What is the difference between a highway and a freeway? A freeway is a type of highway that can be entered or exited only at specific on- and off-ramps.
A highway is a more general term for a major road and may or may not have other means of traffic flow. If you are hurt in an accident on either a freeway or a highway, a car accident lawyer in Arlington can help you receive compensation for your injuries.
Highway vs. Freeway Distinction Matters After a Car Accident
Given that freeways and highways may have different traffic patterns, accident scenarios, and liability issues, at-fault determinations may differ. For example, because there are no stop signs on a freeway, the laws governing accidents at stop signs would not apply.
Freeways are often larger than other types of highways. They are generally wider, have controlled access, and are designed to handle larger traffic volumes. This allows more vehicles to be involved in the incident, which can complicate who is found liable.
Oftentimes, with highways, you’re not only having to watch for other drivers going the same direction as you, but also those in roundabouts or at intersections that may or may not have traffic lights. This requires you to have a solid understanding of right-of-way laws to avoid being found liable in an accident, as well as a knowledgeable attorney who can help determine who may be liable.
Freeways May Result in Higher-Speed Crashes
In Texas, the average speed limit for both highways and freeways is 75 mph; however, some highways are as low as 55 mph, and some freeways can reach 85 mph, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) maximum posted speed limits. Higher speeds often correlate with more severe injuries, which can include:
- Whiplash
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal damage
- Lost limbs
- Facial disfigurement
- Burns
- PTSD and other psychological trauma
- Death
If you have been involved in a car accident, speaking with an attorney will help you to better understand the difference between a highway and a freeway and how it relates to your accident. In addition, they can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How The Legal System Determines Who Is At-Fault
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system (Sec. 33.002). This means that as long as you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you may still be able to recover damages less your percentage at fault. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault, you can only recover 75% of damages.
Much of the difference between highways and freeways lies in how vehicles enter and exit the roadway.
There are scenarios where even if the other car should be yielding the right of way, you could still be found partially liable, such as if you make a sudden or unindicated stop or have non-working brake lights or headlights.
Other conflict points may include areas where the roads merge, and while you may have the right-of-way, you could still be found partially liable if it is determined that, for example, you were driving distracted or willfully negligent.
What to Do After You’ve Been Involved in an Accident on the Freeway or Highway
An accident that occurs on a highway or freeway can be particularly distressing. Although there are several differences between highways and freeways, what you do next is essential in determining the outcome of your case. Steps to take can include:
Call 911
Even if it seems like a minor accident, it is important to have first responders on scene. This includes police and medical care. Ignoring this step can lead to losing your case, as it becomes a he-said-she-said case if not properly documented.
Seek Medical Care
Have first responders check you out on the scene, but make sure to receive follow-up care. Your injuries may feel minor at first, as you may experience a rush of adrenaline, but some injuries can worsen over time. This also demonstrates that your injuries are tied to the accident and severe enough that you took action.
Document Everything
Take pictures. Take videos. Write down any important details. Memories fade quickly, and evidence fades quickly. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case can be.
Since there is a difference between a highway and a freeway and how they are treated in terms of liability, note on which the accident occurred.
Gather Witness Information
If you are able, speak to any witnesses and get their contact information. Having an eyewitness who is not directly involved in the accident can help your case, as they are less likely to have a bias toward either party. Gathering this information directly and giving it to your lawyer can help them build your case.
Avoid Giving Any Formal Statements—Particularly to Insurance
Without having legal counsel, you are more likely to be taken advantage of. By not giving any formal statements, you are protecting yourself. This will also prevent you from being taken advantage of and talked into a lowball settlement offer too early in the process.
Contact an Attorney
Having a dedicated personal injury lawyer in Arlington on your side means having an experienced professional advocating for you. After you’ve been hurt in an accident, you should be taking time to recover, not battling legal red tape.
While any accident can be stressful, the high speeds and potential for severe injuries can make a collision on a freeway or highway especially traumatic. Knowing what to do next can significantly impact the direction your case takes.
The Texas Law Dog is Here to Fight for You
If you have been injured in any accident, you deserve someone advocating for you. We understand the differences between highways and freeways, as well as other Texas roads, and the potential dangers they pose.
We also know how to battle the insurance companies to get you everything that you are owed. Here at The Texas Law Dog, we don’t just bark—we bite.
