Winter weather increases the risk that a car accident could turn into a multi-car pileup like the deadly 130 vehicle crash on Interstate 35 W in Fort Worth that killed six people and sent dozens to area hospitals. The crash scene stretched more than a half-mile in the North Texas Express southbound toll lanes between NE 28th Street and Northside Drive.
Chain reaction crashes are chaotic and challenging to investigate. Determining who is at fault after a mass casualty incident can be extremely complicated. One driver may have triggered the accident, but other drivers also may have contributed to the massive pileup and have legal liability as well. Some vehicles may have been speeding or following too closely.
If you or a loved one was injured in the multi-vehicle crash on I-35 in Fort Worth, you may be entitled to seek compensation from those who are responsible for your injuries. You should not be saddled with medical bills for injuries caused by a careless driver. Contact an experienced car accident attorney at Kraft & Associates, P.C., to discuss your rights. Our accident attorneys at Kraft & Associates, P.C., have helped those who’ve been injured in the Fort Worth and Dallas area seek justice since 1971.
Conditions That Led to the I-35 Pileup in Fort Worth on Feb. 11
Fort Worth police said ice appears to have been a factor in the multi-vehicle crash. A tenth of an inch of ice fell in parts of the Dallas Fort Worth area overnight that caused ice to accumulate on many roads and bridges.
Early morning commuters encountered slick roads while driving in low visibility conditions, making it difficult to see the ice.
The Fort Worth 911 dispatcher received a call about the developing accident just after 6 a.m. The chain-reaction crash was still happening when emergency responders began arriving.
The pileup included several tractor-trailers and more than 100 cars and pickups. Thirty-six people were transported by ambulances for emergency treatment.
Why Icy Roads Are Dangerous to Drivers
Sleet and freezing rain can make any road treacherous, especially high-speed interstates and highways.
Icy conditions reduce pavement friction and the grip that automobile tires have on the pavement. Cars can skid or spin out of control even at lower speeds when a car encounters a patch of ice-covered pavement. Loss of control occurs more easily at higher speeds.
Drivers should slow down to account for reduced traction and increase their following distance to five or six seconds when driving on slick roads to provide a margin of safety.
Roads covered by sleet or freezing rain require more distance for vehicles to stop safely. That makes it harder for drivers to avoid hitting other cars or trucks if a vehicle ahead suddenly stops or swerves out of control.
Many drivers do not pay adequate attention to road conditions and adjust their speed accordingly when roads are slick. It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
What to Do If You Were Injured in the I-35 Accident in Fort Worth
- Get medical attention
- Report the accident to your insurance company
- Consult with an experienced car accident lawyer
First, you should get to a doctor for a thorough evaluation, if you did not require emergency medical treatment. A doctor’s report will document your injuries and how they occurred. A doctor’s report will be essential if you need to file an insurance claim later.
Call your insurance company within 48 hours and report the accident. Most auto insurance policies require notification of accidents.
All auto insurance policies sold in Texas include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays your medical bills and your passengers’ medical bills up to the limits of the policy, regardless of who was at fault in the crash. Your auto policy should include PIP coverage unless you specifically declined this coverage in writing.
Insurance adjusters will review the police reports about the multi-vehicle accident and assign each driver a percentage of fault. They’ll consider factors such as whether motorists were driving too fast for road conditions, tailgating or speeding. Determining liability in multi-vehicle accidents is challenging.
If you have significant injuries, you should discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable Fort Worth car accident lawyer. You may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against the other driver’s auto liability insurance. You will need an experienced attorney to gather evidence showing how you were injured by other drivers’ negligence and to negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf. An attorney can calculate the full extent of your damages and submit a claim seeking full compensation for your present and future medical expenses, lost income from missed work, car damage and other accident-related costs.
Contact an Experienced Icy Road Accident Attorney
Our experienced car accident attorneys at Kraft & Associates, P.C., can review the details of your accident and help you understand your legal options during a free consultation. Our law firm is an established and professional firm that has served clients in the Fort Worth and Dallas area for more than 45 years. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is available to discuss your specific case and help you understand whether a personal injury claim is in order. You will not owe us any legal fee unless we obtain compensation for you. Contact us online or call us at (214) 999-9999 to talk with an attorney.
