As the largest city in Hidalgo County, McAllen saw a total of 2,746 automobile accidents in 2019, including seven fatalities around the Valley. In all of Hidalgo County, there were more than 15,000 (15,305) car wrecks last year.
McAllen is located so close to the US/MEXICO border, which is often the last stop for the tired truck driver. This results in a large amount of fatal truck accidents. To read more, then read our blog on “The Danger of Tired Truck Drivers.
Most importantly, Hidalgo County is the most favorable venue (place to sue) in the United States of America, Insurance adjusters are scared to death to try a case in a hidalgo county district court, leading to many easy car and truck accident settlements in claims.
The Most Dangerous Roads in Rio Grande Valley
Operating a vehicle on any road requires due diligence and defensive driving skills are required when a person drives their vehicle on a road. However, there are certain roads in Texas that require extra caution and care. Today, we're going to bring to light which roads in the RGV are the most dangerous so that you can take adequate safety precautions while traveling on them.
Identifying the Most Dangerous Roadways in the RGV
The most common factor with all of these roadways is that they are busy–and oftentimes congested–roadways. The key takeaway here is that the more people that drive on a particular roadway, the risk of getting into a car accident is increased.
This doesn’t mean you should avoid traveling on these roadways, however. As always, practice safe driving techniques like:
Minimizing all distractions (no cell phone use, etc.).
Maintaining safe distances from vehicles in front of and behind you.
Slowing down at intersections.
Looking beyond the vehicles in front of you to anticipate any abrupt changes in travel.
Don’t drink (or use illegal/prescription drugs) and drive. Always have a designated, sober driver.
U.S. Highway 83
In the Rio Grande Valley, the most dangerous roadway is U.S. Highway 83. It stretches east-to-west throughout the Rio Grande Valley from Starr County to Cameron County. The expressway runs through the McAllen metro area and then continues east to Donna and Mercedes before connecting with IH-69E and U.S. 77 in Harlingen, and it is the main roadway locals and tourists use to get from city to city in the RGV.
Interstate 69C & U.S. 281
Interstate 69C connects the Rio Grande Valley to its northern county neighbors, running through Edinburg, McAllen, and Pharr. This roadway funnels locals and tourists into and out of the Rio Grande Valley, and because of our proximity to Mexico, many large trucks delivering international goods for trade also pass through here.
Interstate 69E/U.S. 77
Running parallel to Interstate 69C, U.S. 77 runs north near Raymondville and stretches down into Harlingen, where it connects with Interstate 2 and continues southeast towards San Benito, Brownsville, and the Mexico border.
This roadway is also another funnel for traffic–both national and international–into the RGV.
International Boulevard/Boca Chica Boulevard (Brownsville)
International Boulevard/Boca Chica Blvd. extended east 24.4 miles, running from the central business district of Brownsville to Boca Chica State Park on the Gulf Coast. This is easily one of Brownsville’s busiest roadways with an even busier intersection, so practice caution when driving through it.
TX-186
State Highway 186 runs east from Interstate 69C through northern areas of Hidalgo and Cameron County, going through Raymondville and ending at the Gulf Coast. It is one of the main ways to get to Port Mansfield, where many go to visit, fish, or relax. The way there, however, has many twists and turns, and it also runs through deer territory, posing more of a danger to unaware drivers.
Texas 100
Undoubtedly one of the most dangerous streets in the Rio Grande Valley because of drunk drivers and substantial amounts of travelers, SH 100 runs east from Interstate 69E through Los Fresnos extending to Port Isabel and crossing into South Padre Island via the Queen Isabella Causeway.
This is the main way that funnels into South Padre Island, and around Spring Break, holidays, and even on weekends, it can become a dangerous place to drive in if you aren’t careful.
Texas 107
Another main thoroughfare in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas 107 stretches from Mission to Edinburg and on into Combes in Cameron County. This road is a direct link to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the Hidalgo County Courthouse, so traffic is always congested in these areas.
10th Street
10th Street, or State Highway 336, links Hidalgo with McAllen and travels northward into Edinburg. One of the major arteries in Hidalgo County, 10th Street is a critical street overflowing with local businesses and traffic. It is an important part of the heart of trade in McAllen, TX.
If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident in the RGV- Take a deep breath and call us immediately.
Car accidents are a traumatic event to endure, but you don’t have to do it alone. If a negligent individual caused your car accident, you can fight for your right to compensation for the expenses you have had to pay while recovering. That’s why you need an experienced McAllen car accident lawyer by your side when you file a car accident claim.
Our Rio Grande Valley Car Accident lawyer at Rose Sanders Law, has the dedication and experience you need to get the compensation you deserve.
2022 Rio Grande Valley Car Accident Statistics
- In 2022, more than 24,000 car accidents occurred in the Rio Grande Valley involving over 47,000 vehicles and nearly 65,000 individuals.
- Out of the 62,972 persons involved in car accidents in the Rio Grande Valley that same year:
15,011 suffered a suspected injury
3,834 suffered a minor injury
973 suffered serious injury
179 lost their lives
- Hidalgo County saw a total of 15,782 car accidents.
- Cameron County saw a total of 7,568 accidents.
- Starr County saw a total of 733 accidents.
- Willacy County had a total of 251 accidents.
OUR PRACTICE AREAS
Type Of Car Accidents In McAllen
Single Car Accident
This is a type of road traffic accident in which only one vehicle is involved. A majority of these types of crashes are run-off-road collisions, collisions with fallen debris, rollovers, and collisions with animals.
Side-impact Collision
These accidents, also known as broadside or T-bone collisions, are where the side of one or more vehicles is impacted. These crashes commonly occur at intersections, parking lots, and when two vehicles pass on a roadway accounting for about a quarter of passenger vehicle occupant deaths, according to the IIH. The results from a side-impact collision can be severe but can vary depending on where the vehicle is struck.
Rear-End Collisions
A traffic accident where a vehicle crashes into the vehicle in front of it. These are usually due to driver inattention or distraction, tailgating, panic stops, and reduced traction due to irregular road conditions caused by weather. Drivers who follow too closely or drive distracted are responsible for most rear-end collisions. Rear-end collisions account for approximately a fourth of all collisions. When a driver tailgates, he or she reduces the reaction time they have to come to a safe stop. Driver distraction is a factor in many rear-end crashes.
Head-on Collision
This type of accident is when the front ends of two vehicles hit each other in opposite directions. Head-on collisions are often fatal road traffic accidents. Being aware of traffic signs, street conditions, and staying in your lane play a critical role in avoiding these types of accidents.
Vehicle Rollover
These particular types of crashes are complex and violent in nature. More than any other type of crash, rollovers reflect the interaction of the driver, road, vehicle, and environmental factors. Although a vehicle’s type has a significant role in the accident, so do driver behavior and road and environmental conditions. Other factors include speed, alcohol consumption, and location. According to the NHTSA, data showed that nearly 85% of all rollover-related fatalities are the result of single-vehicle crashes.
If you have been injured in a car accident, please call Rose Sanders Law Firm, PLLC to schedule a free consultation at (956) 877-2454. Our team of experienced McAllen Car accident lawyers and dedicated staff will ensure you get the answers you need and help you through this difficult process
