The Most Dangerous Road in Texas – Interstate 45
Not only is Interstate 45 widely considered the most dangerous road in Texas, but it may even be the deadliest highway in the entire nation. Some claim that I-45 is more hazardous than any other stretch of asphalt in North America — even more dangerous than the icy roads of Canada’s Northwest Territories.
If you suffered injuries in a crash on I-45, you may have heard these claims and researched the highway. Although learning more about I-45 can provide closure, it does little to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Fortunately, a personal injury attorney in Houston can help you pursue compensation and justice for your accident.
This article will explore the most dangerous road in Texas, including crash statistics associated with I-45, why these crashes occur, and your legal options after a devastating car accident.
Shocking Statistics Regarding Interstate 45
The internet is filled with shocking statistics regarding Interstate 45. Informal studies conducted by insurance companies have determined that this highway causes more deaths than any other road section in the United States. However, some of the most insightful statistics come from legitimate government sources.
According to the Texas Department of Transport (TxDOT), Interstate 45 sees more freight traffic than any other stretch of road in the entire state. Each year, tens of thousands of semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles pass through this “multimodal freight corridor.” TxDOT suggests that approximately half of all freight tonnage passing through I-45 originates or terminates outside of Texas, meaning this stretch of road is a vital artery for interstate trade across the United States.
TxDOT also reports that I-45 is one of the most congested highways in the country, accounting for about five percent of the nation’s freight bottlenecks. Data suggests that truck congestion peaks in the middle section of I-45 in a rural area with relatively few passenger vehicles. However, the most dangerous section of I-45 is “segment 10,” which ranges from I-20 to FM 660 in Dallas.
Government reports highlight the need to improve I-45, but construction projects have been delayed or abandoned. Many bridges along the highway currently fail to meet safety guidelines. Despite the need for substantial improvements, safety hazards on I-45 may only worsen, as the population along the highway is estimated to increase by 60 percent in the next 25 years.
During that same time, employment levels are expected to skyrocket by as much as 80 percent, bringing new traffic to the highway. Both population and employment increases will place enormous pressure on an already-congested I-45, potentially pushing freight tonnage up by 89 percent by 2040. Safe driving practices on Interstate 45 are a must.
Why Is Interstate 45 So Dangerous?
Interstate 45 is dangerous for many reasons. First and foremost, it is one of the most congested freight traffic routes in the United States. Motorists often find themselves alongside an almost impossible parade of semi-trucks while driving on I-45, and these vehicles pose numerous inherent hazards. Commercial vehicles struggle with quick maneuverability, have numerous blind spots, and require large (often ungranted) braking distances. Truck drivers may also commit various acts of negligence behind the wheel, including driving while intoxicated, tired, or distracted.
Trucking congestion is just one of I-45’s dangerous features. Many motorists report poor visibility at night due to insufficient lampposts and a high concentration of drunk drivers. However, perhaps the most dangerous aspect of this highway is its shoddy condition, characterized by large potholes, asphalt damage, lack of road reflectors, missing lane paint, worn-out signage, and more.
What Can You Do After an Accident on Interstate 45?
Medical treatment should be your top priority after an accident on Interstate 45. Accept assistance from first responders and allow them to transport you to the nearest hospital. From there, follow recommendations and follow up with your family doctor. Effective medical treatment allows you to document your injuries properly and use your medical records to prove your damages while pursuing compensation.
Texas is an “at-fault” state, which means that you must also prove negligence to pursue compensation in addition to suffering injuries. An auto accident lawyer in Houston can help you determine who might be responsible for your accident. If your accident was caused by a commercial vehicle, you could pursue a lawsuit against a trucking or freight company.
When pursuing compensation, you generally begin with an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. If you cannot agree with insurers on a fair level of compensation, you may proceed with a personal injury lawsuit in court. Although you can try to secure an insurance settlement on your own, enlisting a dedicated car accident attorney to negotiate on your behalf is typically a good idea.
Find a Qualified Auto Accident Lawyer in Houston
Interstate 45 statistics help raise awareness about this treacherous highway, but internet research won’t help injury victims find justice. If you suffered injuries in an accident caused by someone else — whether it was on I-45 or another Texas roadway — you may be able to secure a settlement through a car accident lawsuit.
Personal injury lawyers know that serious car accidents devastate more than your vehicle: They can leave you with physical injuries, emotional scars, insurmountable debt, and more. If you are struggling to put your life back together after a wreck in Texas, it’s important to understand that you can get help if you are injured.