As recent events show with the fire-related collapse of a portion of Interstate 95, anything can happen on Pennsylvania highways. While most dangers are not as catastrophic and disruptive, people are frequently injured and lose their lives in auto accidents across the state.
People who use the roads need to be aware of the risks they face. While any highway can place people in jeopardy, there are some that are worse than others. Although knowing which highways are perceived as the worst can be beneficial to show greater caution, some accidents cannot be prevented or avoided and it is imperative to know what steps can be taken following a crash.
Know the worst highways in the state
There are five highways that are categorized as the most dangerous in Pennsylvania. They are:
- Interstate 78
- Interstate 83
- Interstate 80
- Interstate 81
- Interstate 95
Each road has different specific problems that people need to watch for. I-78 has a significant number of tractor-trailers. These rigs are intimidating to share the road with. While most truckers are vigilant, they still have specific time-frames for which they need to get back and forth. That can lead to speeding, aggressiveness and using substances to try and stay awake. They are also vulnerable to drowsiness and distraction. The road also has a lot of construction work.
I-83 is known for its congestion and frequent construction work. I-80 is the longest highway in the entire state and, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it needs road work due to its decline and the lack of care it receives. It is also prone to poor weather which can make roads slippery and inhibit vision.
I-81 is frequently busy and is known for its tractor-trailer crashes. Finally, I-95 was mentioned earlier with its fiery collapse. Even before that, it was known to be problematic with 379 fatalities in 2020 alone.
After an auto accident, it is critical to know what steps to take
Those who caused the accident should be held accountable. Insurance companies should not be taken at their word that they are making a fair offer before the entire scope of loss is understood and accounted for.
Because Pennsylvania is such a large state and drivers who are traveling to and through it will use the state highways, accidents can happen at any time. Knowing the answers to key questions like how much time there is to file a claim, what insurance companies might try to do, how legal representation will be paid for, how to accrue sufficient evidence and what should be done immediately after the crash can be essential.
Any auto accident with injuries and loss of life will leave people wondering about the future. That includes finances, lost companionship and thinking about what options are available. From the start, those who were impacted should know the value of empathetic and qualified assistance to navigate the complexities of the aftermath of a crash.