Navigating the Aftermath of an I-90 Car Accident
Interstate 90, crossing through Bellevue and stretching coast-to-coast, is one of America’s busiest highways. Unfortunately, with heavy traffic comes the risk of auto collisions. Experiencing a car accident is stressful enough without the added confusion of not knowing what actions to take afterward. To help you stay prepared and protected, the experienced team at R Martin Law Group has put together this comprehensive guide detailing exactly what to do after an accident on I-90.
Whether you’re just commuting to Seattle or taking a longer journey cross-country, knowing these crucial steps can make all the difference in your safety, your wellbeing, and the strength of any legal or insurance claims you need to make later.
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Immediate Steps to Take After an I-90 Auto Collision
From the moment an accident occurs, the actions you take will significantly impact your chances of safeguarding your health and ensuring a smoother recovery process:
Ensure Safety First
The very first thing is keeping yourself and others safe. If possible, and only when safe to do so, relocate your vehicle to the shoulder or roadside to avoid obstructing traffic flow and causing further roadside hazards or secondary accidents. Activate your hazard lights immediately, signaling clearly to other drivers that you’re stationary or disabled.
However, if your vehicle isn’t drivable due to extensive damage or if you’re on a particularly hazardous stretch of highway, stay inside your vehicle with seatbelts fastened unless there’s immediate danger such as smoke, fire, or risk of fuel leaks.
Check Yourself and Others for Injuries
After confirming immediate safety, it’s crucial to assess injuries. If you or any passenger is injured—even slightly—call 911 right away. Clearly communicate to emergency personnel your exact location on I-90, the nature of injuries, and your situation, so emergency services can quickly arrive at the scene.
Remember, never attempt to move anyone who has sustained significant injuries unless there is an immediate threat to life. You want to avoid worsening the injuries at all costs.
Report Accident on I-90 to Authorities
Regardless of the severity, always alert authorities. Calling 911 after a traffic incident ensures that a proper police report is filed. This official documentation becomes instrumental later if you need to file personal injury claims or seek reimbursement from insurance claims. (Washington State Patrol)
Comply fully with police investigators and emergency medical personnel. Let paramedics thoroughly evaluate you—even if injuries don’t immediately seem serious. Shock and adrenaline may mask pains that might surface later.
Additional reading: What To Do After A Car Accident
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Securing the Scene After a Highway Accident
Proactive safety measures can help prevent further harm and protect you from traffic dangers:
Increase Visibility
After a car accident on I-90, visibility matters immensely! Place hazard triangles, cones, or flares if available. These roadside assistance tools alert approaching motorists to slow down or maneuver safely around the accident scene, decreasing potential for subsequent collisions.
Always exercise extreme caution when walking around the accident scene. Be mindful of oncoming traffic, debris, slick patches, and other potential hazards.
Important Documentation and Information Exchange
The stress of the moment can make details fuzzy, making proper documentation essential for protecting your legal and financial interests.
Exchange Information With Other Drivers
After ensuring immediate safety, promptly exchange information with involved parties. Here’s a clear list of details to gather at the scene:
- Full names and contact information of involved drivers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Vehicle make, model, plate numbers
- Insurance provider information (policy numbers included)
- If commercial vehicles (like trucks, delivery vans, or rideshare), document company name and any identifying employee numbers.
Gather Evidence and Witness Accounts
Capture photos or videos from a safe viewpoint, highlighting visual evidence such as vehicle damage, road conditions, tire skid marks, signage, and traffic signals. These records can become critical later during insurance claims or legal challenges.
Also, don’t skip on gathering witness contact information—objective third-party statements are extremely valuable in proving liability and the details surrounding the traffic incident.
Communication Guidelines After I-90 Accidents—What NOT to Say
Emotions often run high after auto collisions, but it’s important to keep calm and limit conversation to essential factual detail. Avoid:
- Admitting guilt or blaming anyone at the scene—fault is determined through investigation.
- Providing detailed statements about the collision to other involved parties or insurance agents without speaking to your own attorney first.
- Apologizing expressly or implicitly, as apologies can be seen as admissions of fault.
Reporting the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Even if the accident seems minor or you believe you’re not at fault, inform your insurer right away to maintain policy compliance. Insurance companies expect prompt accident reporting, and delay can sometimes affect your claim processing negatively. Provide accurate, factual information without speculation or unnecessary detail.
Consult an Experienced Accident Lawyer to Protect Your Rights
After a major collision or injuries, quickly engaging a qualified personal injury attorney is advisable. Car accident injuries can evolve over days or weeks, potentially requiring medical treatments, therapy, surgeries, or rehabilitation. Additionally, insurance settlements are notoriously complex.
Getting an accident lawyer like Rich Martin, acclaimed as among the National Top One Percent of injury attorneys, can clarify your rights, accurately gauge appropriate compensation, and negotiate effectively with insurance adjusters—eliminating stress and ensuring your recovery process remains focused wholly on healing.
Learn More About Your Rights. Share Your Story Today.
When NOT to Move Your Vehicle After an Accident
In some unfortunate scenarios, moving your vehicle might cause more harm than benefit. Never attempt to move your car if:
- Anyone suffered serious injuries or fatalities.
- There’s a threat of explosion, fire, or toxic leaks.
- Someone is trapped or injured inside the vehicle.
- You suspect vehicle movement may contaminate accident evidence necessary for police investigation.
If you’re uncertain or confused, err on the side of caution and wait for law enforcement’s clear guidance.
Quick Summary of Steps After Car Crash I-90
Here’s a handy recap infographic you can save or share for quick reference:
- Ensure immediate safety—hazard lights, move to safety if possible.
- Check injuries & get immediate medical help through emergency services by calling 911.
- Alert authorities promptly—official police reports document accidents.
- Exchange driver, vehicle, and insurance information accurately.
- Document extensively with photos, notes, and witness communication.
- Limit accident discussion—avoid admitting fault or speculations.
- Report promptly to your insurance company.
- Consult immediately with a trusted accident lawyer.
Staying Protected After a Car Accident on I-90
Experiencing an accident on busy I-90 can be frightening, stressful, and confusing. By knowing precisely what to do after such an incident, you can significantly alleviate anxiety, ensure optimal health care outcomes, safeguard your legal rights, and streamline your claims process.
At R Martin Law Group, we strongly advise immediate action after a car accident. The actions outlined here today can be transformative, but guidance from an experienced advocate can solidify your path forward towards recovery and rightful compensation.
If you or a loved one have suffered from an auto collision on I-90, don’t delay. Contact Bellevue’s premier personal injury attorney, Rich Martin—recognized among America’s elite Top One Percent of personal injury attorneys—for compassionate, deeply knowledgeable representation. Let our dedicated team help you navigate this difficult time to achieve clarity, security, and the compensation you justly deserve.
Contact R Martin Law Group today for a confidential, free consultation. Your wellbeing and peace of mind are always our top priorities.
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