When summer hits Fort Worth, our roads get busier—and more dangerous. With more drivers on the road for vacations, holiday weekends, and family outings, crash rates tend to spike during summer.
From congested interstates like I-35W to the nightlife-heavy corridors of West 7th Street, the chances of serious accidents are higher than many drivers realize. As a Fort Worth car accident lawyer who’s helped countless families navigate the aftermath of devastating collisions, Travis Patterson knows how quickly a routine drive can turn into a life-changing event.
At Patterson Law Group, we’ve built our reputation on standing up for people who’ve been injured through no fault of their own. Our mission is simple: make the legal process easier, faster, and more effective for personal injury victims in Fort Worth.
We Protect Your Rights
As one of Texas’s top-rated personal injury law firms, our team combines local insight, legal experience, and relentless advocacy to ensure our clients get the compensation they deserve.
One client shared, “After my crash on Loop 820, I didn’t know where to start. The Patterson team took over and gave me peace of mind. They truly cared and fought for the best outcome.” That’s the level of service we bring to every case, especially when navigating dangerous roads in Fort Worth during high-risk summer months.
If you’ve been injured on one of Fort Worth’s most crash-prone streets or simply want to better understand the risks you face this season, keep reading. We’re breaking down the most dangerous roads in Fort Worth, sharing why summer increases the chance of accidents, and giving you the tools to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Why Summer Is a High-Risk Season for Fort Worth Drivers
Summer in Fort Worth isn’t just hot—it’s hazardous on the roads. Car accidents surge across Texas during the summer months each year, and Fort Worth is no exception. The conditions are ripe for serious collisions between holiday traffic, road construction, and an influx of inexperienced drivers.
As a trusted Fort Worth accident attorney, Travis Patterson has seen how quickly these seasonal risks lead to life-altering injuries—and how unprepared many victims are when it happens.
Factors That Increase Crash Risk During Summer
Several key elements combine to make summer a particularly dangerous time for drivers in Fort Worth:
- Teen Drivers Flood the Roads: The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known nationally as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers. Without the structure of school and with newfound freedom, many teens hit the road with limited experience, often distracted or driving at night.
- Holiday Traffic and Impaired Driving: Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are all linked to spikes in drunk driving accidents. Fort Worth’s popular nightlife areas, such as West 7th and Sundance Square, see more incidents of intoxicated driving during these times, often resulting in devastating outcomes.
- Road Construction Zones Multiply: The city ramps up roadwork projects with warmer weather. High-speed areas like I-35W, Loop 820, and Texas State Highway 183 are frequently narrowed or redirected, leading to confusion, rear-end collisions, and T-bone crashes.
- Increased Pedestrian and Cyclist Activity: Summer brings more people outdoors, but without proper crosswalks or bike lanes in many parts of the city, pedestrian and cyclist accidents rise sharply, particularly in neighborhoods near TCU, Trinity Trails, and downtown.
- Out-of-Town Visitors and Distracted Drivers: Fort Worth’s summer events—from Stockyards rodeos to music festivals—draw large crowds. Visitors unfamiliar with the roads and locals distracted by GPS or mobile devices often contribute to traffic chaos and crash risks.
The Data Confirms It
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), nearly 20% of all annual vehicle crashes occur between June and August, with urban areas like Fort Worth seeing the steepest increases. In Tarrant County alone, there were more than 9,000 motor vehicle crashes during the summer of 2023, many of which occurred at known high-risk intersections and highways.
Legal Perspective from Patterson Law Group
“As someone who’s handled personal injury cases for over a decade in Fort Worth, I can say that summer is the busiest season for serious accidents,” says Travis Patterson, founding attorney of Patterson Law Group. “Our clients are often local families just going about their day—commuting, shopping, or heading to a summer event—when a crash suddenly blindsides them, they can’t avoid.”
Top 7 Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Fort Worth
Not all roads in Fort Worth carry the same risk. Based on local crash data, traffic reports, and our firsthand experience handling personal injury claims, several roadways and intersections stand out as consistent trouble spots, especially during summer. These high-risk areas are often plagued by speeding, poor visibility, high volumes of traffic, and distracted or impaired drivers.
If you travel any of these routes regularly, extra caution is essential.
1. I-35W Near Downtown Fort Worth
A major north-south artery through Fort Worth, I-35W sees thousands of daily drivers, including commuters, commercial trucks, and out-of-town travelers. The stretch between downtown and Loop 820 is notorious for congestion, aggressive driving, and multi-car pileups. Ongoing construction only worsens the conditions in summer.
“We’ve helped many clients who were rear-ended or sideswiped on I-35W. The mix of speed, construction, and driver impatience makes it one of the most dangerous corridors in the city.” – Patterson Law Group
2. Loop 820 (East and West Corridors)
Loop 820 encircles Fort Worth and carries a high percentage of commuter and commercial traffic. Crashes frequently occur near the intersections with I-30 and Rosedale Street, where merging lanes and sudden slowdowns increase the risk of collisions. Summer traffic volumes only magnify the danger.
3. I-30 and Highway 121 Interchange
This interchange is complex and fast-moving, with poor signage and rapid lane changes. It’s a hotspot for high-speed accidents and chain-reaction crashes, especially during rush hour or holiday travel periods. These crashes often result in serious injuries requiring immediate legal support from a Fort Worth car accident lawyer.
4. West 7th Street Entertainment District
What makes West 7th dangerous isn’t speed, but foot traffic, distracted drivers, and alcohol-related incidents. This area sees a spike in DUI crashes, pedestrian accidents, and scooter injuries during summer weekends and late nights.
5. Berry Street Near TCU
With its mix of students, cyclists, and busy intersections, Berry Street becomes a collision zone during summer move-ins, events, and student gatherings. Distracted driving and failure to yield are the most common causes of crashes here.
6. East Lancaster Avenue
Known for its long stretches of multi-lane traffic and frequent pedestrian crossings, East Lancaster consistently ranks among the top areas for car and pedestrian accidents. Summer increases in bus traffic and pedestrian activity make it even more dangerous.
7. Texas State Highway 183 (Near Ridgmar Mall)
This stretch is known for speeding, illegal lane changes, and lacking enforcement. With more families visiting shopping centers during the summer, the risk of parking lot accidents and road crashes rises significantly.
At Patterson Law Group, we’ve helped victims injured in crashes on all of these roads—and many others throughout Tarrant County. Our team understands the local traffic patterns, the insurance tactics used in these cases, and how to hold negligent drivers accountable. If you’ve been injured on one of Fort Worth’s most dangerous roads, we’re here to help you take the next step toward justice.
Common Types of Accidents on These Roads
Each of the high-risk roads and intersections in Fort Worth tends to see the same types of accidents over and over. These aren’t random crashes—they follow patterns caused by design flaws, traffic volume, poor visibility, and driver behavior. At Patterson Law Group, we’ve handled hundreds of these cases and know precisely how they unfold—and how they can change someone’s life in seconds.
Below are the most common types of accidents we see across I-35W, Loop 820, West 7th, and other crash-prone areas:
- Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by sudden stops in congested areas like I-35W and Loop 820, rear-end crashes are among our most frequent accidents. These can lead to serious injuries like whiplash, spinal damage, and traumatic brain injuries, even at lower speeds.
- T-Bone Accidents at Intersections: Poorly timed lights, distracted drivers, and failure to yield lead to dangerous side-impact crashes, especially at busy intersections on East Lancaster Avenue and Berry Street. These crashes often involve severe injuries to drivers and passengers on the struck side of the vehicle.
- Pedestrian and Scooter Accidents: Areas like West 7th and downtown Fort Worth become hotspots for pedestrian and scooter-related crashes during the summer. With more people walking or riding at night—often in dimly lit zones—drivers who aren’t paying attention can easily cause devastating injuries.
- Drunk Driving Crashes: Holiday weekends and late-night entertainment often contribute to alcohol-involved accidents, particularly in the entertainment districts. These collisions tend to happen at higher speeds and often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Interstates like I-30 and Highway 121 are notorious for chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles. Visibility issues, speed, and road confusion contribute to these dangerous pileups, which can complicate liability and insurance claims.
- Parking Lot and Low-Speed Accidents: While less dramatic, crashes in retail areas like those near Ridgmar Mall still result in real injuries. Pedestrians, children, and elderly drivers are particularly vulnerable in busy summer parking lots with limited visibility.
These types of collisions aren’t just more likely during summer—they also tend to be more serious due to increased speeds, distractions, and congestion. At Patterson Law Group, we work to uncover the exact cause of every crash, identify all liable parties, and ensure our clients are treated fairly throughout the recovery process.
What to Do If You’re Injured on a Dangerous Fort Worth Road
A car crash can leave you shaken, overwhelmed, and unsure of what steps to take next, especially when it happens suddenly on a busy road like I-35W or West 7th Street. At Patterson Law Group, we help people dealing with the aftermath of unexpected injuries daily. Taking the proper steps early can significantly improve your recovery and your ability to get full and fair compensation.
Here’s what we recommend if you’ve been hurt in a crash on one of Fort Worth’s high-risk roads:
1. Get Medical Help Immediately
Even if you initially feel fine, some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. Seeking immediate medical care not only protects your health, it also creates a medical record that supports your injury claim.
2. Call 911 and File a Police Report
Always involve law enforcement, especially when an accident involves injuries or significant property damage. The responding officer’s report is crucial evidence for insurance and legal claims.
3. Document Everything at the Scene
If you can, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Get names and contact info from any witnesses. Small details can become significant factors in determining fault.
4. Do Not Talk to the Insurance Company Alone
Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their job is to minimize payouts. You have the right to speak with a Fort Worth car accident lawyer first, and you should—especially before giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney as Soon as Possible
The sooner you involve a legal team, the more they can do to protect your rights. At Patterson Law Group, we investigate the crash, preserve critical evidence, and deal directly with the insurance company on your behalf—so you can focus on healing.
As Travis Patterson explains, “Most people don’t realize how fast their case can go off track if they delay getting help. We’ve seen firsthand how early legal intervention can prevent mistakes that cost victims thousands in lost compensation.”
When the road turns dangerous, you need someone to navigate the aftermath. We’ve helped clients after accidents on nearly every major highway in Fort Worth, and we’re ready to fight for you, too.
Why Patterson Law Group Is the Right Choice for Summer Accident Victims
After a serious accident, choosing the right personal injury attorney can be just as crucial as getting medical treatment. At Patterson Law Group, we understand the urgency and complexity of summer crashes—and we’ve built our entire practice around helping real people in Fort Worth recover and rebuild.
Unlike larger firms that treat clients like case numbers, our team offers personalized legal support with a commitment to results. Led by Travis Patterson, a Fort Worth native with over a decade of experience handling complex injury claims, our firm has earned a reputation for being tough on insurance companies and compassionate with clients.
We’ve represented individuals and families injured on some of the city’s most dangerous roads, including I-35W, Loop 820, and the West 7th corridor. We know the tactics insurance adjusters use to reduce payouts, and we counter with evidence, strategy, and relentless advocacy.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Local Knowledge That Matters: We understand Fort Worth traffic patterns, summer risk trends, and the unique hazards of each major roadway.
- Proven Results: We’ve recovered millions for accident victims in Tarrant County and have handled cases just like yours—rear-end collisions, pedestrian accidents, drunk driving crashes, and more.
- Client-Focused Service: We respond quickly, communicate clearly, and treat your case like it’s the only one we have—because, to you, it is.
- Community Trust: Our five-star reviews reflect what we value most—honesty, transparency, and getting real results for our neighbors.
“They made the process so easy after my accident. I felt heard, respected, and protected every step of the way.” – Former client.
When you’re looking for a Fort Worth personal injury attorney who knows the roads, understands the law, and cares about your outcome, Patterson Law Group is ready to stand with you.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fort Worth Summer Accidents
What should I do if I get hit on one of Fort Worth’s high-risk roads like I-35W or Loop 820?
Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical assistance. Then, document the scene, get contact info from witnesses, and contact a Fort Worth car accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Texas?
Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. However, substantial evidence can disappear quickly, so it’s best to speak with a lawyer immediately.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault. Your percentage of fault may reduce your compensation.
What if the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene?
You may still have options through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or by pursuing other liable parties. Patterson Law Group can investigate and help you file a claim against all possible sources of compensation.
Does Patterson Law Group offer free consultations?
Yes. We offer 100% free consultations and don’t charge fees unless we win your case. You can contact us anytime, even evenings and weekends.
Which Fort Worth roads are most dangerous during summer?
Based on crash data and our legal experience, I-35W, Loop 820, I-30/121 interchange, West 7th Street, Berry Street, East Lancaster Avenue, and Highway 183 are among the most hazardous in the summer months.
Local Resources for Fort Worth Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured on a dangerous Fort Worth road, the following resources may help with medical care, police reporting, and documentation:
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Crash Reports & Statistics
- John Peter Smith Hospital (JPS) – Level I Trauma Center in Fort Worth
- Fort Worth Police Department – Accident Reports
- MedStar EMS – Emergency medical response for Tarrant County
- Ride-sharing Incident Reporting – Uber Help | Lyft Help
Don’t Let a Dangerous Road Derail Your Life
Fort Worth’s roads are always busy—but in the summer, they become even more hazardous. Whether you’re commuting down I-35W, navigating construction on Loop 820, or heading out for a night on West 7th, the risk of a serious accident is real. When that risk becomes your reality, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
At Patterson Law Group, we’ve built our practice on helping people just like you—local families, injured drivers, and accident victims who deserve answers, accountability, and a path forward. Our team is here to listen, guide, and fight for what’s right.
If you’ve been hurt on one of Fort Worth’s most dangerous roads, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you take the next step—confidently and with a team you can trust.
