Interstates simplify traveling for people who need to travel over long distances and don’t want to deal with back roads, stop lights, and the slow speed limits that one would find traveling through towns. But interstates are also areas that can be dangerous—with many drivers going at around 65 mph at a given moment, any accident can be deadly. If you or a loved one has been in a crash, a Little Rock interstate accident lawyer from McMath Woods P.A. can offer legal options.
We will fight for your rights to fair compensation. We understand how a serious accident can upend your life—between injuries, medical expenses, and missing work, filing for a car accident claim may be the last thing on your mind.
McMath Woods P.A. will do everything possible to investigate your case. We will look at the scene of the accident, medical records, and other evidence that will help prove that you were wrongfully injured. We will hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions.
A Closer Look at Arkansas Highway Safety Trends
As Arkansas citizens, it’s important to know the facts about the interstates and highways within the state. The Arkansas Highway Safety Improvement Program 2017 Annual Report takes a look at past highway data in terms of fatal accidents and accidents that cause injuries. The report shows the following from 2015:
- 531 fatalities
- 3,594 serious injuries
- 1,520 fatality rate per HMVMT (hundred million vehicle miles traveled)
- 10,310 serious injury rate per HMVMT
- On a five-year average, there were 28.4 fatalities and 194.6 serious injuries on urban principal arterial interstates.
While the state is taking measures to reduce the number of interstate crashes, you still should know what to do if you’re ever in that situation. After an accident, it’s vital to get in touch with a Little Rock car accident lawyer.
Let’s look at specific highways that have more crash incidents in Arkansas.
Dangerous Highways in Arkansas
There are a couple of roads in Arkansas that drivers should be aware of because there tend to be more accidents on these roads. It’s imperative to be alert and cautious at all times while driving. Interstate 30 has had severe accidents. Just last May, there was a major crash that involved three trucks. Another road you should know about is the US-65 highway. On this road, there are about 14 fatal accidents each year. There have been 143 crashes and 120 fatalities total on this road.
What’s Putting Drivers in Danger on Arkansas Highways?
One of the most common vehicles to encounter on a highway is a truck. These big rigs are usually hauling cargo across the country. Because of their increased size and weight, a truck accident is usually more severe and can cause devastating injuries.
In 2017, the Arkansas State Police have been working to stop drivers with unsecured loads. Tractor-trailers with unsecured loads are a major threat to drivers because the driver can lose control of the vehicle or the debris can fall off the truck and into the road. If a 20-pound object falls from a vehicle that’s traveling 55 mph, it creates the force of 1,000 pounds on impact.
In the past four years, more than 200,000 crashes happened because of road debris. Between 2011 and 2014, those accidents caused about 500 deaths and 39,000 injuries. Drivers deserve to know that the trucks around them have secured their cargo. The Arkansas State Troopers have stated the following guidelines to help prevent losing cargo or debris:
- Secure cargo with rope or netting.
- Large objects should be tied directly to the vehicle.
- The entire load should be covered with tarp or netting.
- The cargo should be evenly distributed, and the weight shouldn’t be over the capacity.
- After doing the above, double check before leaving.
Since 2013, the Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division has issued over 700 citations for vehicles that had unsecured loads or had debris spill onto the road.
If your accident was caused because of debris left in the road or it fell off a vehicle in front of you, the interstate accident lawyers at McMath Woods P.A. can look into your case and help you get the justice you deserve.
How Can a Little Rock Interstate Accident Lawyer Help You?
When you’re trying to settle your claim, insurance adjusters may call you and try to get you to settle early. While this may seem like a good option, so you can be done with the claims process, you may be settling for less than you deserve. It may take time for you to understand the extent of your injuries. If you settle before another injury presents symptoms, you may not be able to receive compensation to treat it.
Your lawyer will be able to advise you on how to speak with insurance adjusters, so you don’t jeopardize your claim. We will determine what your fair compensation should be and will fight so you get the settlement you need. You can recover without stressing about finances. To get started on your case, give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.
