I-80/I-35 Accidents: What Are The Most Dangerous Roads In Iowa?
Last updated on October 10, 2025
On interstate highways like I-80 and I-35, car accidents occur that leave people with life-changing, catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured, or you have lost a family member in a motor vehicle accident in central Iowa, it is crucial to have a knowledgeable personal injury attorney on your side.
At Slater Law, LLC, in Des Moines, we have extensive experience representing the victims of motor vehicles. Our attorneys bring more than 40 years of combined experience to our practice and have obtained significant verdicts and settlements for our clients.
The actions you take now are extremely important. Before making any statements to the insurance company, call us toll free at 866-412-5937 for a free initial consultation.
Identifying Iowa’s Deadliest Highways And High-Accident Zones
Iowa’s extensive network of interstate and state highways connects rural towns, cities and agricultural regions – but certain stretches are notorious for their high crash rates. The most dangerous areas often include the busy Des Moines interchange where I-80 and I-35 converge, the I-235 urban corridor, and sections of I-80 near Iowa City and Council Bluffs. Data from the Iowa Department of Transportation consistently shows that these interstates experience some of the state’s highest concentrations of serious and fatal accidents each year.
Factors such as high traffic volume, frequent lane changes, and the mix of local commuters and long-haul truck traffic contribute to elevated crash risks. These areas are also prone to chain reaction collisions, especially during winter months when ice and snow create unpredictable driving conditions.
Why Are I-80 And I-35 Considered Fatal Crash Corridors?
Both I-80 and I-35 serve as major cross-country routes for commercial trucking and interstate travel, carrying millions of vehicles annually. Their design – long stretches of straight road intersected by high-speed interchanges – encourages driver fatigue and excessive speed. Additionally, I-35’s north-south route cuts through areas frequently affected by fog, heavy rain and sudden wind gusts, while I-80’s east-west alignment exposes drivers to rapid weather changes across open farmland.
Congested exits, merging lanes and distracted drivers add further risk. Tractor-trailers often travel these roads under tight delivery schedules, leading to fatigue-related crashes. When large commercial vehicles collide with smaller passenger cars, the results are often devastating.
Common Causes Of Accidents: From Driver Negligence To Hazardous Road Conditions
Many crashes on Iowa’s interstates stem from preventable causes such as speeding, following too closely, distracted driving and impaired driving. Others arise from unsafe road conditions – black ice, debris or inadequate signage – that make it difficult for drivers to react in time. Construction zones along I-80 and I-35 also create sudden lane shifts and reduced visibility, which can lead to rear-end or side-impact collisions.
Even when conditions appear clear, fatigue plays a major role in interstate crashes. Long-distance drivers may lose focus after hours on the road, and a momentary lapse in attention can cause a high-speed collision with catastrophic consequences.
Filing A Personal Injury Claim After A Crash On A Dangerous Iowa Road
If you were injured on I-80, I-35 or another hazardous stretch of highway, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver or other responsible parties. A skilled lawyer can help you gather accident reports, witness statements and medical documentation to support your case. Compensation may include payment for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income, and pain and suffering.
At Slater Law, LLC, we personally meet with each client, making sure they understand their full rights. We aggressively pursue compensation for damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other economic and noneconomic damages. Whether you were injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident or trucking accident, we will fight to maximize your claim.
We represent the victims of catastrophic injuries such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and back injuries, and strive to make sure any settlement covers present and future needs.
Contact A Des Moines Automobile Accident Lawyer
We are here to answer your questions and focus on your legal issues so you can focus on your recovery. Call 866-412-5937 or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.