There are many things that can make a highway dangerous — high speed limits, poor road conditions, heavy traffic, poor lighting or visibility, and intersection complexities are just some examples. Dangerous highways can lead to catastrophic, and even deadly, accidents and resulting personal injuries.
In Texas, there are several highways that are known for being dangerous — and even deadly. One notorious highway, considered by many to be the most dangerous one in Texas, is Highway 130, which opened in 2012 and this tollway has seen at least 36 fatalities since then. The Texas Department of Transportation approved an extraordinarily high speed limit for this route that runs from Georgetown, Texas down through Pflugerville and then the towns west of Austin and San Antonio.
This highway is widely referred to as the fastest highway in the nation. While it can be handy to use the 130 tollway to zip over to Northeast Metro Park, or have an option to skirt the edge of town up from Hwy. 290 East to the Hwy. 45 toll road, that convenience comes with the hazards that high speed limits bring.
Why is Highway 130 So Dangerous?
There are various factors that make Highway 130 extremely dangerous, including:
- Speed limits. In one stretch, Highway 130 has a speed limit of 85 miles per hour, making it the fastest highway in the country—and, one of the fastest highways in the world. Those speed limits, in turn, prompt drivers to drive faster, potentially causing them to lose control over their vehicles. In fact, one news source reports that over 1,000 people were accused of speeding on Highway 130 in 2018 alone!
- Reaction times. Speeding causes reaction times to be slower, especially with inexperienced drivers. As a result, a driver might not be able to stop in time to avoid a dangerous or deadly accident.
- Erratic driver behavior. In some cases, higher speeds also encourage other dangerous behaviors, such as driving more aggressively or recklessly. When speed meets erratic driver behavior, the results can be catastrophic or even fatal.
How Does Speeding Affect Driver Safety on Highway 130?
The research is clear: higher speed most often relates to a higher incidence of accidents. In fact, the National Highway Transportation Safety Board reports that speeding is a factor in about a third of all accidents. Moreover, speed can affect safety even when driving the speed limit. Road conditions and weather always need to be taken into consideration.
The consequences of speeding are numerous and worrisome. It can make it harder to keep control over your vehicle, increase stopping distance and reaction time, decrease the effectiveness of protective equipment, and cause accidents. In an accident due to speeding, the victims may suffer serious personal injuries needing medical attention.
There might also be significant economic damages, including the cost of medical treatments, hospitalization, prescription medication, lost wages due to being unable to work, chronic pain and suffering, and an overall decline in their quality of life.
Some car accidents in Pflugerville cause catastrophic injuries, which can change the victim’s life forever. In the most serious cases, families may suffer the wrongful death of their loved one.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Involved in an Accident on Texas Highway 130?
An accident on the 130 toll road can cause serious injuries and damages. After an accident in or near Pflugerville, it is essential that you preserve important evidence in your case by documenting and photographing the scene, getting contact information for parties and witnesses, and taking witness statements about observations.
It is also very important that you get checked out for your injuries and receive the medical care you need. Even if you feel completely fine, some injuries can take weeks or even longer to develop, so it is important to be seen in a hospital or by emergency medical professionals.
After an accident, you should also consult with an experienced and knowledgeable Pflugerville motor vehicle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They will discuss your legal rights and potential options, including the possibility of negotiating with the other parties and their insurance companies toward a fair and reasonable settlement.
They will also work with you to build a strong case to present in court, based on the relevant evidence, if a settlement is not possible. If you do not involve an attorney with experience in these types of claims, you could find yourself frustrated and confused in a complicated legal system, and they may even take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge, affecting your compensation.
How Can Pastrana & García Injury Law Help?
At Pastrana & García Injury Law, we focus on Pflugerville and its vicinity and have the experience necessary to secure your compensation. No matter your immigration status, consultations are free and confidential. With over 30 years of experience in recovering compensation for our clients in construction accident cases, we can help you recover your compensation too.
Let us handle the specifics of your claim so that you can focus on getting better and putting your life back on track after your accident. Contact us online or call 512-474-4487.
