I-35 Named One of the Most Dangerous Roads in the U.S.

December 10th, 2021 by Thomas J. Henry

A new report from Austin-based technology company Zebra ranks Interstate 35 as the fifth most dangerous road in the United States.

Report Cites Commercial Vehicle Traffic as Factor in I-35 Fatality Rate

According to MySA, the report and rankings were based on traffic fatality data from 2019. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that 197 deaths occurred along I-35, averaging 12.56 fatalities per 100 miles.

Interstate 35 runs from the U.S.-Mexico border all the way to Minnesota. It also runs through three of the most populated cities in the U.S: Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, Texas.

The report did not disclose where along I-35 the fatal crashes occurred, but it did note that the interstate is a major route for thousands of 18-wheelers and large trucks, making it particularly dangerous in certain high-traffic areas.

Another Texas interstate, Interstate 20, claimed the second spot on the most dangerous highway list. I-20 runs from West Texas to South Carolina, making its way through Odessa, Fort Worth, and Dallas.

I-20 had 208 fatalities reported in 2019.

The report also found a 7.2 percent increase in vehicle fatalities from 2019 to 2020, noting concerning increases in accidents caused by speeding and drunk driving.

What to Do if You Are Involved in a Car Accident

If you are involved in an auto accident that was not your fault, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights and document your crash and injuries.

1. Check yourself and others for injuries. Your health and safety should come first. Make sure you remove yourself from any danger and find a safe place to check yourself and those with you for injuries. If you suspect a potentially serious injury has occurred, call an ambulance immediately.
2. Call the police. Once it is safe to do so, call the police to report the crash. It is important that you remain at the scene while calling the police, even if the crash is not your fault or if the at-fault driver drives away. Having a police report can help substantiate your claim later and keep you from being wrongfully blamed for causing the crash.
3. Exchange information. If possible, exchange contact information and insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance companies’ contact info, policy numbers, and vehicle plate numbers.
4. Gather evidence. If it is safe to do so, take down notes concerning the accident. This can include the condition of the road, placement of the vehicles, environmental hazards, and more. You can type them on your phone or jot them in a notebook if you have one in your car. Also, take photos of the scene. They may be invaluable later.
5. Get witness information. If there are witnesses to your crash, get their contact information. If they are willing to provide a statement to the police, even better.
6. Contact a car accident attorney. It is always in your best interest to speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you decide on how best to move forward with your claim as well as warn you against potential pitfalls that could damage your claim to compensation.

Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in Texas, call Thomas J. Henry Law today for your free case evaluation. We have offices conveniently located in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio to serve your needs.

Thomas J. Henry Law works solely on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us nothing unless and until we win your case. It is part of our No Fee Promise. If you are unable to travel to one of our offices, we can send an attorney directly to you.

Do not risk your financial recovery. Call today.