcontinental interstate, whereas I-49 runs north-south. Highway 23 is also highly traveled, and these major roads are more susceptible to crashes.
How to Recognize That You Are Not at Fault for a Crash
People come to us worried that they may have done something to cause the accident. We urge you to consider the following:
- Were any laws broken?
- Was the other driver at fault?
- What does the police report say?
- What do the photos of the scene show?
- Was there anyone who saw what happened?
- What is the posted speed limit where the accident occurred?
For example, if the other driver was seen blowing through a red light and hitting you, this is an example in which the crash is not your fault. This can potentially be proven with witness statements.
Steps to Take if You Suspect the Other Driver is at Fault
A commonly asked question is, “What should you do after an auto accident?” Once you’ve received immediate medical attention, follow these steps:
- Call the police.
- Do not admit fault.
- Move to a safe location.
- Gather any evidence you can.
- Speak with an auto accident attorney.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s).
- Stay at the scene if you are medically cleared to do so.
Moving yourself and your vehicle to a safe location is crucial for highway auto accidents to prevent further crashes, injury, or death. This is typically the shoulder of the road, as far from traffic as possible. You may even be able to move it to a parking lot or side street. Turn on your hazards to warn other drivers.
Evidence could include photos, videos, witness statements, surveillance footage, cell phone records, and accident reconstruction reports.
If you suspect the other driver will flee the scene, take down their license plate number, a description of the person, and the make/model/year of the car.
Our Process for Highway Auto Accidents
We help clients by:
- collecting evidence
- protecting your rights
- informing you of next steps
- establishing the other driver’s fault
- negotiating with insurance companies
- suing the responsible party for personal injury
- meeting deadlines, also known as statutes of limitations
- filling out necessary paperwork and representing you legally
We will meet with you for an initial consultation, answer all your questions, and establish a relationship from there. You shouldn’t have to go through this alone. Our lawyers are trained in handling highway and major road accident cases. We’ve got this!
Fair Compensation in Highway Auto Accident Cases
When you’ve undergone an accident, there are so many considerations at play. Victims can be compensated for a variety of damages, including:
- lost wages
- medical bills
- property damage
- pain and suffering
The settlement amount varies on a case-by-case basis depending on the extent of the injuries or vehicle damage, whether or not there was loss of life, the strength of the evidence, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits, and more.
Settlements can range from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s important to speak with an attorney to make sure you are receiving the highest amount possible, especially if:
- the pain persists
- you’ve missed work or school
- the accident involved a commercial vehicle
- The at-fault driver does not have auto insurance
- The other driver refuses to admit liability, or multiple parties are involved
Book a free consultation with us so we can assess your case and whether or not you’ll need a lawyer moving forward.
Common Causes of Highway Auto Accidents
The causes can include human error, but accidents aren’t always caused by human error. Sometimes, people lose control of their vehicles or lose sight of the roads due to factors outside of their control like ice or heavy rain.
Traffic collisions in Arkansas and Oklahoma can occur for many reasons, including:
- drug or alcohol use by the driver
- hills
- curves
- Fatigue
- speeding
- distraction
- impairment
- heavy traffic
- failure to stop
- failure to yield
- roadway design
- inclement weather
- high-speed chases
- vehicle malfunction
- unsafe lane changes
- poor road maintenance
- eating, drinking, or texting
