Vancouver, WA, is a large city that has certain areas where drivers are more at risk, a popular example of this being Interstate 5 & Mill Plain Blvd. This is an intersection where left-turn crashes are incredibly common, posing a significant risk to drivers.
If you are the victim of a left-turn crash at this intersection, you may want to file a personal injury claim against the other driver. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of car accident lawyers has handled hundreds of car accident cases in Vancouver, WA, helping victims get the compensation they need.
Keep reading to find out why these Vancouver, WA, intersections are so dangerous and how you can be safe when navigating them.
Why Does Interstate 5 and Mill Plain Blvd Have Such a High Accident Rate?
Vancouver‘s Interstate 5 and Mill Plain Blvd have both garnered quite a reputation for being intersections where car accidents are incredibly common. Many of these accidents are caused by human error, as drivers are not as cautious as they should be. The leading causes of accidents in these areas are distracted driving, misjudging oncoming traffic, and making aggressive turns.
Like many areas in Vancouver, these intersections are also very busy, especially during high traffic hours of the day. This adds it to how dangerous these intersections are as there is more traffic and drivers are more on edge. Drivers also have to be aware of pedestrians who are also going through these intersections.
Repercussions of Interstate 5 and Mill Plain Blvd Crashes
Even mild left-turn crashes can result in substantial damage and injuries to everyone who is involved. Because this is a high traffic area, there is a greater risk of more substantial accidents as more vehicles could be involved.
These car accidents often result in minor and severe bodily injuries, and some have even resulted in fatalities. This includes drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who may have been involved in the accident.
Left-turn accident damage can also impact vehicle‘s, making it even more necessary that you receive compensation to cover your expenses. When filing a left-turn accident claim, who’s at fault will have a big impact. That is why it is highly recommended that you hire a Vancouver left-turn accident attorney to represent your case and gather evidence in your favor.
How to Stay Safe When Driving in Vancouver, WA
If you are going to be driving through Vancouver‘s Interstate 5 or Mill Plain Blvd, there are certain things you need to know. These intersections can be incredibly hazardous, especially if other drivers are not being cautious. Although you cannot control how other drivers on the road behave, you can take some precautions to protect yourself when you are in these areas.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you can try to avoid dangerous intersections where you may be at risk. Things like Google Maps, GPS, and navigation apps can help you find alternate roads to get you to your destination without going through certain intersections.
Remove Distractions
One of the main causes of left-turn crashes at these intersections is due to drivers not paying attention to the road due to other distractions. The best way to avoid a left-turn car accident is to always be aware of your surroundings and the other vehicles that are passing. Intersections are tricky, and you should be especially focused on the road when you are at these locations.
Avoid using your phone for any reason other than an emergency and avoid programming things like your radio or GPS until you are in a safe location. Also, avoid eating while you are driving as this hinders you from having full control over the vehicle. Keep both hands on the wheel and have anyone else in the vehicle remain quiet until you are through the intersection.
Be Cautious of Turns
Many drivers may get into a left-turn crash with vehicles passing on the left simply because they misjudged oncoming traffic or failed to double-check. These are easy mistakes to make even if you are a very good driver, so you need to be especially cautious of left turns.
Check for traffic multiple times before proceeding, and when you do proceed, make sure you are going at a reasonable speed. Vehicles can come out of nowhere, so you want to always stay aware of oncoming traffic.
Don’t Rush
Even though you don’t want to hold up traffic, you should never rush when you are driving, especially in areas like Interstate 5 and Mill Plain Blvd. Aggressive turns can result in left-turn crashes involving other vehicles and even pedestrians. If you don’t feel comfortable making that left turn, wait until you have more room to go when you don’t have to rush.
Why Hire a Vancouver Left-Turn Accident Attorney?
If you are the victim of a left-turn crash at Vancouver’s Interstate 5 or Mill Plain Blvd, you need to hire a left-turn accident lawyer. A car accident lawyer will help you gather evidence to showcase who’s at fault for a left-turn accident so that you can get the compensation you deserve.
A lawyer will help you build your claim and negotiate with other involved parties, whether you are filing your claim against the driver or their insurance provider. If the claim ends up going to court, they will represent you and showcase your case in the best light. Because Texas has comparative fault laws, it is especially crucial that you have legal representation when you are pursuing damages.
Hire an Experienced Left-Turn Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Getting into a left-turn crash can have a significant impact on your life physically and financially. You may be entitled to receive compensation if you have any damages as a result of the accident and you weren’t the driver at fault.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our car accident attorneys are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping car accident victims in Vancouver get the settlement they deserve. For expert legal representation from one of our lawyers, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
