Freeway Collision Accidents

Arizona Accident Lawyers for Freeway Collisions

With their high speeds and large volume of commercial trucks and other traffic, freeways are among the most dangerous places we drive. Freeway accidents are often more severe than those on surface streets and can result in catastrophic injuries or even death.

If you have been involved in a freeway collision, contact Solomon and Relihan. We are Phoenix injury attorneys with more than 30 years experience helping accident victims in Maricopa County and throughout Arizona.

Causes of Freeway Collisions

Freeways offer a unique set of dangers for motorists, frequently leading to head-on, sideswipe, rear-end, and rollover accidents. Some common causes of freeway accidents include:

• Speeding
• Unsafe lane changes
• Improperly marked construction zones
• Tailgating
• Driving in the gore area (the area between the solid white lines at entrance and exit ramps)
• Vehicles improperly pulled off onto the shoulder of the road
• Debris in the roadway (especially pieces of rubber from tires)

Injuries from Freeway Collisions

The high speeds on freeways can make collisions very dangerous, and can easily cause such injuries as broken bones, whiplash, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis.

What to Do After a Freeway Accident

Many people are unsure about what to do after a freeway collision. If you are in an accident on the freeway, take the following steps:

1. Stop, turn on your emergency flashers, and call the police for assistance. If anyone has been injured, request an ambulance and render what reasonable assistance you can. Be mindful of the traffic--usually the safest course is to keep your seatbelt on and stay inside your vehicle unless it is smoking or on fire.
   
2. You will probably be shaken up or dazed, so take a moment to collect your thoughts and assess the situation. Get out your driver's license, insurance card, and vehicle registration, and make a note of the vehicle's positions, the traffic conditions, and other pertinent facts.
   
3. Move the vehicles to the side of the road only if it can be done safely. If traffic is heavy, waiting for the police to arrive may be best. Putting out warning triangles or cones is a good idea if you have them, but only if you can to so safely. If your car is too damaged to drive, call a towing company.
   
4. Exchange names, addresses, driver's license, and insurance information with the driver of the other car. If possible, copy down everything you can from the other driver's license and insurance card (including the ID number and birthdate), and note the make, the model, and the state and license plate number of the other car. Try to get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of everyone involved in the accident and any witnesses. If you can do so safely, take pictures of the accident scene and the vehicles involved in the accident.
   
5. Try to limit what you say about the accident to the other driver and witnesses, and do not say anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Instead, practice your listening skills and pay careful attention to what the other driver and witnesses say to you.
   
6. Stay at the accident scene until police have told you that you can leave.
   
7. See a doctor, especially if you experience a headache, stiffness, soreness, or pain.

Contact Solomon & Relihan, Arizona Auto Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a freeway collision, you should talk with an experienced attorney. For a free initial consultation with a lawyer, contact our Phoenix law firm by e-mail or by telephone. For your convenience, home and hospital visits are available upon request.