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Interstate 5 Accident News and Resources
Interstate 5, also known as the Pacific Highway or simply the 5 freeway, is one of the busiest and one of the most important highways positioned along the entire length of the West Coast of North America. I-5 is the main north-south transportation corridor in our country, which is critical for both people and commercial cargo. It is actually the only interstate in the country that runs entirely between the Mexican border and the Canadian border.
This interstate passes several major cities and areas as it travels along the West Coast, providing drivers a reliable route to make it to their destinations. Depending on where you travel, the interstate highway can be referred to as a number of different things. This can include I-5, The Five, The 5, the Pacific Highway, the Golden State Highway, the San Diego Freeway, and the Santa Ana Freeway, just to name a few. Regardless of what name you refer to this long stretch of highway, it is important that you are aware of its history and dangers.
Rear-end
Collisions:
This type of accident occurs when a vehicle hits the vehicle in front of it on the roadway. There are many reasons why this type of accident takes place, often due to driver error while on the interstate..
Truck
Accidents:
Roughly 50% of truck accidents on the interstate take over four hours to clean up. Extensive delays along these narrow roadways make traveling on the interstate even more hazardous.
Motorcycle
Accidents:
When a motorcycle accident occurs the results can be severe for a rider. That's because motorcycles & their riders have little protection when involved in an accident with a larger car or truck.
The History of The 5 Freeway
Before Interstate 5 was created on the west coast of the United States, the Pacific Highway auto trail was constructed in the 1910s and 1920s in California, Oregon, and Washington. This route was later incorporated into US Route 99 in 1926. Interstate 5 was designed to largely follow the route of US Route 99, with the exception of several portions located in the south of Los Angeles and in the Central Valley of California.
It was not until 1956 with the passing of the Federal Highway Act of 1956 that sections of Interstate 5 were constructed in Southern California. In 1964, the Aliso Street Viaduct, portions of the former US Route 101/Santa Ana Freeway, and the Montgomery Freeway south of San Diego were added to the interstate and US Route 101 was decommissioned. Between Los Angeles and the Central Valley over Tejon Pass, much of the Ridge Route was completed and opened by the year 1970.
In the 1690s, the West Side Freeway project began in the San Joaquin Valley area. The project was divided into three phases. The first phase of the project, which ran from San Joaquin County to Los Banos, was completed in 1967. The second phase of the project was completed in 1972. This phase extended the freeway south toward Wheeler Ridge. It connected the interstate highway to State Route 99.
At this time, the highway began seeing higher traffic levels. This 321-mile long freeway saw its last section completed near Stockton in 1979. The final phase extended the freeway to downtown Sacramento and connected it to the northern end of Interstate 5.
In Oregon, Interstate 5 was completed and opened as a four-lane highway in October 1966. Two segments of the roadway were installed at a time. First, the Marquam Bridge over the Willamette River opened on October 18, 1966. The segment south of Canyonville near Douglas County opened on October 22, 1966.
The original plans for the interstate were that one split route would be located near Vernalis and following Interstate 580 toward Oakland via Hayward before returning to Interstate 5 at Interstate 80 near Vacaville. However, this project was eliminated and Interstate 504 and Interstate 580 were added as an alternative.
Several projects were performed along the interstate since construction was deemed complete along the highway. In May 2013, a portion of the bridge in Washington, near the Mount Vernon area, collapsed. The Washington State Department of Transportation erected a temporary structure to restore access across the river as they worked on a permanent bridge replacement. The new bridge was completed a few months later in September 2013.
In 2019, all three states started planning a charging network to provide electric trucks with various locations to recharge along the interstate. The project, known as the West Coast Clean Transit Corridor Initiative, is intended to enable electric freight trucks and delivery trucks to operate along the West Coast corridor without interruptions.
States that Interstate 5 Passes Through
Interstate 5 is a 1375.62-mile route that runs through three separate states along the west coast. These states include:
- California: A total of 792 miles of Interstate 5 are located in the state of California.
- Oregon: A total of 307 miles of Interstate 5 are located in the state of Oregon.
- Washington Station: A total of 276.62 miles of Interstate 5 are located in the state of Washington.
The Pacific Highway travels through all three states comprising the entirety of the mainland West Coast.
West Coast Spur Routes Along The 5 Freeway
Spur routes are extremely important roadways along the west coast. These roads are short roads that form a branch from a longer, more important road to join them to other major interstates.
As Interstate 5 travels through these three states, it crosses numerous intersections and spur routes along the way. Some of the Spur Routes that Interstate 5 crosses include:
- Interstate 805 in San Diego, California
- Interstate 405 in Los Angeles, California
- Interstate 605 in Los Angeles, California
- Interstate 105 in Los Angeles, California
- Interstate 205 in Tracy, California
- Interstate 505 in Zamora, California
- Interstate 105 in Eugene, Oregon
- Interstate 205 in Portland, Oregon
- Interstate 405 in Portland, Oregon
- Interstate 705 in Tacoma, Washington
- Interstate 405 in Seattle, Washington
Each of these junctions provides travelers a quick route to travel from Interstate 5 to downtown Seattle, across the Central Valley, through to San Diego, and various other major cities along the West Coast.
Other Names for Interstate 5
As the Interstate passes through various areas, it is commonly referred to by other names. The area between the Mexican border crossing just south of San Diego up toward the San Fernando Valley is referred to as the San Diego Freeway. Between Bakersfield and Sacramento, Interstate 5 is referred to as the West Side Freeway. In Southern Oregon, Interstate 5 is referred to as Pacific Highway No. 1. or its simply known as The 5 Freeway.
Major Intersections along Interstate 5
There are several intersections along Interstate 5 as it passes from California up through to Washington. These include:
- Federal 1 at the Mexican Border in San Diego, California
- California State Route 15 to Interstate 15 in San Diego, California
- Interstate 10/US Highway 101 in Los Angeles, California
- US Route 50 in Sacramento, California
- Interstate 80 in Sacramento, California
- US Route 20 in Albany, Oregon
- Interstate 84/US Highway 30 in Portland, Oregon
- US Route 101 in Olympia, Washington
- Interstate 90 in Seattle, Washington
- US Route 2 in Everett, Washington
- US Route 99 at the Canadian border crossing in Blaine, Washington
Each of these major junctions provides travelers with a west coast connection to various major cities, including:
- San Diego
- Los Angeles
- Portland
- Tacoma
- Seattle
Furthermore, the 5 freeway provides drivers with a direct route to the state capitals of California (Sacramento), Oregon (Salem), and Washington (Olympia). To the north, Interstate 5 provides US travelers with a route into downtown Vancouver, Canada. The south end provides access to Tijuana, Mexico.
Staying out of the truck blind spot as often as possible.
Only pass semi-trucks while utilizing the left lane.
Do not follow too closely to semi-trucks and commercial vehicles.
Do not drive recklessly or in an aggressive manner while near a semi-truck.
If you encounter an aggressive truck driver while traveling on Interstate-95, let them pass and stay away from their vehicles whenever possible.
Be aware of traffic patterns and the conditions around you.
Report any dangerous truck drivers you encounter to law enforcement as soon as possible.
Minimize any distractions in your vehicle whenever possible.
The Route and Dangers of I-95
Why Do So Many Accidents Take Place on Interstate 5?
Interstate 5 consistently ranks highly among the most dangerous interstate highways in the United States. At roughly 1831 miles, the fatality rate for I-5 is around 13.47 fatalities per 100 miles. Between 150 and 200 people lose their lives each year in crashes on this interstate highway system.
Additionally, the interstate is plagued by bad weather conditions in certain areas. As Interstate 5 climbs in elevation as it continues north of the Los Angeles area, inclement weather becomes a common concern. During specific times of the year, drivers can experience heavy rain and snowfall within the Tejon Pass and The Grapevine areas. Precipitation can reduce visibility and cause the roads to become slick. This increases the chances of drivers losing control of their vehicles.
In addition to rain and snow on the roadway, drivers often experience poor visibility. Not wind is another common contributor to weather-related crashes that occur on Interstate 5. Drought conditions in The Grapevine area can cause the soil in the area to become dry and dusty. When the wind picks it up, it can create near blackout conditions for motorists traveling in the area.
There are multiple sections of Interstate 5 in the Tejon Pass that are composed of significant road slopes and rolling hills. When descending on the roadway, many people ride their brakes in order to prevent their vehicles from picking up too much speed. Unfortunately, this can result in wear and tear and cause the brakes to fail. Malfunctioning brakes can be a significant problem on Interstate 5, especially for semi-trucks.
Given the fact that Interstate 5 sees heavy commercial vehicle traffic, the risk of passenger vehicles being involved in crashes is significantly increased. Semi-trucks and large commercial vehicles can cause endless problems for smaller vehicles. Smaller vehicles tend to travel at a higher speed limit than commercial vehicles. When fast vehicles approach slow traffic, it can be hazardous.
Furthermore, there are several problems with semi-trucks being overloaded with poorly balanced cargo on the interstate. Trailers that are carrying too much weight in an uneven distribution present dangers on any roads. However, the conditions of Interstate 5 magnify the dangers posed by these vehicles. For example, poor visibility and slick road conditions count result in a truck driver causing a crash by overcorrecting to stay on the road.
These and other dangerous road conditions contribute to the dangers present on the interstate for both north and southbound traffic.
Most Common Types of Accidents that Occur on Interstate 5
There are several types of motor vehicle accidents that we see take place on Interstate 5 along the west coast each year. Some of the most common types include:
Any type of motor vehicle accident has the potential to cause serious injuries to victims. Many accidents end in catastrophic and fatal injuries. Every year around 200 people lose their lives in crashes on this major highway. Thousands more are left with serious injuries. Highway traffic authorities advised drivers who enter Interstate 5. To remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times in order to minimize their chances of being harmed in an accident.
Leading Causes of Interstate 5 Auto Accidents
Various factors contribute to the motor vehicle accidents we see take place along the interstate each year. Some of the leading causes of crashes on Interstate 5 include:
- Truck drivers who are drowsy
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Blindspot accidents resulting from negligence
- Impaired driving
- Driving while distracted
Drivers who are negligent and reckless while traveling along this major highway place the lives of others at risk.
The Future of the Interstate
In 2016, a $6 billion construction project was started to add new highway lanes across the interstate and help carry out improvements on a 26-mile section of the highway between La Jolla Village Drive and Harbor Drive in the northern San Diego area.
The idea behind the project was to create a sound solution to overcome the recurring traffic congestion across the state of California. The project, named The I-5 North Coast Corridor, is scheduled to add various sections in three separate phases until its completion in 2035. These phases include:
Phase One: This phase focuses on upgrading I-5 between Manchester Avenue to State Route 78. The project will add two HOV express lanes, replace the bridges over the San Elijo Lagoon and the Batiquitos Lagoon, and add the Manchester Avenue Direct Access Ramp (DAR).
Phase Two: The second phase of the project will construct two HOV express lanes from the I-5 to I-805 merge to the Palomar Airport Road. Additionally, a bike and pedestrian trail will be added at Old Valley Road, Del Mar Heights Road, Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas Boulevard, Hall Property, Union Street, and Cotton Creek Park.
Phase Three: The third and final phase of the project will involve the construction of two HOV/managed lanes from Palomar Airport Road to State Route 78. Four additional HOV lanes from State Route 78 to Harbor Drive will also be added. Several of the existing bike and pedestrian trails will be improved. Additionally, braided ramps from Genesee Avenue to Sorrento Valley Road will be constructed.
In Washington, the state’s Department of Transportation has proposed a project to replace the Columbia River Bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can share liability for a truck accident on The 5?
Accidents involving semi-trucks are often far more complex legal matters to handle. When pursuing legal action for compensation, it is essential to know who you can file a legal claim against.
Some of the parties who can assume liability in truck accidents include:
- The truck driver
- The truck owner
- The trucking company
- The company responsible for the maintenance of the trucks
- The cargo loading company
- The drivers of other vehicles involved in the crash
Identifying who is at fault for your truck accident will help to determine the legal action you can take. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your crash, you may be able to take legal action against several parties, all of which share liability for your injuries and damages.
What should I do after being in a crash on the 5 freeway?
Vehicle accidents can severely impact the lives of those involved. This is especially true when victims are left with severe injuries. Should you be involved in a crash, there are several steps you should take to make sure your legal rights are protected. These include:
- Call 911 Immediately: If you or anyone else involved in the accident appears to have serious injuries, call 911 immediately and ask for an ambulance. If you have sustained injuries, it is important to document them early on. Some common injuries reported in auto accidents, like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and TBIs, can require extensive treatment. Seeking help and receiving care early on is crucial for these and other common injuries.
- Relocate your vehicle, if possible. If the accident is blocking traffic, try to move your vehicle out of the way of oncoming traffic, if possible. Once you are safely away from traffic, turn on your hazard lights.
- Secure the Scene: After being in an accident on Interstate 5, the first thing you should do is secure the scene. This means ensuring everyone involved is safe and that no further harm can come to them. Once you have done this, you should then call the police so that they can investigate the accident and file a report.
- Write Down the Details: After being in an accident on the interstate, it is important to take some time to assess the situation. It is essential to exchange insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved. It would be best if you also tried to get contact information from any witnesses who may have seen the accident happen. Gather evidence from the scene of the accident to prove your case. Take pictures of your vehicle, the other vehicles involved, the road conditions, and other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
- Cooperate With the Authorities: Victims harmed in traffic accidents on Interstate 5 should cooperate with the authorities who respond to the scene. This includes remaining at the scene until the police arrive and answering any questions they have.
- Contact Your Insurance Carrier: You should contact your insurance carrier immediately. Many insurance carriers have a 24-hour hotline that you can call to report the accident. You will need to give them your policy number, the date and time of the accident, and a brief description of what happened. Be sure to ask if they have any special instructions for dealing with accidents that occur on the interstate.
- Keep Records: It is important that you keep records following your accident. Car accident attorneys use the information and evidence to build your case. This means keeping track of any medical bills, repair bills, and documentation related to the accident. You’ll also want to take photos of any damage to your vehicle and get the contact information for any witnesses. Having all of this information will be helpful if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or take legal action.
- Contact an Attorney: It is crucial that you speak with a skilled team of car accident attorneys as soon as possible, especially if you suffered serious injuries in your auto accident. Most attorneys offer free initial consultations, so it’s a good idea to set up a meeting with a few lawyers to see who you’re comfortable working with. Bring any relevant documentation, such as police reports or insurance information, to your consultation.
Once you’ve selected an attorney, they will begin working on your case. This may involve gathering evidence, such as witness statements or medical records, and negotiating with the other driver’s insurance company. Your attorney will fight for your rights every step of the way and make sure you get the best possible outcome for your case.
Taking these steps after car accidents can help to ensure car accident victims are better positioned to get justice after being harmed.
Do I need a lawyer after my Interstate 5 accident?
Victims who are injured as a result of crashes on Interstate 5 are never required to find legal representation. However, doing so can help to ensure you have the most robust case possible to get justice. If you’ve suffered severe injuries in the accident, a skilled lawyer can help you recover damages from the responsible party. Even if your injuries aren’t severe, an experienced attorney can still be helpful in dealing with insurance companies and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your lost wages, lost earnings, medical expenses, and more.
Of course, whether or not you work with a lawyer is ultimately up to you. If you’re comfortable dealing with insurance companies of the other drivers on your own, you may not need legal representation. However, if you’re not sure what to do or expect after an Interstate 5 accident, it’s probably best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise you of your rights and options. Scheduling a free consultation can help to determine your get started on your case.
Be extra alert:
This seems obvious, but try to be extra alert when driving on dangerous highways. Act as if you’re driving in poor road conditions (heavy rain or snow or poor visibility).
Plan ahead:
If you’re traveling long distances on a road trip or for work or pleasure, plan ahead. Consider when you’ll hit heavy-traffic areas and the weather conditions throughout your trip.
Rest:
If you feel drowsy, take a break and let someone else drive or pull off in a safe place for a quick nap. Here are some keen warning signs of drowsy driving: yawning or blinking frequently, watering eyes, difficulty recalling the past few miles that you’ve driven, missing exits, or drifting from your lane.
Obey traffic laws:
Always obey traffic laws. Not only will this prevent you from receiving a ticket, but you’re less likely to get into a fatal car accident if you obey the speed limit and other traffic regulations.