With several breathtaking peaks, it’s little wonder why Washington remains a state that is frequented for rock climbing. The plentiful and accessible climbing routes mean that anyone can take on the daunting task of rock climbing, with the reward being a sublime view.
Unfortunately, Washington also has many climbing accidents, leaving people severely injured. Some don’t survive their falls. Read on to learn more about why Washington has so many of these kinds of accidents.
What Factors Contribute to Washington Climbing Accidents?
In Washington, there are several key factors that make climbers more prone to accidents.
Large Volume of Visitors
Washington’s beauty has long enticed visitors from all over to its mountains. Many people see these peaks online, and it’s a dream come true to climb them and gaze out at the world from that vantage point. However, they also underestimate the difficulty of these climbs and the severity of the conditions at the time, leading to peril.
High Population
The Cascades are close to Seattle, which has a high population while drawing many additional visitors. The close proximity to this mountain range means that many people seek a day trip, creating additional foot traffic on these routes.
Unpredictable Weather
Even seasoned climbers can be caught off guard by the rapidly changing weather in this area. Climbers are often surprised by how quickly things can change. Winter is perhaps the most dangerous season as avalanche risks are high. Other seasons also bring sudden strong storms that can cause climbers to lose their grip.
Natural Hazards
Some of the most popular routes have unique natural hazards that are difficult for anyone to manage. Mt. Rainier’s famed bowling alley is known for rockfall while there are glaciers and falling ice to contend with as well.
Miscalculations
The vast majority of climbers underestimate the time and difficulty of a route. They may look at the times logged by faster, more experienced climbers and assume that they can also traverse it in the same time frame. When they grow weary, they are more prone to accidents.
More Climbers Means More Car Accidents
Along with more climbing accidents, there are more car accidents in these areas. The draw of the mountains brings more visitors traveling in vehicles on the same roadways. Distracted by the beauty and not knowing where they’re going, this influx of mountain climbers contributes to more crashes on the road.
The same fickle weather that stumps climbers on the peaks also causes catastrophe on the roads. When unexpected, severe weather comes in, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog, the drive becomes far more perilous, much the same way as the climbing routes. Those who aren’t used to the weather may lose control and get into a wreck. Debris on the road may also be a factor, especially when loose rocks get in the way.
What to Do If You Have a Car Accident Near Washington’s Mountains
Whether you’re a local escaping to the mountains for the day or someone visiting to enjoy Washington’s beautiful ranges, getting there is part of the challenge. It’s best to plan your route in advance to avoid taking your eyes off the road and be aware of all surroundings. Knowing that sudden changes in condition often arise can help you plan for the unexpected.
If you get into a car accident in this area, you should follow the same steps as you would in most car crash scenarios. Call the police and report the accident, and if possible, move your vehicle out of the roadway. If you are hurt, let the 911 operator know so they can send paramedics to you.
You might be in a hurry to just get on with your day and go climbing, though it is best to return another time. Many injuries do not have outward symptoms, and you would then be on the mountains, even further away from help, as a life-threatening condition develops. Instead, get a full medical evaluation, which will give you medical records of your diagnosis and treatment.
When the accident is caused by someone else and their negligent driving actions, you can hold them accountable for your medical bills and other financial losses. However, the evidence you present is crucial in proving who is at fault. You should get photos and videos, as well as the contact information for any witnesses.
Afterwards, get in touch with a car accident lawyer in Tacoma. They can help make sure you are treated fairly during the claims process and recover compensation on your behalf.