There are 70 primary interstate highways in America, but one of the most hazardous is Interstate Highway 35 (IH-35, or I-35), which runs for over 1,500 miles from Minnesota to the Mexican border. In terms of accidents and fatalities, it’s the fifth most dangerous highway in the country.
Learn more about the dangers of I-35 and how you might recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit if another driver caused the incident below. Then, speak to a truck accident lawyer at Pastrana & Garcia Injury Law to determine if you have a case.
I-35 Is the Deadliest Road in Austin
More bad news was reported recently about the dangers of I-35 involving severe passenger vehicle and truck crashes. The highway also was named the deadliest in Austin.
A MoneyGeek report found that 262 fatal crashes were in Austin and caused 273 fatalities. Also, 33 of the fatal crashes were on I-35 in Austin. Additionally, 13% of deadly accidents in Austin occurred on I-35.
What Makes Highway I-35 So Hazardous?
First, there is a massive volume of traffic on I-35 in Texas. Some experts suggest that the NAFTA agreement, which increased trade between the U.S. and Mexico, dramatically increased the commercial traffic on I-35, including tractor-trailers and other commercial rigs, leading to more crashes.
I-35 enters the United States in Laredo. There is a constant stream of semi-trucks carrying freight from Mexico to Texas. Tractor-trailers are more hazardous than smaller passenger vehicles, and the sheer size of these monster trucks means crashes can be horrific.
Highway I-35 is under construction in parts of Texas. This increases congestion and the likelihood of a semi-truck accident. The Texas Department of Transportation states 26,400 accidents involving tractor-trailers in 2012. Many serious accidents occur on I-35 in Travis, Hayes, Laredo, and McLennan counties.
How to Recover Damages After a Highway I-35 Accident
So you were in a car accident on I-35. Perhaps the wreck was a truck crash, and the driver was at fault. You have debilitating injuries. How do you recover damages? Your truck accident attorney will often file a claim with the trucking company’s insurance provider and obtain a settlement for the injured driver or passenger. They also may file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.
In Texas, you can pursue a financial recovery when injured by someone’s negligence. Some of the compensation you could be entitled to includes:
- Medical costs. This can include ER visits, surgeries, hospitalization, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, etc.
- Lost earnings. This includes missed paychecks during your recovery.
- Reduced ability to earn a living. If your future earning ability is affected, you can qualify for future lost earnings.
- Pain and suffering. Your injuries probably inflict significant mental and physical suffering.
Your truck accident lawyer may file an insurance claim on the negligent driver’s insurance policy. Then, they will attempt to negotiate a settlement and pursue the case in civil court. Your attorney will discuss whether settling or going to court is the best option.
Negotiating a Settlement
Your attorney will usually attempt to settle with the truck company’s insurer. They will show the facts of the Highway I-35 accident to the insurance company and proof of your losses. You do not need to be involved in these discussions as the injured party. Your attorney has the skills and experience to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. The attorney can also use the lawsuit threat to encourage a better settlement.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Sometimes the insurance company will not offer a fair settlement for your injuries and other losses. Your truck accident attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas and present the case to a jury. Your lawyer will oversee the litigation processes and present the best case.
Your attorney also will:
- Determine the severity of your injuries
- Gather evidence
- Develop legal strategies according to state or federal laws that may apply
- File all case paperwork with the Court
- Offer support to you during your medical treatment, litigation and settlement.
Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you were recently hurt in a truck accident on Highway I-35, excessive medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering may make it impossible to return to regular life. Let the truck accident lawyers at Pastrana & Garcia Injury Law help you. We regularly stand up for the rights of accident victims and will fight for justice in your injury case. Contact us today.
Why are we promoting SA? Please change this statistic to the North of the Austin area, such as Pflugerville, round rock, Georgetown, etc. Thanks.
