Traffic accidents have the potential to change the lives of those involved. One crash can result in consequences that may include serious injuries, damage to personal property, emotional duress and more. Many of the accidents that take place in Texas are due to factors that include speeding, distracted driving, disregard for the rules of the road and more. Victims are often unsure of what they can do to pick up the pieces and move forward after this type of event.
There are certain roads in Texas where drivers may face a higher risk of an accident. This may be due to road conditions, but it could also be due to the fact that drivers are more likely to speed in certain places. There is one stretch of a Texas state highway that many call “death highway” due to the high number of fatal accidents that occur there.
What is contributing to the high number of accidents?
One of the reasons for the increase in the number of fatal accidents along this road is the demand for oil. Large trucks are often going back and forth due to the demand of the oil industry along U.S. Highway 285. The intention of this stretch of highway was never to accommodate large numbers of large, heavy trucks, and the road conditions are not good in some places. When cars and large trucks are sharing the same small space, it can lead to an increased chance of accidents.
This particular road in Texas was not considered particularly dangerous until the recent oil boom. Now, tanker trucks, increased numbers of passenger vehicles and other types of large commercial vehicles are more likely to be on this portion of the highway. More vehicles over time with no improvement to the road itself has made this location one of the most dangerous places to drive in the state.
What can victims do after accidents?
After a fatal or serious accident, it can be difficult for victims to know what they can do or how they can move forward after this type of event. While this cannot reverse what happened, they may have the option to pursue recovery through a civil claim. An assessment of the specific accident can provide insight regarding the most beneficial legal options available for a particular situation.