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Interstate 35 Accident News and Resources
About Interstate 35 (I-35)
Interstate 35, often considered a vital artery of the central United States, stretches from Laredo, Texas, at the Mexican border, all the way north to Duluth, Minnesota, near Lake Superior. Along its route, I-35 connects a wide range of major urban hubs, agricultural regions, college towns, and growing suburbs. As a major north-south transportation corridor, I-35 serves both personal and commercial travel needs, linking cities such as San Antonio, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Des Moines, and Minneapolis-St. Paul.
I-35 presents drivers with diverse travel conditions: from heavy metropolitan congestion to open rural stretches, unpredictable Midwest weather, and ongoing highway construction. In cities like Austin and Dallas, commuters face daily delays, while in rural sections of Iowa and southern Minnesota, long-distance drivers may contend with high speeds, snow, or fog.
Tens of thousands of travelers rely on I-35 every day. With traffic volumes exceeding 100,000 vehicles per day in many urban areas, the potential for crashes is high. Accidents on this busy interstate can happen suddenly and result in serious injuries, major traffic disruptions, and significant emotional and financial hardship.
Common Types of Accidents on Interstate 35
Rear-end Collisions:
These are especially common in congested metro areas like Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Minneapolis. Stop-and-go traffic, construction zones, and distracted driving frequently contribute to these crashes.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups:
I-35 is susceptible to chain-reaction accidents, especially during winter storms in Iowa and Minnesota or during heavy rainfall in Texas and Oklahoma. Reduced visibility and sudden braking can lead to pileups involving several vehicles.
Truck Accidents:
As a primary trucking corridor, I-35 sees significant commercial traffic. Large trucks pose hazards on steep grades, near weigh stations, and in tight urban lanes, especially in cities like San Antonio and Kansas City.
Single-Vehicle Crashes
Fatigue, speeding, and slick roads contribute to many solo accidents along rural portions of I-35, particularly in the Midwest during winter months.
Rollover Accidents:
High-profile vehicles like SUVs and RVs are vulnerable to rollovers, particularly in high-speed or high-wind areas of Texas and Oklahoma. Overcorrecting or veering off-road can also result in dangerous rollovers.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents:
Though less common, pedestrian-involved accidents occur near city exits and interchanges, particularly in urban areas like Austin and Minneapolis, where pedestrian access intersects with highway off-ramps.
Wrong-Way Driver Accidents:
These often-deadly collisions are frequently linked to impaired or disoriented drivers and occur most often near urban interchanges or late at night.
Texas
The longest stretch of I-35 runs through Texas, beginning at the international border with Mexico in Laredo. It travels through the heart of the state and connects some of the most populous and fastest-growing metro areas, including San Antonio, Austin, Waco, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. This corridor is one of the busiest in the U.S., with frequent congestion, heavy freight traffic, and ongoing construction projects.
- Urban Challenges: The Austin and DFW areas are notorious for traffic bottlenecks, lane merges, and unpredictable stop-and-go conditions, especially during rush hours.
- Construction Zones: Major reconstruction efforts, such as the I-35 Capital Express Project in Austin, significantly affect traffic flow and contribute to accident risks.
- Freight Traffic: As a major NAFTA trade route, I-35 sees constant 18-wheeler activity between Mexico and the U.S., increasing the chance of truck-related crashes.
Key Cities Along I-35 in Texas:
Laredo, San Antonio, New Braunfels, San Marcos, Austin, Round Rock, Temple, Waco, Hillsboro, Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, Gainesville.
Crash Reports:
Available from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), local police departments, or the Texas DPS Crash Report Online system.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, I-35 runs north-south through the center of the state. It connects rural areas to the Oklahoma City metro, offering access to major universities, oil and gas hubs, and logistics centers.
- Rural Hazards: Long, open stretches north of Oklahoma City can lead to high-speed crashes, particularly involving wildlife or fatigued drivers.
- Urban Accidents: Within Oklahoma City, I-35 intersects with several other major interstates (I-40, I-44), leading to frequent fender benders and multi-vehicle collisions.
- Weather Events: Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in central Oklahoma can create sudden and dangerous driving conditions.
Key Cities Along I-35 in Oklahoma:
Ardmore, Norman, Moore, Oklahoma City, Edmond, Perry, Tonkawa.
Crash Reports:
Handled by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) or city police departments. Reports are available through the DPS website or by request from local agencies.
Kansas
Interstate 35 in Kansas includes a tolled section known as the Kansas Turnpike, stretching from the Oklahoma border through Wichita to Emporia. It then continues toll-free to the Kansas City metro.
- Toll Road Concerns: Toll plazas and on/off ramps on the Kansas Turnpike can become crash hotspots due to sudden braking and merging.
- Heavy Truck Traffic: Wichita is a major manufacturing and transport hub, contributing to high commercial traffic on I-35.
- Variable Speeds: Speed limits range from 70 to 75 mph, which can contribute to the severity of crashes when conditions change rapidly.
Key Cities Along I-35 in Kansas:
Wellington, Wichita, El Dorado, Emporia, Ottawa, Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City (KS).
Crash Reports:
Reports can be obtained from the Kansas Highway Patrol or the Kansas Turnpike Authority, depending on the accident location.
Missouri
In Missouri, I-35 enters through the Kansas City metro and continues north through farmland and small towns before crossing into Iowa. Though this is one of the shortest stretches of I-35, it includes significant urban and rural driving conditions.
- Urban Congestion: In Kansas City, I-35 intersects I-70 and I-435, creating high-traffic areas prone to collisions.
- Rural Risks: North of the metro area, I-35 transitions quickly into more rural zones where high speeds and wildlife crossings become a greater concern.
- Winter Weather: Snow and freezing rain can make northern Missouri roads slick and hazardous.
Key Cities Along I-35 in Missouri:
Kansas City, Liberty, Cameron, Bethany.
Crash Reports:
Available from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) or city police departments, depending on jurisdiction.
Iowa
In Iowa, I-35 is a major thoroughfare for long-haul travel and agricultural commerce. It passes through the central part of the state, including the state capital, Des Moines. Much of the interstate in Iowa is rural and straight, with long distances between exits and limited access to services.
- Winter Driving: Snow, ice, and blowing winds in the winter months can make I-35 extremely hazardous, particularly in open areas between Ames and the Minnesota border.
- Agricultural Traffic: Tractors and slow-moving vehicles sometimes enter the interstate from nearby rural roads, increasing crash potential.
- Construction Delays: Des Moines often sees road widening and bridge replacement projects, leading to lane closures and congestion.
Key Cities Along I-35 in Iowa:
Lamoni, Osceola, West Des Moines, Des Moines, Ames, Story City, Mason City (via access roads).
Crash Reports:
Request from the Iowa State Patrol or the Iowa Department of Transportation’s crash records division.
Minnesota
Minnesota marks the northern terminus of I-35. The interstate splits into I-35W and I-35E to serve Minneapolis and St. Paul separately before merging again near Forest Lake and continuing to Duluth. This portion of the interstate sees all four seasons, with extreme weather fluctuations.
- Urban Challenges: The Twin Cities area experiences daily commuter traffic, rapid lane changes, and interchanges that often lead to rear-end and side-impact collisions.
- Snow and Ice Hazards: In northern Minnesota, snowstorms and icy roads are common from October to April, significantly increasing accident risk.
- Tourist Traffic: Duluth and the North Shore are popular destinations, especially in summer and fall, which leads to seasonal spikes in traffic.
Key Cities Along I-35 in Minnesota:
Albert Lea, Owatonna, Faribault, Burnsville, Minneapolis (via I-35W), St. Paul (via I-35E), Forest Lake, Hinckley, Duluth.
Crash Reports:
Available through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety or the Minnesota State Patrol’s online crash report system.
Staying out of the truck blind spot as often as possible.
Only pass semi-trucks while utilizing the left lane.
Do not follow too closely to semi-trucks and commercial vehicles.
Do not drive recklessly or in an aggressive manner while near a semi-truck.
If you encounter an aggressive truck driver while traveling on Interstate-35, let them pass and stay away from their vehicles whenever possible.
Be aware of traffic patterns and the conditions around you.
Report any dangerous truck drivers you encounter to law enforcement as soon as possible.
Minimize any distractions in your vehicle whenever possible.
How to Obtain a Police Accident Report After an I-35 Crash
If you’re involved in an accident on I-35, it’s critical to follow proper steps to document the incident:
- Call Law Enforcement Immediately: Dial 911 or use a non-emergency number based on the severity and location of the crash.
- Get the Report Number: This will be given at the scene or shortly after.
- Wait for Processing: It may take several days for your report to become available.
- Request the Report: Visit the appropriate state agency website or request it in person or by mail.
- Pay the Fee: Most reports cost between $5 and $20.
Always follow the procedures for the specific state where your accident occurred.
Real-Time Traffic Conditions for I-35
Staying informed while traveling I-35 can help you avoid accidents and delays.
Helpful Resources:
- Google Maps & Waze: For real-time navigation, traffic alerts, and route changes.
- State DOTs:
These agencies provide live maps, construction alerts, and weather-related closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after being in an accident on Interstate 35?
If you’ve been involved in an accident on I-35, prioritize safety and follow these steps:
- Call 911 immediately if there are injuries or if vehicles are blocking traffic.
- Alert local police or state highway patrol to file an official crash report.
- Exchange contact, license, and insurance information with all involved drivers.
- Document license plates and vehicle registration numbers.
- Get contact details from any eyewitnesses.
- Take photographs and videos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and surroundings if it is safe to do so.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident.
State patrol agencies that commonly respond to I-35 crashes include the Texas Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Kansas Highway Patrol, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Iowa State Patrol, and Minnesota State Patrol.
What should I do if I or a loved one was seriously injured in a crash on I-35?
After getting medical attention, you should consult with a personal injury attorney who practices in the state where the accident occurred. A lawyer can help you secure compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages by holding the responsible parties accountable.
Do I need a lawyer after an accident on Interstate 35?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but doing so can make a substantial difference in your outcome, especially if the accident caused injuries, significant vehicle damage, or insurance disputes. Attorneys know how to value claims, handle insurance adjusters, and build strong legal cases to maximize compensation.
Most lawyers offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win.
Be extra alert:
This seems obvious, but try to be extra alert when driving on dangerous highways. Act as if you’re driving in poor road conditions (heavy rain or snow or poor visibility).
Plan ahead:
If you’re traveling long distances on a road trip or for work or pleasure, plan ahead. Consider when you’ll hit heavy-traffic areas and the weather conditions throughout your trip.
Rest:
If you feel drowsy, take a break and let someone else drive or pull off in a safe place for a quick nap. Here are some keen warning signs of drowsy driving: yawning or blinking frequently, watering eyes, difficulty recalling the past few miles that you’ve driven, missing exits, or drifting from your lane.
Obey traffic laws:
Always obey traffic laws. Not only will this prevent you from receiving a ticket, but you’re less likely to get into a fatal car accident if you obey the speed limit and other traffic regulations.