Are Our Highway Designs Making Truck Accidents Worse?

Texas highways are the arteries of our economy. Every day, thousands of commercial trucks travel the interstates, delivering goods across the state and the nation. Yet these same highways are also home to some of the most catastrophic truck accidents in the country.

At McCraw Law Group, we have spent decades representing victims of serious truck crashes and have seen one truth time and again: some accidents are not only caused by driver error but by the very roads themselves. Highway design flaws can make crashes more likely, more severe, and more deadly.

The Growing Risk on Texas Highways

Truck traffic in Texas has increased dramatically in the past two decades. The state’s central location and booming economy mean more trucks transporting goods through congested corridors such as I-35, I-20, and I-45.

While many drivers blame reckless behavior or fatigue for truck accidents, infrastructure design is an often-overlooked factor. Narrow lanes, poorly banked curves, and inadequate merge zones can all create conditions where one small mistake leads to disaster.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, several key issues contribute to truck crashes statewide:

• High traffic volume combined with outdated highway designs
• Inconsistent or confusing signage
• Short merge lanes and narrow shoulders
• Sharp turns or poorly maintained interchanges
• Insufficient lighting in rural areas
• Uneven pavement or potholes that destabilize heavy trucks

When these design flaws intersect with the immense size and weight of commercial vehicles, the results can be catastrophic.

How Highway Design Contributes to Truck Accidents

The design of a roadway directly affects how safely vehicles can operate, especially trucks that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Poor design increases the likelihood of collisions in several ways:

Limited Reaction Time

Short merge lanes and abrupt lane endings force trucks to make sudden decisions. When cars merge too close or traffic slows unexpectedly, a fully loaded truck may not be able to stop in time.

Dangerous Curves and Slopes

Improperly banked curves cause large trucks to lose traction or tip over, especially in rain. Downhill slopes that are too steep can lead to runaway vehicles if braking systems fail.

Narrow or Uneven Shoulders

When a truck driver attempts to avoid an obstacle or disabled vehicle, a narrow shoulder leaves little room for recovery. Uneven edges can cause loss of control.

Inadequate Lighting

Rural highways often lack sufficient lighting, increasing the risk of nighttime accidents. Trucks traveling at highway speeds need clear visibility to react safely.

Confusing or Missing Signage

Inconsistent exit markings and unclear signage make it difficult for truck drivers unfamiliar with Texas highways to anticipate upcoming turns or hazards.

Truck Accidents Are Often Multi-Factor Events

While highway design plays a role, most crashes involve a combination of factors. Common contributors include:

• Fatigued or distracted driving
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
• Speeding and tailgating
• Poor weather conditions
• Equipment failure or brake malfunction
• Unsafe merges or lane changes

When an accident occurs, determining whether road design contributed to the crash requires technical expertise. Accident reconstruction experts, engineers, and experienced attorneys work together to identify the root causes.

Holding the Right Parties Accountable

Truck accident cases involving potential highway design flaws are complex because responsibility may extend beyond the driver or trucking company. In some cases, government agencies, contractors, or engineering firms can share liability.

A comprehensive investigation may reveal:

• Poorly maintained roads that failed safety inspections
• Inadequate warning signs for construction or merging zones
• Negligent design by road engineers or contractors
• Failure to correct known hazardous conditions

At McCraw Law Group, our attorneys coordinate with experts to examine every possible factor. We investigate maintenance records, design specifications, and government safety reports to ensure all negligent parties are held accountable.

How Attorneys Prove a Road Design Contributed to a Crash

Building a strong case requires evidence and technical insight. Our legal team often works with civil engineers and accident reconstruction professionals to demonstrate how the design directly contributed to the crash. Key steps include:

• Obtaining and reviewing design blueprints or maintenance logs
• Photographing and mapping the crash site
• Analyzing skid marks, debris, and damage patterns
• Comparing road design against modern safety standards
• Gathering witness and expert testimony

By showing how the road itself created an unsafe condition, we can expand the scope of responsibility and pursue full compensation for the victim.

Take a Stand for Safer Texas Highways

Every truck accident tells a story of individual harm and broader systemic issues. Poor highway design can turn minor driver mistakes into deadly collisions. At McCraw Law Group, we believe Texans deserve safer roads and stronger accountability.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, contact our team today for a free consultation. We will investigate the cause, identify all liable parties, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Your recovery can help protect others from similar harm and move our communities toward safer, smarter highways.