According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), car accidents in Texas took the life of someone every two hours in 2023. That adds up to over 4,000 traffic fatalities in that year alone, and another 18,765 suffered non-fatal serious injuries.
So what causes all of these serious accidents, and what can you do if you’re involved in one? Take a closer look at some of the leading causes of car accidents in Texas and how you can effectively navigate the aftermath.
Speeding
Speed limits are vital for road safety. When people drive faster than the speed limit, the likelihood that they can stop in time to avoid an accident after becoming aware of danger decreases significantly.
Speeding is particularly dangerous for pedestrians. Pedestrians move much more slowly than vehicles and are unlikely to have time to get out of the way when a car is speeding toward them.
Distracted Driving
According to the CDC, distracted driving was responsible for 3,142 motor vehicle fatalities in 2019. Due to its large population of drivers, Texas was home to a substantial share of those fatal accidents.
Distracted driving is increasingly problematic as digital devices become more portable. Drivers may be texting or watching a video when they should be paying attention to the road. If you suspect a distracted driver caused your accident, you should inform your lawyer right away so that they can gather evidence of that distraction.
Ignoring Traffic Control Devices
Traffic lights and stop signs help to slow down traffic and guide drivers safely through intersections. When you have a green light, you rightfully believe that you can travel through an intersection without slowing down. If another driver ignores your right-of-way, though, you can get into a serious accident.
Thankfully, many intersections in Texas have traffic cameras. If you are hurt because another driver ignored a traffic control device, you should look around the accident scene for any cameras that may have recorded the accident. Video evidence can greatly benefit the insurance or legal process.
Making Unsafe Lane Changes
This type of accident is common on highways, as other roads tend to only have one lane in each direction. While distracted driving is a frequent reason for unsafe lane changes, it is far from the only cause.
Larger vehicles like trucks have greater blind spots. Even a safe driver can fail to notice a car in their blind spot before switching lanes. Additionally, aggressive drivers may switch lanes without signaling or looking for nearby vehicles.
One of the complications of these types of accidents is that there is often little supportive evidence. Most highways don’t have traffic cameras, and witnesses are unlikely to pull over when traveling at highway speeds.
The best way to support your insurance claim is to take as many photos of the damage to your vehicle as possible. This will help investigators determine how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
Tailgating
You already know that when you are driving, you are required to stay far enough behind the vehicle in front of you that you can stop in time if they suddenly brake. The faster you are going, the more room you should give the driver in front of you.
Unfortunately, many Texas drivers drive too closely to the vehicle in front of them. This can result in one car rear-ending the other, often causing whiplash to the driver of the front car. It’s important to note that the rear driver is typically considered at fault unless there is definitive evidence that the driver in the front maneuvered unsafely.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Another one of the most common causes of Texas car accidents is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. What makes these crashes so tragic is that they are entirely preventable. Drinking and driving only happens when somebody chooses to drive after drinking alcohol.
These accidents can involve both criminal proceedings as well as civil proceedings. If the other driver is found guilty of driving under the influence, you can use the results of those criminal proceedings to support your civil action.
FAQ
When Should I Consult With a Texas Car Accident Lawyer After a Car Accident?
You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. The more time your lawyer has to work on your case, the more likely you are to get fair compensation.
Should I Accept a Settlement From the Insurance Company?
You shouldn’t accept any offers from the insurance company until your attorney has had time to determine whether it is a fair settlement. Insurance companies often make lowball offers to try to get you to accept less money than you deserve.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Whether your case goes to trial is your decision. Most cases for car accidents in Texas are resolved with an insurance settlement rather than a trial. However, if the insurance company isn’t willing to make a fair offer, your lawyer may recommend litigating your case.
Consult a Texas Car Accident Attorney at Ramsey Law Group Now
Were you seriously injured in a car accident in Texas? You may be eligible to pursue compensation from the other driver under state law.
The seasoned attorneys at Ramsey Law Group have recovered millions for clients just like you in Houston and throughout the country. We have a proven track record of providing personalized, exceptional representation. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to get started today.