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Highway Car Accidents in Rancho Mirage

Highway car accidents in Rancho Mirage happen every day, and every driver is at risk. It is virtually impossible to avoid traveling on the highway, and even the most defensive drivers are vulnerable to negligent, reckless, or malicious drivers.

While car accidents happen everywhere, highways pose unique risks that can lead to devastating collisions. With over 350,000 miles of highways in the state, California residents are likely to be in at least one of these accidents during their lifetimes. If you have been involved in a wreck caused by another driver’s negligence, a lawyer may be able to help you secure financial compensation.

What Leads to Crashes on Highways?

Several factors contribute to highway car accidents. Most of these crashes are linked to drivers’ misbehavior. These incidents are called accidents because, most of the time, other drivers are not trying to cause a wreck, even if their behavior is negligent or reckless.

Speeding & Reckless Driving

Excessive speed is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on Rancho Mirage highways. When drivers exceed posted speed limits, they have less time to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions. Reckless behaviors such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, and aggressive driving further increase the risk of collisions.

Distracted Driving

Highway drivers also often engage in distractions, including texting, adjusting navigation systems, or eating while driving. Even a momentary lapse in attention could lead to a catastrophic accident.

Drunk Driving

Additionally, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs reaction time, decision-making abilities, and motor skills. Impaired drivers on highways pose a serious threat to other motorists, which could result in high-impact collisions with severe consequences.

Third-Party Negligence

Not every wreck is due to driver error. Sometimes, there is third-party negligence, which means that something other than the driver or drivers involved in a crash caused, or at least contributed to the wreck.

For example, poorly maintained highways, construction zones, and sudden lane closures may contribute to accidents. Loose debris, potholes, and insufficient signage create additional dangers for drivers navigating busy roadways.

Another third-party cause is vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine issues. In some cases, a manufacturer or repair shop may be liable if a mechanical defect contributed to the crash.

Injuries From Highway Collisions

Unlike low-speed crashes, it is unusual for people to walk away from highway wrecks without at least a few bumps, bruises, or scrapes. These wrecks may even result in devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences.

High-speed crashes increase the risk of head trauma, concussions, and long-term cognitive impairments—known as traumatic brain injuries. Severe collisions could also cause spinal cord injuries, leading to partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Additionally, the force of impact may lead to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.

Not all of the injuries potentially sustained in Rancho Mirage highway wrecks are physical. They may also lead to anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. It is not unusual for victims to develop other secondary issues, such as drug or alcohol dependence, after an accident as well.

Recoverable damages from these collisions could be economic or non-economic. Non-economic damages are intended to assign a dollar value to non-financial losses such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.

Meet With a Rancho Mirage Attorney To File a Highway Car Accident Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has been injured in a highway crash, a knowledgeable injury attorney from Walter Clark Legal Group could help you navigate the insurance process and secure the compensation you are entitled to.