Getting on the highway is a fact of life for many Laredo motorists, but that doesn’t mean it’s always safe. Highway car accidents happen all too often, and they have the potential to alter lives forever. This is why it’s so important to drive defensively on the highway.
Why do highway car accidents happen?
- Speeding and reckless driving: Texas highways are built for speed, but only up to a reasonable point. When motorists drive excessively fast, they can have difficulty avoiding hazards or may lose control, causing devastating high-speed crashes.
- Asleep at the wheel: Tired motorists can be dangerous on the highway because they often nod off at full speed and may not hit the brakes before impact. Falling asleep at the wheel is especially deadly on non-divided highways like US-59 and TX-359 that have no medians, as a fatigued driver can easily drift into the oncoming lane.
- Distracted driving: You’d think motorists would at least pay attention when traveling at highway speeds, but the truth is that the design of our highways can lull people into a false sense of security. Some drivers think nothing of using their phones to take pictures or taking their eyes off the road to look at a crash (rubbernecking). The result is often a serious wreck.
- Mechanical issues: A poorly maintained vehicle may be able to limp along at lower speeds on local roads, only to run into problems at highway speeds. Tire blowouts and failing brakes are unfortunately common and have the potential to cause severe crashes.
What injuries are common in highway accidents?
Nearly any injury can occur in an accident on the highway, but some are more common than others. Some of the hazards of highway driving include:
- Broken legs: The femur (upper leg) and fibula (lower leg) are two of the strongest bones in the body, but they can be broken if the body of a car crumples around them. This often happens in highway accidents that occur at high speed.
- Arm and wrist injuries: At the moment of impact, force is transferred into the driver’s hands, wrists and arms through the steering wheel, potentially breaking bones and damaging muscles and tendons.
- Brain injuries: When a car is hit with force, the head can be violently jerked back and forth, which has the potential to cause a concussion. More severe brain injuries can be sustained in highway accidents when the head strikes the steering wheel, a window, or the dashboard with force.
- Back and chest injuries: Damage to the midsection often occurs when the body is pressed against the seatbelt upon impact. The driver may also sustain a chest injury, such as broken ribs, on impact with the steering wheel.
Serious accidents demand serious representation
When you’re injured in a high-speed crash on the highway, you need an attorney who will act fast to build a strong case on your behalf. The insurance companies have lawyers, adjusters and investigators protecting their interests. By putting experience on your side, you can level the playing field and fight for the full compensation you need for all your injuries.
In short, you need to make John R. Solis, Attorney at Law your first call. We’d be honored to meet with you for a free consultation. Contact us today.