I-90 Near Snoqualmie Pass: A High-Risk Accident Zone

Drivers on Snoqualmie Pass need to take extra precautions, especially as winter weather sets in. Diligence on I-90 can prevent devastating accidents like the ones already plaguing Washington residents in 2026. 

If you plan on driving down I-90 or over Snoqualmie Pass, make sure you check the weather and have safety tools in your car, including tire chains, blankets, and a phone charger. 

Our Seattle car accident lawyers know that the precautions you take before hitting the road can make a world of difference if you get into a crash in this high-risk collision zone.

What to Know About Snoqualmie Pass

Snoqualmie Pass has always been a particularly perilous road, especially in the winter months. The pass allows I-90 to cut through the heart of the Cascade Mountain Range. Unfortunately, the pass’s higher elevation makes it more difficult than usual to navigate during the winter, as snow and rain can increase the risk of accidents.

Washington State keeps Snoqualmie Pass and I-90 open year-round rather than closing them, unlike some other high-risk passes. The state expects drivers using I-90 to take particular care as the weather worsens. 

Our Seattle personal injury lawyers note that diligence and attention to the weather can make all the difference between a dangerous accident and a safe drive home.

What’s Washington State Doing About Snoqualmie Pass?

The state of Washington acknowledges that Snoqualmie Pass is dangerous. Fortunately, the state intends to take steps to increase driver safety through the pass. 

The Washington State Department of Transportation has made an effort to widen the configuration of the road through the pass. Ongoing construction should reduce crowding and improve traffic flow while accounting for the safety of the local wildlife.

Construction on I-90 should come to its conclusion in 2026, as the state finalizes work on I-90’s on and off ramps, finishes lane stripping, and installs curbs, guardrails, and final its landscaping details.

How to Protect Yourself in High-Risk Accident Zones

There are a few different steps you can take if you want to protect yourself from a serious accident on I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass. First and foremost, you can keep an eye on the weather and heed alerts that may indicate alternative paths are safer to navigate, especially as serious winter weather rolls in.

We also encourage you to drive as safely as possible while on I-90. Abide by the posted speed limits and keep an eye on the drivers around you.

If the weather’s particularly bad, or if there’s been an accident on the road ahead of you, slow down. Make yourself as visible as possible and use your headlights.

Additionally, consider keeping safety equipment in your car with you while navigating the pass. The ideal safety kit for drivers on I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass may include:

• A warm winter coat, gloves, scarf, and hat
• Bottles of water
• Non-perishable snacks
• Tire chains
• Battery-operated camping lamps
• A radio
• A phone charger
• A tire jack and spare tire
• A high-visibility vest
• Jumper cables

What to Do if You Get Into an Accident in a High-Risk Zone

Unfortunately, there’s only so much you can do to protect yourself from an accident on I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass. If someone else isn’t paying attention to the road around them, you may find yourself a victim of their negligence. Fortunately, Washington State’s civil laws allow you to take legal action against negligent drivers who put you in harm’s way.

Once emergency responders have treated your most pressing injuries and you’re out of danger, you can reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Seattle for legal support.

Our law firm can step in and help you figure out how you want to approach your recovery. We can specifically help you file an insurance claim with a relevant provider or bring a lawsuit against a negligent party.

These processes can both put money in your hands after a devastating collision. You can go on to use a car accident settlement to help pay for any medical expenses, mechanics’ fees, or other costs associated with your recovery.

Call or text (800) 708-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Contact the Car Accident Lawyers With Phillips Law Firm Today

Snoqualmie Pass is a known high-risk accident zone. That’s why you need to take steps to keep yourself safe when driving through the area. Slow down and make sure you have safety equipment in your car to protect yourself from accidents and bad weather.

What’s more, the drivers around you need to keep your safety in mind while navigating through the area. Drivers who don’t can assume liability for your recovery in the wake of a collision.

If someone else’s negligence contributed to your I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass accident, you can work with an experienced legal professional to demand compensation for your losses.

Our lawyers can help you pursue car accident claims, truck accident claims, and wrongful death claims, among others.

Real People. Real Justice. (800) 708-6000