Initially added to the state highway system in 1931, the entire route of SR-55 spans over 18 miles, passing through Orange County. The Costa Mesa Freeway (previously known as the Newport Freeway) is part of SR-55, built according to the freeway standards at the time.
The SR-55 starts at Via Lido (near Pacific Coast Highway). It turns into a four-lane expressway that goes through the northbound and southbound lanes of Newport Boulevard until the Mesa Drive undercrossing before heading to Santa Ana and Tustin. The SR-55 ends in Anaheim at one of the major junctions, allowing drivers to exit onto the SR-91.
SR-91 is the state’s main route connecting the inland empire with the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The SR55 links Orange County with the SR-91 and the interstate-5, which means that you’re bound to face traffic congestion during the day. Recent figures show more than 260,000 vehicles and around 17,300 trucks traverse the SR-55 daily. The National Highway System contributes to the country’s GDP, and SR-55 plays an essential role.
With heavy traffic on the route and extreme driving challenges such as exits, sharp turns, ramps, and more, the SR-55 has not only the risks of traveling on a state highway but also a freeway. If you got into a car accident on the SR-55 due to someone else’s negligence, contact Ehline Law and our freeway accident attorneys today, as you may be eligible for compensation.
Pacific Coast Highway Is More Popular than You Think
The Pacific Coast Highway, PCH, offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States, from tall mountains to serene beaches. Many Americans from across the country either travel in their cars or rent vehicles to enjoy a picturesque view. The locals use them to reach nearby cities and counties for work or leisure.
The PCH connects to SR-55 and serves as a gateway into Orange County and Los Angeles neighborhoods. For example, northbound exit 5A in Costa Mesa will take you north on the SR-73 to Long Beach, whereas the southbound exit and northbound entrance 6B will take you south on the I-405 to Long Beach. Unfortunately, with too many drivers on the road, there is a lot of traffic congestion and an increased risk of car accidents.
Recent Accidents on the SR-55
Multi-vehicle Collision on the Costa Mesa Freeway
On June 17, 2021, a multi-vehicle collision occurred on the Costa Mesa Freeway South, part of SR-55. The accident involved a motorcycle and around four vehicles, causing injuries to the drivers of the cars. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist never made it out alive, as the injuries he sustained when getting ejected from the bike were too severe. The California Highway Patrol took over the investigation of the multi-vehicle traffic accident after re-opening the SR-55 to oncoming traffic. In that case, the burden was on the victim’s family to bring a wrongful death or survival action as survivors on the decedents and their behalf.
Car Crash Near Dyer Road
On May 13, 2021, the police and emergency services received a distress call from an injured victim asking for assistance. When the local authorities arrived at the car accident scene, they saw a vehicle collision on the SR-55 near the offramp heading to Dyer Road. Those with minor injuries received immediate medical help to avoid any loss of life. In contrast, accident victims with significant injuries got sent to a nearby medical center via ambulance. The accident caused severe traffic disruptions, causing losses to workplaces and businesses in the region.
What to Consider When Choosing a Freeway Accident Attorney
Choosing the right personal injury lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your individual injury case.
Here are some of the things that you should consider when looking for a freeway accident attorney for your case:
- Knowledge and experience go a long way when hiring the right lawyer. Remember, insurance companies have their legal experts guiding their team, and a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney can help with the claims.
- Maintaining a professional attorney-client relationship is vital to a case. Most likely, you’ll be taking some time off to recover from the consequences of an accident, and having a professional attorney update you on the progress of the case periodically is important.
- A lawyer with fantastic negotiation and trial experience can help get you the maximum settlement. Make sure that your lawyer or law firm has the resources to prepare and present a strong case in your favor.
Do You Need a Freeway Accident Lawyer for Your Case?
California’s statute of limitations requires personal injury victims to file claims against negligent parties within two years following the accident. Two years may seem like a lot, but when dealing with the insurance company, car accident claims can take a long time. Most of the time, no reasoning is provided by the insurance company suggesting delaying tactics.
A car accident lawyer can help compile all necessary documentation with solid evidence when filing claims. It is highly unlikely that your claim will get rejected if you have a qualified lawyer look into it.
After an accident, the most important thing is getting medical treatment and enough rest for a robust recovery process. Dealing with insurance companies can get quite stressful, thus prolonging your recovery. Hiring a legal expert to assess your personal injury case and help you file a claim can save you a lot of time and get you the financial compensation you need to pay for the medical expenses.
After getting into a car accident, a victim looks towards the insurance company to pay for their medical bills or lost income. Unfortunately, the insurance company often does not provide the much-needed funds, causing further emotional and financial distress. Ehline Law is a premier personal injury law firm that protects injured victims from the repercussions of accidents and holds those responsible accountable for the damages.
Since our inception, we’ve protected over 3,000 injured victims, helping them get over $150 million in compensation. Let us do the same for you. If you got into a motor vehicle accident on the SR-55 that was not your fault, call us at (213) 596-9642 and get a free consultation with our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys today!
Other California Freeway and Interstate Accidents
