Interstate 81 can feel like a perilous journey whenever you have to take it. As one of the primary routes through Virginia, the highway can present unique hazards to other roads in the state. If you are a regular commuter on this route, you may need to consider three dangers of Virginia’s Interstate 81.
Recovering from an accident can be an ordeal physically, emotionally, and financially. We have recovered millions of dollars for clients in the 15+ years we have been in practice and understand how important a fair settlement amount can be in your recovery. Our Virginia personal injury lawyer will tirelessly help you get your life back after an injury.
Interstate-81
As one of Virginia’s primary highways, Interstate 81 stretches across the state, connecting college campuses, more than five communities, and 12 counties. Beginning in 2022, the Virginia Department of Transportation implemented a plan to improve 81.
These improvements are expected to last several years, and as of the end of 2024, many sections still need revisions. Some of these revisions will include traffic cameras to identify problems, extending, widening, or adding lanes, and making curve improvements. These improvements are scheduled to address at least three dangers of Virginia’s Interstate 81.
Beyond the high likelihood of accidents due to the more than 300 miles of I–81, it presents additional hazards to drivers. In recent years, Virginia Roads has reported more than 6,000 incidents in the area, though many caused property damage only. More than 1,000 of these incidents caused injury, and 45 of them were fatal.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
Dangers on Virginia Highways
Virginia’s diverse landscape makes highway systems complex to build safely and, at times, dangerous to drive. While the improvements on Interstate 81 are meant to make the road safer, the final result is years away.
Thankfully, simply being aware of some of these more present risks and dangers on Virginia Interstate 81 can help avoid accidents, property damage, and injury.
Topography
The mountainous terrain of the Western portion of Virginia can mean steep grades and curvy roads, both of which can increase the risk of accidents.
These factors alone are dangerous, but it can often become more risky when sharing the road with large trucks and tractor trailers that have more trouble navigating curves and slowing themselves on steep inclines.
If a truck accident has injured you on Virginia I-81, you may benefit from speaking with a Virginia truck accident lawyer.
Congestion
The location of Highway 81 in Virginia makes it a central thoroughfare for most local and out-of-state traffic. The clear path through the state and popularity means congested roads.
The mixture of vehicles with large trucks and varied familiarity with the area is a dangerous combination of factors.
Road Work
The improvements to I-81 will make the highway safer once they are complete. However, while the Virginia Department of Transportation completes them, the increase in travel advisories for the highway shows the regular disruption to normal traffic patterns.
Any time workers or other objects like cones or machinery are on the road, the opportunities for accidents increase.
Virginia Winters
Winters in Virginia can be dangerous on flat straightaways. Windy, icy, or snowy conditions on I-81 can make the highway even more dangerous for cars and big rigs. Less traction and steep grades are dangerous for everyone.
Causes of Virginia Interstate 81 Accidents
The present dangers of Virginia Interstate 81 make the highway more dangerous to drive. However, it is not without human error that accidents happen. Some of the common causes of accidents on I-81 include:
- Speeding
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Texting while driving
- Failure to check blind spots
- Improper lane changes
- Aggressive driving
- Illegal lane changes
- Exhaustion
- Inebriation or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Defective or malfunctioning collision avoidance systems
People don’t generally intend to hurt someone on the road. However, they do it every day, regardless. If someone else’s negligence has caused your car accident and injury, you shouldn’t have to pay those consequences alone.
Protecting Yourself Against the Dangers of Virginia Highway 81
Any of these acts of negligence by drivers can cause injury, and this is compounded when people are driving at highway speeds. To prevent accidents or mitigate the damage if you have one, it is vital to stay alert and pay attention to the road ahead and the drivers around you. Not all accidents can be avoided, but vigilance may help you avoid the worst of it.
In addition to being an attentive driver, you should consider the state of your vehicle before you drive. Check to ensure that your tires and brakes are in good repair, and be aware of any expected inclement weather. If these efforts don’t pay off, there are a few things you can do directly following the accident.
After an I-81 Accident
If you are in an accident on I-81, you may be unsure of what to do next. Knowing when to get a lawyer for your car accident can be challenging. In short, if you have been in an accident on Virginia’s Highway 81, you may benefit from speaking with a lawyer.
You may also be advised to take photos of the scene and your injuries and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Call a Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Accidents may be commonplace on Interstate 81, but for you, it’s what we hope is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You may be unsure of how to protect yourself and recover compensation for your losses.
While you can legally manage your own car accident settlement, you will almost always fare better with the help of an experienced attorney.
MartinWren, P.C. is dedicated to tirelessly working to get your life back after an injury, so don’t delay in calling our Virginia personal injury lawyer today.
We offer free case consultations and contingency fee arrangements, so you don’t have the additional stress of legal fees unless we are able to recover money for you. We value our clients’ time and money, so we can travel for consultations when necessary or offer them via video.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
