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Interstate 35 is one of the many major highways running through Texas. The highway stretches from Laredo to Gainesville, where it crosses into Oklahoma. I-35 is flooded with a high amount of constant traffic, including vehicles driven by both commercial and non-commercial drivers. Naturally, higher traffic always leads to a higher potential for getting into an accident, especially with ongoing construction.
Work on the I-35 began over eight years ago and won’t be completed for another several years. Construction not only creates backups and delays, but also increases the risk of an accident. In fact, a total of 1,176 accidents occurred along I-35 in Fort Worth in 2017 alone. Moreover, six out of the ten most dangerous intersections in Fort Worth were along I-35. Thus, if you’ve been involved in an accident along I-35, you’re not alone.
The Dangers of Highway Accidents
Getting into an accident is always a nerve-wracking experience, but it may seem even more upsetting to get into an accident on a highway such as I-35. Nearby vehicles may be traveling at a fairly high speed, which could make it dangerous to try to exit your vehicle after the accident.
Steady traffic can also make it harder for other drivers to try to pull over to offer assistance, or for witnesses to attempt to stop. First responders may have a difficult time getting through traffic if an ambulance is needed, so it may take longer than usual for help to arrive.
Measures To Keep Safe
If you get into an accident on I-35, it’s important to keep yourself and your passengers safe. Try to stay as calm as possible. Do whatever you can to make yourself visible to other drivers. Start by turning on your hazard lights right away.
Pull over to the side of the road only if it’s safe to do so and be very careful before exiting your vehicle. If you carry reflective triangles or flares in your vehicle, set them out to warn others on the road that there has been a wreck.
Check for Injuries
Check on other parties that were involved in the accident to see if anyone is injured including all drivers and passengers. Call an ambulance if one is needed and do anything you can to help injured victims.
Call the police to report the accident. Once the police arrive, be sure to fully cooperate with their investigation. An accident report will be an important document when dealing with insurance companies.
What to Say and What Not to Say After the Accident
It’s not uncommon for people who are involved in accidents to be very shaken up and to blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. It’s important to be careful about what you say at the scene of an accident.
Don’t make any kind of statement that sounds like you are admitting you are at fault. At the same time, don’t get into arguments with the other driver or express feelings of anger or hostility or vocally blaming them.
Take Notes
You may think you will remember every detail of an accident, but it’s important to write down clear detailed information about what happened. Gather information and write it down, such as the name and insurance company of the other driver, license plate numbers and the make and model of the other car. Make note of environmental factors such as the effect weather may have had or the position of the sun.
It’s also a good idea to write down the name and badge number of the police officer who came to the scene of the accident. Using your smartphone, take pictures of damaged vehicles, skid marks and anything else you think you may need to refer to later on.
Get Legal Advice
A routine drive on I-35 can turn into a wreck when you least expect it. If you have been injured due to the negligence of another driver, talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer. Contact Patterson Law Group using the form on this page, and one of our expert attorneys will get back to you promptly.
