Missouri has the seventh-largest state highway system in the country, with MODOT responsible for 33,814 miles of highway. Kansas City is a busy metropolitan area that borders Missouri and Kansas and is a major transportation hub with numerous highways crisscrossing the region. With this network of highways, Missouri drivers have an increased chance of being involved in a highway crash.
In 2021, there were 80 traffic fatalities in Kansas City. Approximately 37.5% of those crashes happened on highways or interstates. One of the most dangerous highways in the Kansas City area is I-70, which has a crash rate that exceeds the rate on other divided highways in Missouri.
The experienced Kansas City car accident lawyers at Peterson Law Firm have seen what victims face when they’re injured in a highway crash and the life-altering impact it can have on their families. Here, they discuss the common causes of these accidents, how they can affect your life, and why it’s important to call our legal team for help.
Driving Behaviors That Can Cause Highway Accidents
If you suffer injuries in a highway crash, it’s likely the at-fault driver’s negligent behavior caused the accident. If you’re going to pursue a claim for compensation, you’ll need to prove that the driver was negligent, so it’s important to understand some of the negligent driving behaviors that can cause these accidents. Here are a few of the most common causes:
When Drivers Speed
Driving over the speed limit reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to avoid a crash, and the consequences can forever change a victim’s life. Excessive speeding can result in the following:
- Increased chance the driver will lose control of the vehicle
- Increased severity of passenger injuries
- Increased stopping distance after the driver realizes there’s a dangerous situation or road hazard
Additionally, speeding reduces the effectiveness of passenger protection equipment, such as an airbag or a seatbelt. There is an increased force of impact in a speeding crash, and these protective devices may not function the way they’re supposed to.
When you speed, you have less time to react when you’re faced with a risky traffic situation, and that puts all drivers in danger. Speeding when you’re running late or to avoid traffic congestion can create unsafe circumstances and make it more difficult to avoid colliding with another car on the highway.
When Drivers Are Distracted
Distracted driving is a leading cause of Missouri vehicle crashes. MODOT reports that between 2012 and 2021, there were more than 200,000 distracted driving-related crashes across the state.
When you engage in any activity or behavior that takes your attention away from the road, it’s considered distracted driving. And any behavior that is considered a non-driving activity can increase the risk of an accident. Using a cell phone, texting, drinking and eating, using your GPS, or changing the radio can divert your attention from driving. Highway traffic can change quickly, and cars may stop suddenly or move quickly to avoid road debris. If a driver doesn’t see a vehicle entering an intersection because they’re distracted, they may be unable to avoid causing a highway crash.
When Drivers Are Impaired
Impairment can be defined in many ways and is the source of approximately half of all car accidents. There are many types of behaviors that fall into this category, including the following:
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medication
- Driving when you’re tired or drowsy
- Driving while suffering from a medical condition that could impact your ability to drive safely
Impairment does not just affect a driver’s physical capabilities. It also impacts a driver’s cognitive function, especially their decision-making skills. It’s not always obvious when a driver is impaired, but certain kinds of behaviors, such as swerving, failing to maintain their lane, and drifting onto the shoulder, could indicate impairment. When a driver is impaired, it increases the likelihood that they’ll cause a highway accident.
When Drivers Are Reckless
Reckless drivers operate their motor vehicle in a way that shows willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other drivers and/or property. Often, people equate recklessness with road rage, and there are definitely road rage behaviors that can be considered reckless. However, there are other driving behaviors that characterize recklessness, including the following:
- Weaving through traffic and passing other cars in a dangerous manner
- Excessive speeding, particularly in areas with many pedestrians
- Swerving into opposing lanes or driving on sidewalks or pedestrian paths
- Tailgating
- Driving while impaired
Any aggressive driving behavior that puts other highway drivers at risk could be considered reckless driving.
Potential Injuries in a Highway Accident
Highway accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering or even fatal injuries. Some common injuries include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions and brain bleeds
- Broken bones and fractures
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Steps to Take After a Highway Accident in Missouri
If you’re injured in a highway accident, it’s important to take steps that will protect your health and your legal rights. These steps include the following:
- Call 911 if any vehicle passenger or bystander needs medical attention.
- Call law enforcement to report the accident. Be sure to request an official police report.
- Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, as well as any visible injuries.
- Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) and any witnesses.
- Make a doctor appointment, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries don’t present symptoms until days or weeks later.
- Contact our Kansas City car accident lawyers to discuss filing an injury claim and obtaining compensation for your injuries.
Possible Compensation After a Highway Crash
Highway accident victims may face significant financial damages, including the following:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Talk to Peterson Law Firm After Your Highway Accident
The attorneys at Peterson Law Firm understand that a highway accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries, insurance companies, and legal proceedings. Our skilled Kansas City car accident lawyer can offer the following invaluable assistance:
- Gathering evidence and investigating the accident to support your injury claim
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf to secure a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if necessary
- Ensuring that you meet all legal deadlines and requirements
- Advocating for your rights and helping you obtain the compensation you deserve
At the Peterson Law Firm, our experienced team of Kansas City car accident lawyers is dedicated to helping highway accident victims pursue justice and secure the financial resources they need to rebuild their lives. If you were hurt in a highway crash, don't hesitate to contact us. Read our case results to learn how we’ve helped other accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve.
