Navigating Car Accidents on Charlotte’s Interstates: I-77, I-85, I-485

If you are navigating car accidents on Charlotte’s Interstates, I-77, I-85, and I-485, it can be challenging to know how to respond and react. The car accident lawyers from DAS Law Group, P.A. know how important it is to not only engage in preventative efforts to avoid these interstate accidents but also to know how to respond if, in fact, you are unfortunately impacted by this type of accident.

How to Respond After a Car Accident on the Interstate

Car accidents on the interstate can be especially damaging and daunting because of the dangerous conditions of busy roads that are packed with large and fast-moving vehicles. If you are involved in an accident on one of Charlotte’s interstates, it is essential that you understand how to respond to first ensure your safety and the safety of others involved in the accident, avoid any additional damage from oncoming traffic, and receive the proper support needed.

Below is a suggestion of how to respond in a car accident on the interstate with a high focus on safety and setting yourself up well to receive compensation for your injuries and damages:

• Move to a Safe Location: As soon as possible, try to move to a safe location. This may include moving your vehicle to the shoulder of the road or to the nearest exit. Staying in busy traffic lanes on the interstate can put you and others at further risk. Use your vehicle’s hazard lights to alert oncoming drivers about the accident. Take time to check yourself and others for any serious injuries.
• Contact Local Emergency Services: If there are injuries, call local emergency medical support immediately. Even if the injuries seem minor, it is helpful to receive a physical evaluation as some symptoms may show up later. Contact local law enforcement to report the accident, especially in the event that there are injuries and damages involved in the accident. A police report is often a necessary piece of evidence in receiving compensation for your losses.
• Gather Contact Information: Before you leave the accident scene, gather contact information from the other drivers, passengers, eyewitnesses, and police officers involved in the accident. Names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance company names and policy numbers, license plate numbers, and other relevant information can be helpful.
• Document the Accident Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene that show vehicle damage, visible injuries, the surrounding area, skid marks, traffic signs, license plates of involved vehicles, and weather conditions.

After you have completed the above steps and received the necessary medical care, it is vital to take the next steps by contacting your insurance company and meeting with a car accident lawyer to ensure the claims and legal process are initiated in a timely manner. There may be time limitations for filing claims, so you don’t want to delay the process.

Tips to Minimize Interstate Accidents

While accidents can happen at any time, regardless of preventative action, it is vital to ensure that you are taking proactive steps to operate vehicles on the interstate safely and help avoid accidents.

Below are simple but vital tips to help reduce accidents on interstates:

• Obey Speed Limits
• Maintain a Safe Following Distance
• Use Turn Signals
• Check for Blind Spots
• Avoid Distractions
• Stay Aware and Alert of Other Drivers
• Maintain Your Vehicle
• Stay in Your Lane
• Adjust Driving to Weather Conditions

Interstate highways generally mean increased speeds and traffic. Be mindful while operating your vehicle, especially on these roadways, as accidents here can be especially devastating, leading to serious injuries and damages.

FAQs

Q: Is Traffic in Charlotte, NC, Bad?

A: Yes, traffic in Charlotte, NC, can be very congested, especially during rush hour when many residents are commuting to and from work. The city has grown rapidly in recent years, which has contributed to an increase in traffic. If you are navigating the roads of Charlotte, NC, it is ideal to avoid high traffic times and heavy traffic to decrease the chance of an accident.

Q: How Many Car Accidents Happen in Charlotte, NC?

A: There were over 125,000 crashes in Charlotte, NC, between January 2021 through December 2023, which is relatively high in a city with this population. There are many factors that may influence this high number of accidents, including the city’s rapid growth in population. If you can avoid travel during peak times, it is recommended to reduce your chances of being involved in a car accident.

Q: How Can I Find Out About Local Car Accidents?

A: There are several ways to stay informed on local car accidents, including reviewing local news outlets and using traffic apps like Waze and Google Maps. You might also consider consulting the local police department’s Twitter account, listening to local traffic radio stations, and staying up to date on social media, where traffic reports are frequently updated and reported.

Q: Is It Hard to Drive in Charlotte, NC?

A: It may be hard to drive in Charlotte, NC, depending on your level of experience driving in the city. Charlotte can be challenging for drivers who are unfamiliar with navigating high traffic, especially on major highways like I-77, I-85, and I-485. Motorists who are new to the area may want to travel these routes during non-peak hours until they are more acquainted with these interstates.

Q: Are Car Accidents Worse on the Interstate?

A: Yes, car accidents on the interstate may be worse and more severe than on local roads because of the high traffic speeds, larger number of vehicles on the road, and the presence of large vehicles like semi-trucks. If you are involved in a car accident on the interstate, it is vital that you move to a safe area, like the side of the road, to avoid placing yourself in the line of additional danger.

Speak with a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been impacted by an accident on one of Charlotte’s interstates, it is time to reach out and get the legal support you need and deserve. Set up an initial consultation with us today. The team at DAS Law Group, P.A. can help you understand your legal rights and what options you have for recovering your losses associated with the accident.