Car and motorcycle accidents can happen anytime, but perhaps some areas are more prone to them than others. Seven of the deadliest roads and intersections in the US run through the state of Texas. It is not surprising that Texas also has one of the country’s most serious auto accident and fatality rates.
For example, a horrendous pile-up happened in 2021 along Interstate 35W in the Fort Worth area in Texas. According to the New York Times, the incident involved more than 100 vehicles, most likely due to bad weather conditions. It resulted in six fatalities and multiple people trapped inside their car wrecks. The crash occurred around six a.m. and included cars and eighteen-wheeler trucks.
Such incidents show drivers must always be careful when they get behind the wheel. However, when the unthinkable happens, it pays to know what you should do. You have rights if you or a loved one sustains injuries in a car crash because of negligence.
A Fort Worth personal injury attorney can best explain your options for redress under Texas law. They can negotiate with
Personal injury lawyers in Fort Worth have a deep understanding of Texas car and truck accident laws. They are familiar with
Don’t keep quiet; don’t overreact, and get the justice you deserve.
Reach out to the Personal Injury Center for more information.
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Deadliest Roads in Fort Worth, TX
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recorded 425,074 vehicular accidents in 2021. As the most populous city in Texas, Houston had the highest number of crashes and fatalities, with 327 traffic deaths. Dallas has the second highest with 227 fatalities, followed by San Antonio with 182. Meanwhile, Fort Worth had a total number of 130 road fatalities.
Fort Worth is not the worst city in Texas for drivers. However, it is worrying because it recorded 14,679 crashes in 2021 and more than 3,000 injury cases. What causes these accidents?
Statistics show that the key cause of car accidents in Fort Worth is roads and intersections. Highlighted below are the deadliest roads in Fort Worth.
East Lancaster Ave and Riverside Drive
The East Lancaster Corridor may appear ordinary, but it has a remarkable history that spans more than 120 years. In 1931, it was formally renamed East Lancaster in honor of John Lynch Lancaster, the Texas and Pacific Railroad’s president at that time. Its original name was Front Street.
This significant road intersects two cross-town streets, East Lancaster Avenue and Riverside Drive. Although driver error is typically to blame in most auto accidents at these crossings, the causes might vary.
Many motorists typically go too fast when traveling down East Lancaster, which has five lanes and is quite broad. Another critical detail that explains the risk is that the East Lancaster Ave and Riverside Drive intersection connects two towns. This could mean it’s susceptible to high traffic as goods and services move from one city to another.
Unsurprisingly, East Lancaster Avenue at Riverside Drive records the highest number of auto accidents in Fort Worth. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, this road had an average of 126 motor vehicle accidents annually. The most dangerous factors at this intersection are its dual left-turn lanes and two wide thoroughfares.
Texas 360 at Texas 183
In 2006, the State Highway (SH) 360’s main lanes from SH 121 to SH 183 were completed as a four to the six-lane roadway. The SH 360 received its designation on November 30, 1955, running from SH 183 south to US 80 (now SH 180).
Over several decades, the SH 360 underwent construction in different stages. This road consists of feeder roads south of 183, while 360 is a freeway.
When there is nearby construction, a bottleneck develops, and traffic worsens. It’s not surprising that there were 107 car crashes recorded at this intersection in 2017. Accidents occur on this road due mainly to driver negligence.
But as the main corridor through which traffic between Dallas and Fort Worth travels, this road is super busy. Additionally, the 360 handles traffic from nearby DFW airport, earning it the nickname “Airport Freeway.” Such a high volume of cars from Dallas and DFW Airports significantly contributes to accidents on these roads.
Interstate 20 at McCart Avenue
Interstate 20 is a major east-west interstate highway extending to the Louisiana border near Waskom, Texas. But I-20 was rerouted in the 1980s and 1990s. This reduces the original distance of 647 miles (1,041 km) from I-10 to the Louisiana border to 636 miles (1,024 km).
I-20 is the Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. It makes up the southern arc of the entire loop around Fort Worth. Serving as a major highway through several metropolitan areas, I-20 is particularly busy. With five lanes of traffic in both directions, the traffic at this intersection frequently moves at high speeds.
The odds of accidents are high on this road, especially in bad weather. At this crossroads in Fort Worth, an average of 77 auto accidents occur every year. Besides speeding, driver negligence is one of the causes.
East Lancaster Avenue at South Sargent Street
More than 120 years have passed since East Lancaster Avenue opened. Since then, it has been a crucial transit hub for the area. The extension of East Lancaster led to it becoming a part of the Bankhead Roadway, the country’s first coast-to-coast highway built in 1916.
The issue with East Lancaster Avenue at South Sargent Street is the pedestrian crossing and a bus transfer center. Because it is a high-traffic area, the likelihood of property damage and car accident cases increases.
Drivers, pedestrians, and those boarding the buses can be vulnerable on these roads. Over one year, authorities recorded an average of 70 ambulance calls from these crossroads.
North Freeway (I-35W) and Meacham Blvd
The western portion of Interstate 35, or I-35, splits off to serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. At Hillsboro, I-35 divides into two routes, I-35W and I-35E.
With its unique exit numbers, I-35W extends 85.2 miles (137.1 km) in a northerly direction. It passes through Fort Worth before reuniting with I-35E in Denton to once again become I-35. The I-35 is a more direct route for long-distance expressway traffic and the scene of the recent pile-up described above.
The I-35W and I-35E were the only “suffixed” freeways in Texas at the time of their establishment. During their construction in 2017, 69 accidents occurred on the North Freeway (I-35W) and Meacham Boulevard.
Even without ongoing road work, it is one of Fort Worth’s busiest intersections. I-35W passes through the densely populated Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio metro areas. Thousands of 18-wheelers use it as their “de facto route,” increasing the risks of deadly crashes. Annually, an average of 69 accidents occur on this road, most due to driver negligence.
West Weatherford Street and State Highway 199
Many drivers feel distracted when crossing a side road and easing into a highway. That is a frequent occurrence with drivers merging onto West Weatherford Street from Summit Ave or Forest Park Blvd, the route to Downtown Fort Worth.
The roads are confusing, so drivers often need to figure out where to go to get to West Weatherford, which intersects State Highway 199. This distraction is enough for some drivers to get into serious car accidents.
These are only six of the deadly intersections in Texas. Numerous neighborhoods and places in the city also see a lot of traffic accidents, including bicycle and pedestrian incidents.
Consult a Fort Worth car accident attorney if you or a loved one sustained harm due to driver negligence. They can help you with your
Common Types of Fort Worth Car Accidents
Car accidents are an ever-present risk for many Texans due to the high volume of vehicles on Fort Worth roadways. However, many auto accidents are preventable, occurring only because of another motorist’s negligence, indifference, or disregard for safety.
Even though each car accident case is distinct, crashes tend to follow specific patterns. Awareness of the following forms of car crashes can help you prevent an auto accident.
Single-car collisions
Surprisingly, a common type of motor vehicle accident involves just one vehicle. Most of these situations happen when a driver collides with something in their path, causing a single-car collision.
The obstruction may be road debris, objects falling from another vehicle, such as a truck tire tread, or animals. Another cause of single-car collisions is hitting a tree, wall, light post, or guard rail.
Depending on where the accident occurs, single-car collisions can be fatal. For instance, the car may flip over or land in a ditch. These incidents can cause serious injuries, especially if the car flips over or strikes a large object. This can result in property damage, high medical bills for serious injuries, and wrongful death.
Drivers under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol, fatigue, speeding, and adverse weather are all common causes of single-vehicle collisions. Some single-vehicle crashes result from someone else’s negligence, such as a poorly planned construction zone.
Reckless driving can also cause single-car collisions. It forces other drivers to swerve and run off the road to avoid the careless driver.
Side-impact collisions
According to a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), about one-fourth of car passenger fatalities result from side-impact incidents. A side-impact collision occurs when a vehicle hits another vehicle on the side, often forming a “T” shape. That gave rise to the term “T-bone collision.” It occurs most frequently at intersections and parking lots.
In side-impact collisions, the occupants of the vehicle struck on the side are particularly at risk. Unlike the vehicle’s front and back, the side panels are thinner and absorb less of the shock of a collision. This can lead to more serious or even fatal car accident injuries.
Drivers who don’t yield frequently cause side-impact collisions. They don’t stop at intersections and violate traffic stop signs and red lights. A side-impact car crash can result from distracted, intoxicated, or careless drivers. In such a case, the at-fault driver may be financially liable for the harm they cause to others.
Side collisions can cause property damage, traumatic brain injuries, disfigurement, fractures, and even death. If the accident is due to negligence, the at-fault party and their
Head-on collisions
This auto accident occurs when two vehicles moving toward each other collide. Head-on incidents in traffic accidents are frequently fatal.
In a head-on car crash, the head and neck move forward while the body remains in place. That is if you’re wearing a seatbelt. When muscles and ligaments in the back and neck distend excessively, one of the injuries you may suffer is whiplash. It can also lead to more severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and shattered bones.
Head-on collisions can result from driving while intoxicated, driving too fast, or reckless driving. Avoiding accidents of this nature requires drivers to pay close attention to traffic signs. They must be vigilant about the state of the road and stay in their lanes.
Despite being less frequent than other types of car accident cases, head-on collisions are among the riskiest mishaps that can cause the wrongful death of a beloved. The force of the crash increases because both vehicles are traveling toward each other. Head-on collisions are more likely to cause serious injuries, property damage, or fatalities than other forms of auto accidents.
Vehicle rollover
When a car is involved in a rollover accident, it may turn over onto its side or roof. Rollover collisions can occur in various situations and are more likely to result in serious injuries. Anyone inside a moving car is frequently severely injured by the force of the flip.
Moreover, rollover accidents can result in cargo or fuel spills that ignite, causing the vehicle to explode. This may lead to more severe or fatal injuries.
Several factors contribute to rollover crashes. These include speeding, driving while distracted or intoxicated, road hazards, and more.
Any car crash resulting in property damage, injury, or death may have a car accident claim from
Ensure you hire a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer with years of experience handling motor vehicle accidents. They can help you get the justice and peace of mind you need.
Request a free consultation today!
How To File a Claim for a Car Accident in Fort Worth
Fort Worth car accidents can cause extensive pain and harm to you and your family. Suppose you or a loved one is involved in a motor vehicle accident due to another driver’s recklessness. In that case, you may have a right to compensation.
The first thing you should do is hire an experienced car accident lawyer in Fort Worth. They will help you file a compensation claim for your car accident injuries and other damages.
With the aid of a Fort Worth accident lawyer, you can successfully get the compensation you deserve. The following steps will help establish your claim for a car accident in Fort Worth.
Get medical care
If you’re critically hurt, don’t attempt to move. Wait until emergency services arrive. They will transport you to the nearest hospital, where you’ll get the necessary medical care.
Regardless of the car accident’s severity, you should seek medical attention for your well-being and the strength of your case. You still need to see a doctor even if you think you’re not hurt or your injuries are minor.
Many accident victims may not know they sustained injuries until a few days after the event. However, doctors can identify subtle signs and symptoms of potentially serious problems. Moreover, medical records will help prove the extent of your injuries if you decide to file a personal injury case.
Gather evidence
If you’re able, write down the date, time, location, and details of the car crash while they’re still fresh in your memory. This will help you accurately describe the accident in the future. Knowing the location of security or traffic cameras is also helpful, as you might need to access them later.
All of this can help prove the party at fault in an accident. Gathering evidence via crash reports, police reports, and witness statements also helps support your narrative. It is also a good idea to capture the license plates and any damage to all vehicles involved.
Establish the scene of the accidents by taking photos of road angles and street signs. Include notes on any environmental factors or potential dangers that contributed to the crash.
Consult a Fort Worth car accident lawyer
Don’t panic even if you cannot collect evidence at the accident scene. You can get a free consultation with an experienced lawyer from a reliable firm in Fort Worth. They know how to gather critical evidence to prove a claim.
Car accident lawyers in Fort Worth can provide legal advice and representation to help build the case, negotiate a settlement, and fight for just compensation. Working with a personal injury lawyer eases the burden on victims.
Find a Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Worth
You may be eligible for compensation for economic and non-economic damages if you sustain injuries in a negligent car accident. An experienced car accident lawyer in Fort Worth can review your case, assess your injuries, and negotiate a fair settlement. Additionally, they can provide legal representation in court when necessary.
Texas law places a statute of limitations on filing personal injury claims. If you plan to sue for compensation in Fort Worth, you should act quickly. Get the justice you deserve so you don’t have to suffer the consequences of someone’s negligence alone. Get a free consultation from The Personal Injury Center to find the best lawyer for your case.
Learn how to navigate car accident cases in Fort Worth, TX, with the guidance of an expert. Get more information and assistance from The Personal Injury Center.
FAQs on Car Accident Lawyers in Fort Worth
Who is responsible for a car accident case settlement in Fort Worth, TX?
Like most states, Texas bases auto accident compensation on a "fault" or "at-fault" basis. What does this mean? Suppose you sustain injuries or a loved one dies in an auto accident. In that case, the at-fault driver must pay for your medical bills, property damages, and other losses.
What compensation can I receive after a car accident in Texas?
Texas law grants three types of compensation to car accident victims. Economic damages are compensations for monetary losses. Among other things, these include present and future medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity.
Non-economic damages recompense intangible losses. These may include pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, amputation or loss of a body part, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
Finally, the jury may award punitive damages to a personal injury victim as punishment to the defendants. The goal is to motivate others to be less reckless and more responsible when they get behind the wheel.
How long does a car accident settlement case take in Texas?
You can resolve a simple motor vehicle accident case in a few weeks. But complex car accident settlement cases can take between one and three years.
