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    Hammond Interstate Accident Lawyer

    Car accidents on the highway or interstate can be some of the most severe. This is primarily due to higher speeds involved, and if a motorist becomes distracted or drivers while intoxicated, the results can be devastating. If you have suffered injuries in a car crash on a major roadway, speak with a Hammond interstate accident lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled car wreck attorney can help you navigate the claims process and pursue compensation on your behalf.

    How Do Accidents Happen on Major Highways?

    One of the most major roadways in Hammond is the intersection of Interstate 55 and Interstate 12. Another would be US Highway 51, which runs north and south through the city. Accidents on these major roadways typically occur when a motorist makes an improper lane change or when they merge onto the interstate unsafely. For instance, one vehicle may be in a motorist’s blind spot, causing them to side-swipe another driver. Adverse weather may also cause motorists to get into accidents on the highway if they are traveling too fast for the conditions, causing them to hydroplane.

    Unfortunately, these deadly accidents may occur when someone chooses to get behind the wheel when impaired by drugs or alcohol or feeling fatigued. In these situations, a driver may cross over into oncoming traffic, causing serious wrecks. Violating traffic laws may also cause a serious wreck on a major roadway.

    The highways are designed for safe travel within the speed limit, and if someone is speeding, they have less opportunity to observe an obstruction in the roadway ahead. Therefore, a vehicle in distress may be an obstacle to oncoming traffic. A Hammond attorney with experience in interstate accident cases can assist an injured party in holding a negligent driver accountable for their reckless actions.

    What to Do Following an Interstate Car Wreck

    When involved in an accident on the highway, all passengers and drivers involved should seek medical attention immediately by calling emergency responders and the police. Once someone contacts law enforcement, everyone should stand away from the vehicles, as there may be a danger of another car striking it.

    The interstate is a closed access system such that police or emergency personnel may have to enter the interstate a distance away. Therefore, it may take an extended period of time to get to the scene of the accident due to a lack of exit or entrance ramps. When the police arrive on the scene, they can assist the injured party in making an accident report.

    Law enforcement may take photographs of any skid marks, the vehicles, and get contact information from all individuals at the scene of the accident. It is important to note that the state police may exclusively investigate accidents that take place on the interstate.

    One of the most important steps after a car wreck is to reach out to a Hammond interstate accident attorney. They can help an injured party file a claim for damages and be an advocate throughout the legal process.

    What Role Does Speed Have in Highway Accidents?

    As a Hammond highway accident lawyer could attest to, one of the main differences between a car crash on a major highway and a standard street would be speed. On the interstate, vehicles are traveling at higher speeds up to 70 miles per hour. A collision between two vehicles both traveling at a high rate of speed, may cause severe injuries to the occupants in both vehicles.

    High speeds may also cause a vehicle to flip over in the event of a collision, which results in serious damage to the vehicles and their passengers. When a car rolls over, occupants who do not have their seatbelts on or motorists who have defective safety features may be thrown from the vehicle.

    Individuals involved in a crash should move away for the accident to ensure that they are safe from oncoming vehicles traveling at high speeds. These motorists may not anticipate traveling past an accident, and therefore, may not have time to stop to avoid it.

    Contact a Hammond Interstate Accident Attorney

    After an accident on a major roadway, you may feel unsure about your next steps. Fortunately, a Hammond interstate accident lawyer could lift some of the burdens off of your shoulders by helping you file a civil claim for damages. An attorney can guide you throughout the process and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. To get started on your case, call today.