In a collision with a large commercial vehicle, the odds are against the occupants of a car or small truck. The loss of property, and more importantly, to human life, can be catastrophic from these types of collisions. If you have been injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle, contact our firm to learn more about your legal options.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dangerous Highways
Q: What should I do after a highway accident?
A: First, you should move your vehicle to a safe location near the scene, if possible. Determine any injuries that you or other car occupants have. Get critical information from the other driver like his or her name, phone number, address and insurance information. Call police and, if necessary, an ambulance. If you have a camera, take pictures of the scene. Contact your insurance agent to notify them of the accident. You may want to contact an attorney.
Q: When should I file a lawsuit after a highway accident?
A: Every state has statutes of limitations — these statutes create mandatory deadlines for personal injury lawsuits and other types of suits. Additionally, other deadlines may apply if your case involves claims against state or federal government units or agencies. You should talk with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to determine the deadlines that apply.
Dangerous Highways - Overview
Americans have had a love affair with the automobile since its invention over a century ago. Most Americans have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles to visit other parts of the United States on cross-country road trips, family vacations, and other journeys. And as communities have grown larger, urban sprawl has forced commuters to join their ranks on the highways to get to their workplaces. Commercial transportation has increasingly relied on the interstate highway system rather than rail or freight to move goods from one place to another. This congestion has contributed to dangerous highways that cause serious accidents.
A personal injury attorney from The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. in Saint Louis, MO, can inform you of your options for compensation for your injuries and losses from a motor vehicle accident. If you were injured or lost a family member in a highway accident, call The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. today.
Dangerous Drivers on the Road
As the average American faces increasing pressures to do more in less time for family members, work commitments and education, the hectic pace of life has spilled on to our nation's streets and highways. Each day, drivers face dangers from other drivers who may be inattentive, aggressive, speeding, using cell phones or other communication devices, driving under the influence or while tired, inexperienced or unable to react to unexpected dangers and obstacles. These drivers can cause or contribute to serious or even fatal motor vehicle accidents.
Defective Road Design and Conditions
The National Highway System comprises over 160,000 miles of highway, which accounts for only four percent of the nation's roads. As this labyrinth of roads has aged, it requires tremendous effort to maintain and upgrade the highway system for safety. The United States Department of Transportation, along with its counterpart state agencies, and advisory organizations have analyzed data related to motor vehicle accidents to pinpoint critical areas for improvement. Findings by the Federal Highway Administration have highlighted lane departures, traffic congestion and pedestrian safety as priorities to decrease fatalities and severe injuries on our nation's roads.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself on the Road?
Driver error was the cause or a contributing factor in many automobile accidents according to a spokesperson of the Office of Safety Research and Development, a department of the Federal Highway Administration. For that reason alone, each driver must take into account their actions on the road to avoid motor vehicle accidents and protect themselves in case of a crash.
What New Measures can Increase Highway Safety?
Faced with urban sprawl, long-distance commutes, and more work and family obligations, Americans spend more time on the road than ever. Federal and state governments also face increased pressures to maintain and improve aging infrastructure. Highway safety and efficiency are necessary, but competing, priorities. As studies on highway and street risks are completed, state and federal agencies are rolling out new measures to make our roads safer while still promoting efficient use of the roads.
Dangerous Highways Resource Links
Office of Highway Safety--Federal Administration/Department of Transportation
National highway safety statistic and safety information from government agency committed to reducing roadway related fatalities and injuries.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety/Highway Loss Data Institute
Original home of the crash test dummies, this combined site provides automobile safety and highway loss information.
Roadway Safety Foundation
A national organizations solely dedicated to reducing highway deaths and injuries by improving the design and engineering, operating conditions, removal of roadside hazards, and the effective use of safety features on America's roadways.
