What To Do if You’re in an Accident on I-5

An accident anywhere can be unsettling, scary, and disruptive. But when you’re in an accident on I-5, Washington’s busiest highway, those feelings can be even more intense. Cars are often traveling at speeds over 60 mph, and you may find yourself in a very vulnerable spot. In this post, we’ll talk about steps you can take to stay safe.

Accidents on I-5 are Common

Given how many people travel down I-5 everyday, it’s no surprise that accidents are frequent. Chances are you’ve had a morning commute delayed by a crash or gotten caught in a backup from a fender bender.

However, some stretches of I-5 are more prone to collisions than others. We recently shared our findings about the most dangerous spots on I-5 in Pierce and Thurston Counties.

Before we dive deeper, remember: freeways aren’t the only roads to drive carefully on. A significant number of accidents happen at intersections, too.

What Contributes to Crashes on I-5?

Let’s be clear: roads don’t cause crashes—drivers do. But certain freeway features demand extra caution.

Here are a few:

• Merging zones. When there are multiple onramps and offramps, drivers may get impatient or make sudden lane changes. This is especially common near busy interchanges like I-705 or Highway 512.
• Multiple exits. In city areas, exits are often clustered close together. This setup can lead to last-minute lane switching and confusion.
• Construction zones. Work zones may have cones, workers on the road, and reduced speed limits. Distracted or speeding drivers are especially at risk here.
• Speeding and aggressive driving. We’ve written before about dangerous driving behaviors. On the freeway, higher speeds make serious injuries and fatalities more likely.
• Distracted driving. Distracted driving is always a poor choice—but on the freeway, it can be deadly. In 2021, a woman checking social media struck and killed an elderly man who was changing a flat tire on the side of I-5 in Tacoma.
• Weather conditions. Snow, ice, rain, fog, and even bright sun glare can all increase crash risk.

While there are many contributing factors, it’s drivers making the decisions that ultimately lead to crashes.

Steps to Take After an Accident on I-5

Being in an accident on a busy freeway like I-5 can be terrifying. There are a few additional steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe:

1. Stay calm and check for injuries. Even though accidents are stressful, try to remain as calm and clear-headed as possible.
2. Call 911—even for minor collisions. Emergency services can help secure the scene and manage traffic.
3. Stay in your vehicle. Unless your life is in immediate danger, staying inside your car is usually safest. Wait for first responders before trying to exchange info or take photos.
4. Seek medical attention. If you’re injured or even suspect you might be, seek care. Getting checked out quickly helps you protect your health and your legal case.

Every situation is different, but in general, act cautiously when exiting your vehicle.

How Secondary Accidents Can Happen

In the last section, we shared how important it is to stay in your vehicle after a crash—especially on a freeway. Here’s why: once you’re outside your car, you have no protection if another vehicle hits you.

Secondary accidents like this happen far too often. And sadly, they can be even more serious than the initial crash. During our research for this post, we came across several heartbreaking stories. One involved a Bellingham man who survived a rollover on I-5, only to be struck and killed by another car when he tried to cross the freeway.

Whenever possible, stay in your car with your seatbelt fastened. Of course, there are exceptions, such as if your vehicle is on fire.

Just remember—cars on the freeway may be traveling well over 60 mph. Drivers aren’t expecting to see pedestrians and may not have time to react.

Relevant Washington State Laws

Washington State law provides guidance for drivers involved in accidents. Here’s a quick overview:

• RCW 46.52.020 – Drivers must stop, render aid, and provide information after an accident
• RCW 46.52.030 – All accidents must be reported, especially if there is property damage, serious injury, or death
• RCW 46.61.500 – Reckless driving can result in a gross misdemeanor.
• RCW 46.61.5249 – Negligent driving in the first degree is a misdemeanor.

To learn more, you can check out the Rules of the Road section on the Washington State Legislature website.

When to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

Not every accident requires legal help. But in some situations, it makes sense to speak with an attorney:

• You’ve been seriously injured
• The other driver is uninsured or underinsured
• You’re having trouble dealing with your insurance company
• You’re being blamed for an accident you didn’t cause

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, or if you’re unsure, give us a call. We offer free consultations, so there’s no risk.

Call a Tacoma Personal Injury Lawyer Today

At Ladenburg Law, we’ve helped many people who were injured in an accident on I-5 and other Washington roads. With decades of experience, we understand what it takes to pursue your claim.

Remember, there’s no cost to contact us. We’ll listen to your story and explain your rights and options. If you decide to work with us, we only charge a fee if we win your case.

Give us a call today at 253.272.5226 or fill out the quick form on our website.