Car Accidents on I-90: What You Need to Know

By Brumley Law Firm – Seattle Car Accident Lawyers

Introduction: Why I-90 Crashes Are Unique

Interstate 90 (I‑90) stretches nearly 300 miles across Washington—from Seattle’s floating bridges, through Bellevue and Snoqualmie Pass, to Spokane and beyond Wikipedia. It’s a vital artery prone to accidents due to high traffic volume, varied terrain, and shifting weather conditions. Understanding what makes I‑90 crashes different is key to protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.

What Makes I-90 Accidents Particularly Complex

1. High Traffic Volume and Speed Differentials

Segments like I‑90 through Eastgate in Bellevue handle up to 150,000 vehicles daily, making them some of the most trafficked stretches in the state Wikipedia. When high-speed vehicles merge with slower traffic or trucks, the risk of severe crashes increases dramatically.

2. Mountain Terrain and Winter Hazards

As I‑90 climbs over Snoqualmie Pass, drivers face snow, ice, blizzards, and steep grades. These conditions boost the chance of multi-vehicle pileups and lose traction-related crashes. In general, highway accident rates in congested or hazardous conditions can be 21 times higher than under normal traffic workzonesafety.org+14Purdue e-Pubs+14Wikipedia+14.

3. Chain-Reaction and Multi-Vehicle Collisions

With high speeds and often limited visibility, minor collisions can quickly escalate. Even one stopped or slowed vehicle can trigger a cascade of rear-end or sideswipe crashes—sometimes involving multiple vehicles Wikipedia.

Common Causes of I-90 Crashes

  • Speeding and aggressive driving, especially in merging zones.
  • Distracted driving, including cell phone use or GPS adjusting, which contributes to severe injuries on highways TRIP+12Elk + Elk+12Bellevue Injury Lawyer+12Washington Injury Law+2injurytriallawyer.com+2.
  • Poor weather, especially on mountain passes.
  • Road construction, narrow lanes, and confusing signage leading to collisions.
  • Sudden stops behind congestion or accidents causing chain reactions.

What to Do After an I-90 Accident

  1. Ensure safety first—turn on hazard lights, move to shoulder if possible.
  2. Call 911, even for minor injuries—WSP often investigates highway accidents.
  3. Document the scene—take photos of road conditions, skid marks, signage, and vehicles involved.
  4. Gather witness info, license and insurance data.
  5. Seek medical care, even if injuries appear minor. Hidden injuries like concussions or soft tissue damage can surface later.
  6. Avoid recorded statements or accepting settlement offers before consulting a lawyer.

How Brumley Law Firm Tackles I-90 Accident Cases

We focus on critical elements that strengthen your claim:

  • Crash reconstruction to analyze speed, visibility, and fault.
  • Sub-poenaing traffic, WSP, or WSDOT data for roadway conditions, phone logs, or camera footage.
  • Evaluating chain-reaction causation and identifying all responsible parties—drivers, WSDOT, or contractors.
  • Combining robust medical evidence and future care projections to maximize compensation.

Our team fights to ensure claims reflect the full scope of injuries and future care needs, not just initial medical bills.

Conclusion: Don’t Underestimate the Risks on I-90

Accidents on I-90 are more than just crashes—they involve unique terrain, extreme conditions, and complex fault issues. If you’ve been involved in an I-90 accident, your choice of legal representation matters.

📞 Call Brumley Law Firm today for a free consultation. Our Seattle car accident lawyers are seasoned in handling I-90 claims with precision, care, and fierce advocacy.