Navigating the legal aftermath of a highway accident can be a daunting and complex task, especially when the accident occurs on one of the most dangerous highways near Kansas City. With high traffic volumes and well-known hazardous intersections, these highways are notorious for serious and dangerous collisions that leave victims facing not only physical trauma, but emotional trauma as well.
This blog aims to explore what makes these roads so hazardous for drivers, as well as detailing what a victim needs to do after a car crash on one of these dangerous roads, and the importance of seeking legal counsel from an experienced car crash lawyer in Kansas City.
The Most Dangerous Highways in Kansas City
Kansas City has some notoriously hazardous and frustrating highways, including Interstate 70 (I-70), Interstate 35 (I-35), and Interstate 670 (I-670). These stretches of roads present potential difficulties and dangers for drivers making daily commutes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I-670 is one of the most deadly roads in the country. Statistics collected by the NHTSA show that, over the past 6 years, there have been 12 traffic deaths on I-670. Being only 2.8 miles long, this stretch of road is the third most deadly road per mile in the United States.
I-70 and I-35 do not fare much better, with a report released by car manufacturer Volvo ranking both highways in the top 100 “most loathed highways” in America. Both highways have conditions that can lead to deadly traffic accidents, like frequent congestion and complex interchanges.
What Makes Certain Highways so Dangerous?
Though some traffic accidents are unavoidable, understanding why certain sections of road are more dangerous than others is key to helping drivers be prepared for the worst. This can help prevent accidents and protect lives.
Highway and road safety involves many factors, including infrastructure, driver behaviors, maintenance issues, and environmental conditions. Some common safety hazards shared among the most dangerous highways near Kansas City include:
Infrastructure Issues
Infrastructure issues can create hazards on roads and highways. Poor road design, inadequate lighting, and obstructed views all contribute to tragic accidents.
When a highway has narrow lanes, sharp turns, and poorly designed intersections, the risk of accidents increases. Poor lighting hinders visibility for drivers, also contributing to additional accidents. Obstructed views because of buildings, trees, or other hindrances at intersections can cause accidents as well.
Driver Behaviours
Reckless behaviors of other drivers are a leading contributing factor in car accidents. Driver behaviors that contribute to accidents include:
- Aggressive driving or speeding
- Drunk or intoxicated driving
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating
Many of these reckless behaviors are common on all the most dangerous highways near Kansas City, which can contribute to tragic car accidents.
Maintenance Issues
Kansas City roads—including I-70, I-35, and I-670—have gained notoriety for their poor upkeep and deep potholes. Slow response to fixing road damage leaves hazards unaddressed. These unaddressed hazards increase the risks for traffic accidents and contribute to dangerous driving.
Environmental Conditions
Kansas City has a wide variety of weather conditions that can contribute to hazardous road conditions. Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slick and difficult to drive on, and fog and precipitation can reduce visibility.
Weather conditions can exacerbate the dangers posed by other driving safety hazards. Speeding is more dangerous when done when roads are slick because of rain or ice, and fog worsens any obstructed views.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Injuries sustained by car accidents can vary depending on the type of collision and the kinds of vehicles involved in the accident. Even low-impact crashes like “fender-benders” can cause serious injuries.
One of the most frequent injuries caused by car accidents are concussions. Concussions should be taken extremely seriously, as they are considered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Concussions may cause deficits that can span a lifetime, potentially impairing a victim’s ability to perform and engage in activities they used to do before the crash. Accidents at speeds as low as 9 mph can cause concussions, so seeking a medical examination after all crashes is important.
Wrecks can lead to other types of injuries, as well. Common injuries caused by car accidents in Kansas City include (but are not limited to):
- Broken bones
- Chest injuries
- Burns and disfigurement
- Skull fractures
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries and nerve damage
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of limbs and amputation
Auto accidents can have devastating effects. The injuries sustained can range from minor inconveniences to severe disabilities, forever changing the lives of those involved in the crash. A lawyer can help an injured victim navigate the aftermath of an accident, allowing them to focus on healing while the attorney works to hold negligent parties accountable.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Highway Accident
When involved in an accident on the highway, there are certain steps an individual should take to help protect themselves and their legal rights. Some of these steps may seem obvious, but accidents often cause those involved to experience immense shock and distress, which can make steps like these difficult to remember.
The following is not medical or legal advice, but information from sources concerning how individuals should react after a car accident. It is important to remain as calm as possible, and follow these key steps:
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Get to Safety and Seek Medical Care
Immediately following an accident, it is important to get to a safe area as soon as possible. This holds especially true if the traffic accident occurs on one of the most dangerous highways near Kansas City.
If possible, turn on the hazard lights to warn other drivers. Attempt to pull the car to the shoulder, though this may not be possible depending on the damage caused by the accident. Even if you are unsure if anyone was injured, call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
Even if you appear unharmed following an accident, you should still seek medical assessment. Not all injuries are visible to the naked eye, and some injuries have a “delayed onset.”
Delayed onset injuries have symptoms that can arise weeks, or even months, after an accident. Symptoms of delayed onset injuries can include:
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Blood clots
- Numbness or tingling
- Fatigue
- Abnormal sleep patterns
A healthcare provider can determine the existence and severity of delayed onset injuries that may be caused by an accident. Even if a victim feels fine after an accident, seeking medical attention is still extremely important.
2. Contact the Police and Assist With the Crash Report
Once the safety of other persons involved in the accident has been determined, the following step is to report the accident to the police. This is an important step to take any time someone is involved in an accident.
Once the police have arrived, share a detailed account of how the accident occurred. Police reports will often include essential information, including weather conditions, physical evidence, traffic citation(s), and other details regarding the incident and the parties involved.
Because these reports contain valuable information pertaining to the accident, request a crash report from the police as soon as it is available.
3. Gather Evidence
If it is safe to do so, gather evidence. Collecting evidence at the scene of the accident can help provide crucial details about the accident, especially in the months following. Gathering evidence includes:
- Get contact and insurance information from the drivers involved: Note what type of vehicle(s) were involved in the accident (this can also be done by taking pictures). Collect the insurance information of the driver(s) involved, along with contact information. Write this down somewhere that is easy to access and will be stored safely. Victims involved in crashes may get calls from insurance adjusters for the at-fault party—if possible, speak to an experienced car accident attorney before giving details to the insurance adjusters.
- Take clear photos and videos: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, the intersection, any signs or light signals nearby, and anything else that may be relevant to how the accident occurred (road conditions, obstructions, etc.). Ensure the photos are not blurry, and try to take them from multiple angles.
- Collect witness contact information: If there were witnesses to the accident, request their contact information for later potential testimony.
4. Seek Legal Guidance
Contacting a car crash lawyer after an accident can help ensure that responsible parties are held accountable, and that the victims receive fair compensation for the damages and injuries suffered.
Once you are clear of the scene of the crash and have been able to seek appropriate medical attention, contact an attorney to ensure your rights are protected.
Car Accident Injuries Require Complex Litigation. Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader Can Help.
After experiencing a car accident on one of the most dangerous highways near Kansas City, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming and isolating. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured, it’s important to ask for help. Understanding your rights and seeking legal guidance as soon as possible can make a world of difference in your journey toward healing and justice. You don’t have to face this challenging time alone.
Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader has car accident attorneys who are committed to helping victims make sense of the chaotic fallout following a wreck. We devote the time, resources, and experience necessary to achieve the best results possible for our clients.
Victims don’t have to be alone in the aftermath of an accident. Contact one of our attorneys by using our virtual case tool or by calling our office at (913) 266-2300 to speak to a member of our team.
The above is not intended to be legal advice. Each case is different and must be analyzed on its own set of facts and circumstances. If you believe you may have a case, it is critically important that you contact a lawyer quickly to ensure your rights are protected.
