I-45 in Houston Is the Most Dangerous Stretch of Road in the U.S.

Where is the country’s most dangerous road? You might be surprised to learn that it’s I-45, located right in our own backyard in the Houston area. Read on to learn more about this stretch of highway and what to do if you’re in an accident.

‍

A recent report has identified I-45 as the most dangerous road in the United States. More specifically, the most dangerous part of I-45 is the section that runs through Houston. 

The report states that there are 56.5 fatal accidents for every 100 miles on I-45. Even more alarming is the fact that I-45 does not cross any state lines, but stretches only from Galveston to Dallas on through downtown Houston. 

For countless Houston residents, driving on I-45 is a necessary part of their daily work commute. Be sure to exercise extra caution when driving on this stretch of highway. 

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident on I-45, contact a car accident lawyer at Pierce Skrabanek at (832) 690-7000 for advice and representation. Our office is located in downtown Houston, and we know the ins and outs of car accident litigation in Harris County courts. Our team has returned highly significant verdicts and settlements in Houston and throughout the country.   

Why Is I-45 the Most Dangerous Road?

I-45 is the most dangerous road in Texas and the country due to several factors. These include: 

• Drunk driving rates: I-45 has the highest rate of drunk driving-related fatalities in the U.S.
• Driver complacency and distracted driving: Drivers may become lax and lose alertness when driving through crowded sections of I-45. Distracted driving, particularly smartphone use, is a major cause of accidents there, especially during rush hours. 
• Traffic congestion: The road can quickly become crowded on I-45. Many Harrison County residents say the road needs to be widened in order to accommodate more vehicles. Expansion has been proposed through the North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP), but plans have been stalled for years. 
• Speeding: This is another main cause of accidents on I-45. Speeding leaves less time for driver reactions, and increases the forces and damage involved in an accident. Reckless driving is also common on I-45.
• Failure to obey traffic rules: Disobeying traffic laws, such as tailgating, failing to signal, and failing to yield when required are common aspects of I-45 crashes. 

Drivers who cause accidents on I-45 need to be held liable under the law. Filing a lawsuit can help ensure negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions, and that injury survivors are compensated for their losses from a crash. 

What Damages Are Available in an I-45 Accident Lawsuit? 

If you’ve been injured in an accident on I-45, you may be entitled to compensation for any losses. Compensation in a car accident lawsuit can cover:

• Medical bills and hospital expenses
• Costs of medications
• Expenses associated with therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost wages (from being unable to work while physically recovering)
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• In applicable cases, wrongful death damages

Damages from a lawsuit can cover financial expenses that aren’t normally covered by a regular insurance policy. While no amount of monetary award can undo an injury, the damages award from a lawsuit can help the accident survivor and their family get on the path to a better life.

The amount of damages available depends on many factors, including the seriousness of the injuries and the severity of the crash. The amount of damages obtained may also depend on the skill and experience of the lawyer handling the case, so it’s important to select the right one for your claim.

‍Contact the car accident lawyers at Pierce Skrabanek at (832) 690-7000 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Our attorneys have a proven track record of returning significant verdict and settlement amounts on behalf of our clients. 

‍

What Should I Do if I’ve Been In an Accident on I-45? 

If you were involved in an accident on I-45, there are several steps you should take. If you are capable of doing so, you should: 

• Collect info at the scene of the accident: Obtain basic info from the other driver, such as their name and contact info, but do not discuss liability or fault with them.
• Seek medical attention: If you need onsite attention, you should call 911 immediately. Even if you don’t feel you are injured, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, since some injuries like traumatic brain injuries only appear later after an accident.
• Notify authorities: Contact local law enforcement and file a police report. You should do this soon while the events are still fresh in your mind. 
• Contact a lawyer: Get in touch with a trusted local car accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can advise you of your rights, and can communicate on your behalf with the other party, insurance agents, and other people of interest in the case.
• Contact your insurance company: Touch base with your insurance company to begin the process of a claim review. However, it is recommended you speak with an attorney before communicating with insurance agents, so that you have legal protection when dealing with them.
• Compile any related information: If you are able to, begin compiling any relevant forms, paperwork, receipts, hospital bills, and other documents. These can be used in preparing your case. 

We understand that you might be injured and incapable of handling all of these steps after an accident. This is why it’s all the more important to contact a lawyer, who can help with these steps. Lawyers are specifically trained to handle the aftermath of an accident, and will be able to take care of these items so you can focus on recovering. 

On the other hand, failing to take these steps may affect the amount of your damages or your ability to collect damages. For instance, if you fail to seek medical attention, and your injuries get worse because of that, it may affect the overall amount of compensation you are eligible for in court. 

Hire a Lawyer to Handle Your I-45 Accident Lawsuit

Accidents on I-45 can be extremely dangerous and in many cases, fatal. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident on I-45, you may need an experienced lawyer to handle your case. Your attorney can provide you with the legal representation, research, and guidance needed to succeed in your case.

‍Contact the car accident lawyers at Pierce Skrabanek at (832) 690-7000 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Our attorneys have a proven track record of returning significant verdict and settlement amounts on behalf of our clients. 

‍