Interstate 70 FAQ’s

If you’ve been in a crash on I-70, follow these safety and reporting steps:

• Call 911 if there are injuries or if traffic is blocked
• Notify local police or state highway patrol to generate a formal crash report
• Exchange contact, license, and insurance details with other drivers
• Record license plate numbers and vehicle information
• Collect names and contact info from any eyewitnesses
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene, if safe
• Inform your insurance company of the crash

State police agencies that often respond to I-70 accidents include the Colorado State Patrol, Kansas Highway Patrol, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Indiana State Police, and others in the I-70 states.

If the crash blocks lanes or occurs during inclement weather, follow authorities’ instructions carefully and remain in a safe location. Delays and secondary accidents are common on I-70 following serious collisions, especially near urban centers and construction zones.

Seek immediate medical care. Then contact a personal injury attorney licensed in the state where the crash occurred. They can help recover compensation for your injuries, lost income, and other damages by holding negligent parties accountable.

In major injury cases, insurance companies may begin investigations quickly and attempt early settlements. Avoid signing anything or giving recorded statements until you speak with an attorney. Your lawyer can protect your rights and ensure you are not taken advantage of.

Hiring a lawyer isn’t required, but it’s highly beneficial, especially for injury claims or complex cases. Lawyers manage negotiations, calculate damages, and fight for fair settlements.

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and provide free consultations. If your accident involves commercial trucks, government vehicles, or multiple parties, legal representation is especially important due to the complexity of liability and insurance coverage issues.

A skilled attorney will:

• Investigate the cause of the crash
• Gather evidence, including police and medical reports
• Identify responsible parties and insurance policies
• Communicate with insurance adjusters
• Quantify and prove all losses
• File a lawsuit and represent you in court if needed

Regardless of where your accident happened, from Utah to Maryland local lawyers know how to navigate the legal system in that state. They also understand comparative negligence laws, which may affect your ability to recover damages based on your share of fault.

It’s best to contact a lawyer right away. Early legal action helps preserve key evidence, protect your rights, and strengthen your claim. Don’t risk making mistakes or accepting low offers from insurers.

Each state has a statute of limitations, so timely legal advice is essential. In many states, waiting too long could forfeit your ability to file a lawsuit, even if your case is otherwise strong.

If you were injured in a crash on Interstate 70 due to another party’s negligence, you have a legal right to seek compensation. But each state along I-70 sets a deadline for filing claims. Missing that deadline may bar your case permanently.

Here are the statutes of limitations for personal injury claims along I-70:

• Utah: 4 years (Utah Code § 78B-2-307)
• Colorado: 3 years for motor vehicle accidents (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-101)
• Kansas: 2 years (Kan. Stat. § 60-513)
• Missouri: 5 years (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120)
• Illinois: 2 years (735 ILCS 5/13-202)
• Indiana: 2 years (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4)
• Ohio: 2 years (Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10)
• West Virginia: 2 years (W. Va. Code § 55-2-12)
• Pennsylvania: 2 years (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524)
• Maryland: 3 years (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101)

Note: Deadlines for wrongful death, government claims, or uninsured motorist claims may differ. It is best to speak to a trained personal injury attorney in your area for the most up to date information.

Most accident lawyers charge no upfront fees. They work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they win your case, through settlement or trial. This gives everyone access to strong legal representation.

In many cases, the initial consultation is free. You can discuss your legal options, potential damages, and next steps without committing to a contract.

A contingency agreement sets the lawyer’s fee as a percentage of your compensation, typically 25% to 40%. If you don’t recover any money, you won’t owe attorney fees.

The percentage depends on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to court. Always ask your lawyer to explain the agreement terms in writing before signing.

Your claim’s value depends on:

• Injury severity
• Current and future medical bills
• Lost income and ability to work
• Property damage
• Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma

An attorney can estimate your case value during a free consultation. High-impact crashes, such as those involving rollovers or tractor-trailers, tend to involve more serious injuries and higher compensation.

You may recover economic and non-economic damages.

Economic:

• ER and hospital bills
• Future care and rehab
• Lost wages and income
• Car repairs or replacement
• Travel costs for treatment

Non-Economic:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement or disability
• Loss of quality of life

In some states, punitive damages may also be available if the other driver’s behavior was especially reckless or malicious.

Common methods include:

• Multiplier method: Multiply total economic losses by a factor (1.5–5) based on severity.
• Per diem method: Assign a daily value to pain and multiply by recovery days.

State laws, case specifics, and insurer policies determine the final method used. Some states limit non-economic damages in certain cases.

Settlement timelines vary based on:

• How serious your injuries are
• Whether fault is disputed
• How cooperative the insurer is
• Whether a lawsuit is needed

Some cases settle in a few months, while others can take a year or longer. Your lawyer will aim to balance speed with the best possible outcome. Be cautious about settling too early, especially before your medical treatment is complete.

No. Always speak with a lawyer first. Insurers may use your statement to reduce your claim. A lawyer can advise you or handle communications directly.

Anything you say can be taken out of context. Politely decline until you have legal representation.

Losing a loved one on I-70 is tragic and life-altering. Wrongful death laws vary by state. Here’s a breakdown by location:

• Utah: The estate’s personal representative files the claim. Damages may go to surviving spouses, children, or parents.
• Colorado: Immediate family members or a designated representative may file. Damages include loss of companionship and financial support.
• Kansas: “Heirs at law” may bring claims; usually spouse, children, or parents. There’s a cap on non-economic damages.
• Missouri: Spouses, children, or parents can file; siblings or others may be eligible if no closer family exists. Damages include funeral costs and loss of services.
• Illinois: Personal representative files the suit. Surviving family can recover loss of companionship and financial contributions.
• Indiana: The estate or family may sue. Recoverable damages include funeral expenses, medical bills, and loss of love and affection.
• Ohio: Wrongful death actions are filed by the personal representative for surviving spouses, children, or parents.
• West Virginia: The estate files the claim. Beneficiaries include spouse, children, and other dependents.
• Pennsylvania: Only the estate’s personal representative can sue. Damages are distributed to beneficiaries under state law.

Maryland: Only a spouse, parent, or child may file a wrongful death suit. Damages include both economic and emotional losses.
In all cases, a wrongful death attorney can help determine eligibility, calculate damages, and file within deadlines.