Here’s Everything You Need to Know from a Dallas Personal Injury Attorney
There are few experiences with a more devastating impact than a trucking accident – both physically and emotionally speaking.
As highly experienced personal injury attorneys serving the great state of Texas, we’ve seen firsthand how damaging trucking accidents have been on our clients’ lives. Today, we are sharing essential information on how to stay safe on the most dangerous highways for trucking accidents in our state.
We aim to help you stay informed and safe on the hazardous roads of Texas to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. However, if the unthinkable happens, we are here to support you in every way.
Navigating the Risks of the Road on Texas’s Most Dangerous Highways
Texas is an essential hub for commercial trucking with an expansive network of over 80,000 miles of roads and highways. This money-making industry is vital in keeping our state’s thriving economy, but there are significant risks that go hand-in-hand with the benefits.
The Lonestar State is home to seven potentially dangerous highways that see far too many trucking accidents annually. Here is everything you need to know to avoid injury on the road:
- Interstate 35 (I-35)
Interstate 35 is a notoriously dangerous hot spot for trucking accidents. This major North-South route that connects Laredo, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth is no stranger to high traffic volumes and ongoing construction which creates the perfect storm of distraction – leading to more trucking accidents overall. The I-35 NEX Central project (the first of five concurrent construction projects on the highway), aims to improve safety and mobility, but in the meantime leads to an increase in traffic-related accidents.
- Interstate 45 (I-45)
Perhaps even busier than I-35 is the long stretch of I-45, which links Houston to Dallas. I-45 has earned the terrifying reputation of being one of the deadliest highways in the United States, with trucking accidents accounting for a large portion of the injuries and deaths in the area. In fact, according to the Accident Data Center, this highway averaged 56.5 fatal accidents per 100 miles over the course of an eight-year study. The portion of the highway near Houston is particularly hazardous due to extremely heavy traffic and the high concentration of trucks traveling to and from the Port of Houston.
- Interstate 20 (I-20)
This east-west route runs through Dallas, Fort Worth, and Midland and is home to many long-haul trucking routes, frequent construction, and significant weather-related hazards (such as widespread flooding and tornadoes in the region). Due to these challenging conditions, as well as narrow lanes and sharp curves, I-20 poses increased risks of trucking accidents, and has been given the foreboding nickname of “Death Trap Corridor.”
- U.S. Highway 59 (US-59)
This hazardous route through the greater Houston area, also known as Interstate 69 in parts of Texas, sees extremely high volumes of commercial trucks – particularly near the Port of Houston. Increased long-haul truck routes on a highway boasting a speed limit of 75 MPH inevitably lead to a higher frequency of trucking accidents.
- U.S. Highway 290 (US-290)
Connecting Houston to Austin, U.S. Highway 290 sees exceedingly heavy traffic patterns and frequent lane changes, which predictably leads to a higher risk of rear-end collisions and other serious trucking accidents.
- Interstate 10 (I-10)
This lengthy route spans from Louisiana to New Mexico and is an essential East-West route that runs through the state of Texas. The section of I-10 near Houston is a particularly dangerous hotspot for trucking accidents due to heavy traffic congestion and frequent ongoing construction projects. Poor weather conditions such as heavy tropical storms along the Gulf Coast and wildfires have earned this stretch of highway the 10th place ranking for weather-related accidents nationwide. Additionally, the section of US-290 in Oak Hill (Southwest of Austin) leads to a major bottleneck during peak commuting hours.
- Interstate 30 (I-30)
I-30 runs from Fort Worth to Texarkana through Dallas, with vast urban sections that are hazardous due to high volumes of traffic, complex freeway interchanges, and abrupt lane changes which lead to frequent trucking accidents. The intersection of I-30 and I-35 is considered to be one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in all of Dallas. In addition, the oil “fracking boom” has led to increased vehicular accidents on I-30 due to sleep-deprivation and construction issues.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Personal Injury Lawyer is Here to Help
Our dedicated, compassionate team of personal injury attorneys at Angel Reyes and Associates understand the seemingly insurmountable challenges that face you and your family when navigating the dangerous highways of Texas.
We are here to support you with all of your needs, whether you’re a long-haul truck driver trying to learn how to stay safe on the job or a cautious motorist who is concerned about sharing the road with large trucks.
If you or a loved one has found themselves involved in a trucking accident on any of these hazardous highways – or anywhere else in Texas, for that matter – our experienced team of truck accident lawyers is ready and willing to take on the case and fight for your rights. We have the knowledge, resources, experience, and determination to handle the most straightforward or complex trucking accident cases – ensuring your best outcome in every scenario.
Your Safety Is Our Top Priority – Let’s Prevent Trucking Accidents Together
No matter what, our team of Dallas personal injury attorneys are here to help you. While we are prepared if you need our help after an accident, we’d prefer to see you stay safe on the road to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. Here are some helpful prevention and safety tips to reduce your risk:
- Find ways to stay alert and avoid distractions while driving
- Always ensure you maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and large trucks
- Be extra cautious in construction zones and areas of heavy traffic flow
- If you’re a long-haul truck driver, make sure you’re getting adequate rest and following all safety regulations
Allow Your Dedicated Truck Accident Attorney to Guide You Through This Challenging Time
We understand firsthand how overwhelming the aftermath of a trucking accident can be. The challenges of physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress can feel like you’re climbing uphill with no plateau in sight.
You don’t have to face these trials alone. Our compassionate, caring team is here to listen to your personal story, explain your legal options, and counsel you through every uphill step of the legal process to ensure we secure the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones.
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we’re not just your attorneys; we’re a part of your family. We will fight tirelessly as your advocates, support system, and your partners in seeking justice. Our team understands everything you are facing during this challenging time, and we’re here to help in every way possible. Your personal injury attorney will be fully committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on what’s most important – your recovery and your family.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a trucking accident on one of Texas’s top 7 most dangerous highways, connect with our highly experienced team of expert truck accident lawyers today. We’ll discuss the details of your case and take the first step on your path to justice and healing together. Visit our website to schedule your free consultation or stop by our Houston office today.
Just remember – you are not alone – on Texas highways or in the courtroom. Our team is here to help you navigate this challenging time and emerge stronger.
