Causes of Car Accidents on Turnpikes
Turnpikes are roads in which fees are required to use them. Fees help pay for road maintenance and can help reduce the number of drivers on the road. Even so, accidents still happen on turnpikes. A car accident lawyer can help injured parties get compensated for their injuries, pain, suffering, and other damages.
Foley Law Firm helps victims of car accidents and turnpikes throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, including Scranton, PA, Stroudsburg, PA, and Wilkes-Barre, PA, get the maximum compensation for their injuries and other damages. Contact our attorneys to see how we can help you.
Pennsylvania Turnpike Was Built for Safety and Ease of Travel
Opened in October, 1940, the Pennsylvania Turnpike was the first superhighway that enabled people to safely travel at high speeds in their own vehicles. It was so successful that it influenced the entire United States Interstate Highway System.
At the time it was built, the Pennsylvania Turnpike used innovative engineering techniques that helped improve road safety. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Pennsylvania Turnpike was built on southern exposures so that the sun would more easily be able to melt ice and snow and toll booths were placed downhill to allow drivers time to slow down.
Today’s commuting habits are much different than the early days of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and changes have been made to the turnpike itself. Not only are there more drivers on the road, cars are also faster. As a result, accidents are more likely to happen.
What Causes Accidents on Turnpikes?
The Pennsylvania Turnpike and other turnpikes like it are relied on by thousands of drivers a day. During busy holidays, drivers can number in the millions. With so much driving on turnpikes, it’s no surprise that accidents happen. While there are many possible causes of accidents, some of the most common include:
- Weather: Snow, icy roads, and rain can make driving conditions hazardous and lead to accidents.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is very common and occurs anytime a person takes their attention away from driving, even just for a few seconds. Common types of distracted driving include texting, eating or drinking, speaking to passengers, and making phone calls.
- Speeding: Speeding is dangerous on any road but on turnpikes it can result in serious accidents. When people speed, it can be more difficult to brake or avoid hazards.
- Driving while intoxicated: Driving while intoxicated causes people to make poor decisions and impairs their ability to drive, which can lead to major accidents on turnpikes.
- Reckless driving: Reckless driving, including switching lanes too close to other drivers, purposely disobeying traffic laws, and other negligent behaviors, is another possible cause of car accidents.
- Confusion at toll booths: Sometimes drivers can become confused by turnpike toll booths, causing last minute lane changes, sudden stopping, or other erratic behaviors that can lead to accidents with other vehicles.
Recover Compensation for Your Injuries
If you have been injured in an accident on a turnpike caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
A car accident attorney can help collect evidence to help support your claims and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Foley Law Firm
To discuss your accident claim and learn about your legal options, call (570) 342-8194 to schedule a consultation with the attorneys of Foley Law Firm.