This interstate runs north to south through the entire state of Washington and, in 2022, saw 45 fatal crashes.
Unfortunately, highway accidents are common in and around Seattle. They lead to hundreds of thousands of injuries and fatalities each year.
While I-5 saw the deadliest accidents, it is not the only problematic road in and around Seattle. Others include Interstate 90, Interstate 97, and U.S. Highway 101.
At Bernard Law Group, our Seattle car accident attorneys have seen the effects of these incidents firsthand. We are here to help accident victims seek justice and compensation if their accident resulted from someone else’s negligence.
Common Causes of Highway Accidents in Seattle
Most accidents are sudden, happening in the blink of an eye. While there, some causes of these accidents are more common than others.
Weather and Visibility Challenges
One of Seattle’s most pervasive factors contributing to highway accidents is the city’s notorious weather. Frequent rain and fog create slick road surfaces and reduce visibility, challenging even the most experienced drivers.
These conditions necessitate slower speeds and increased following distances, precautions not always observed, leading to collisions. The persistent wet weather, especially during the fall and winter, significantly raises the risk of hydroplaning, where vehicles lose traction and slide uncontrollably.
Congested Traffic and Aggressive Driving
Seattle’s highways often face heavy congestion, particularly during peak travel times. The resulting stop-and-go traffic can frustrate drivers, leading to aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, abrupt lane changes, and tailgating.
These actions increase the risk of rear-end collisions and create unsafe conditions that can lead to multi-vehicle pile-ups. Aggressive driving in congested conditions leaves little room for error and significantly contributes to the frequency of highway accidents.
Distracted Driving
Despite widespread awareness campaigns and legal prohibitions, distracted driving remains a leading cause of highway accidents in Seattle. Using smartphones, navigation systems, and other electronic devices diverts attention from the road, delaying reaction times to the dynamic highway environment.
Distracted drivers are less likely to notice slowdowns, stopped traffic, or the sudden appearance of hazards, leading to accidents that could have been avoided with full attention on driving.
Construction Zones and Poor Road Conditions
Seattle’s continuous growth and infrastructure development make highway construction zones common. These areas often have altered traffic patterns, reduced lanes, and uneven road surfaces, confusing drivers and leading to accidents.
Additionally, parts of Seattle’s highway system are plagued by potholes and uneven pavement, further challenging driver control and vehicle stability, thereby increasing the likelihood of accidents.
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How to Prove Liability After a Seattle Highway Accident?
After a highway accident, you may be unsure what to do. At Bernard Law Group, our highway accident lawyers are ready to step in and help.
We will take over the legal proceedings to help prove liability in your case.
Some necessary steps to take and things to do after an accident include the following:
Gathering Evidence at the Scene
One of the initial steps in proving liability after a Seattle highway accident is to gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. This includes taking photographs of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, any visible injuries, and road conditions that may have contributed to the accident. It’s also critical to collect contact information from witnesses and other drivers involved. This evidence can be crucial in reconstructing the accident and demonstrating who was at fault.
Police Reports and Official Records
Obtaining a copy of the police report is another essential step in proving liability. Police officers responding to the accident compile a report that includes details of the incident, witness statements, and, in many cases, an initial assessment of fault.
This report can be a valuable piece of evidence when making a claim. Additionally, seeking out any available traffic camera footage or road maintenance reports can provide further proof of the conditions leading to the accident.
Consulting with Experts
In some cases, proving liability may require the insight of accident reconstruction experts or specialists in vehicle dynamics. These professionals can analyze the evidence, including the damage to the vehicles and the accident scene, to offer an expert opinion on how the accident occurred and who was at fault. Their testimonies can be particularly persuasive in complex cases where fault is not immediately apparent.
Legal Representation
They can also help identify and articulate Washington state’s laws pertaining to the accident, ensuring that all steps are taken to prove liability.
Comparative Negligence in Washington State
It is important to remember that Washington operates under a comparative negligence system. This means that if both parties are found to be at fault to some degree, the compensation may be reduced accordingly.
Therefore, demonstrating the degree of the other party’s fault becomes a critical aspect of securing compensation for damages and injuries.
Contact Our Office for Help and Information
If you were involved in a Seattle highway accident, contact our office. We offer free, no-risk, no-obligation consultations to discuss your claim.
