Freeway Accidents

San Diego has a wide array of freeways and highways encompassing more than 300 miles of roadway. Our San Diego car accident lawyers have handled many freeway accident cases arising from crashes on these roads. San Diego’s interstate freeways include Interstate 5, which runs the length of the county; Interstate 8 which runs east to Imperial County; Interstate 15, which runs northeast; and Interstate 805, which forks from I-5 at Sorrento Valley and continues south to the Mexican border. There are also several state routes including SR 78 in North County, which runs from Oceanside to Escondido; SR 94, which connects downtown with the 805; SR 52, from La Jolla to East County; SR 56, running from Carmel Valley and Rancho Penasquitos; and SR 163, which connects downtown with the northeast part of the city and is San Diego’s oldest freeway.

With over 80% of San Diego residents using a car as their main mode of transportation, and considering that drivers travel thousands of miles each day on our freeways, there are bound to be accidents. Our freeway systems are extremely busy and the CHP reports that there are often over 800 accidents a month. While there can be several factors that cause freeway accidents, most are due to driver error. Excessive speed, driving under the influence, and not wearing a seatbelt are the primary causes of freeway fatalities.

Speeding was considered a factor in 28% of all traffic deaths and most 15 to 20-year old male drivers involved in a fatal accident were speeding at the time of the crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that speed-related car accidents cost Americans $40.4 billion annually. As of 2014, 41 states had a top speed limit of at least 70 MPH on some highways (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).

While many North County residents believe SR 78 to be the most dangerous freeway in the County, and even though traffic fatalities have been increasing on the 78, according to the CHP Interstate 8 was the site of the most freeway traffic fatalities.

To stay safe while travelling on our County’s freeways, the California DMV recommends entering freeways at or near the speed of traffic and leaving a gap of at least 4 seconds between you and the other vehicle. Also, be aware of vehicles around you by using your mirrors and looking over your shoulder before changing lanes. If you need to cross several freeway lanes, cross them one at a time.

If you or a loved one has been in a freeway accident of any kind, Walton Law Firm can help. Attorney Randy Walton has represented many people injured on San Diego freeways, and he can assist you in reaching a settlement with the other party’s insurance company, or represent you in a lawsuit against the negligent driver. As a victim, you are entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, car damage, lost wages, pain, suffering and inconvenience, and you can retain an attorney to help you pursue this compensation.

Our firm has successfully represented individuals and families who have been victims of all types of car accidents for 20 years. We would be happy to provide a free consultation with a lawyer to discuss your accident, and will provide an honest evaluation of your case, and let you know whether you even need to hire lawyer. Or, if you prefer, you can submit a confidential question online. You can reach us at 866-607-1325 or locally in North County San Diego at 760-571-5500.