Houston experienced 67,644 traffic crashes in 2023, but not all of these crashes occurred under similar circumstances. Several different types of car accidents can happen in Houston, each with unique characteristics. Unfortunately, most of these wrecks result from the negligent actions of one or more drivers.
Even if the types of wrecks seem obvious, reviewing them serves to remind all drivers of the serious consequences that come from careless driving. In a moment, you or your loved one could be injured or killed in a crash — one that did not need to happen but for someone else’s negligence.
5 Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Houston, TX
While thousands of collisions and wrecks happen every month in Houston, most of them can be classified into one of the following most common types of Houston car accidents. Each type can occur anywhere and lead to severe, even fatal, injuries.
1. Head-On Wrecks
Lane departures, which happen when one vehicle leaves their lane and enters an opposing lane of traffic, are the most common cause of head-on crashes. Drivers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol, or those who are distracted in some way, are especially at risk of causing a head-on crash.
2. Rear-End Accidents
Distracted drivers are often to blame for rear-end crashes when the back part of one car makes contact with some part of another vehicle or object. Traffic lights and signals are common places where these crashes occur, as are parking lots when one driver attempts to back out of a parking stall.
3. Side-Impact Collisions
These accidents, also known as “T-bone” crashes, are common when one vehicle attempts to turn in front of another. They can also happen at intersections when a vehicle fails to yield the right-of-way to another as it proceeds through the intersection.
4. Sideswipe Crashes
A sideswipe collision occurs when the sides of two vehicles strike or scrape against each other. The initial damage is not serious, but it can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Improper lane changes and departures are the most frequent negligent acts leading to these accidents.
5. Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups
Crashes on highways and other high-volume roads can quickly expand beyond the initial vehicles involved. Other drivers who do not have time to stop and avoid the initial wreck can collide with the other wrecked cars, compounding the number of injuries and amount of property damage.
How a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Wreck
Being involved in a car accident can be traumatic, especially if you or a loved one suffer injuries as a result. Even though you could file a claim and seek damages from the person who caused the crash, you might find it difficult to do so effectively or in a timely manner because of your injuries.
This can result in an impossible situation: You must file a claim to receive the compensation you need for your injuries and expenses, but your injuries make it difficult to do so. Hiring the right car accident attorney in Houston can help solve this dilemma. An experienced lawyer will be able to:
- Collect your medical records, accident reports, and other documentation about your crash and resulting injuries
- Speak with eyewitnesses and others about who caused the accident
- Prepare and file your lawsuit with the appropriate court
- Represent your interests during settlement negotiations
- Advise you on ways to best resolve your case while protecting your rights
- Represent you in court, if necessary
Hiring a lawyer with little or no experience handling car accident cases or one who is not willing to take your case to court could lead to you not receiving the full amount of damages you are owed. Ensure you look for and hire a car accident lawyer in Houston with significant experience handling car injury claims.
FAQ
How Do the Different Types of Car Accidents Impact Liability?
There is very little that can be definitively concluded simply from the type of accident. Instead, the type of accident must be viewed in light of all the available evidence to determine fault.
Does One Type of Crash Result in More Damages for Injury Victims?
Not exactly. Every victim with a car accident claim can pursue damages for the economic and non-economic harm they suffer. Although some types of car wrecks may lead to more severe injuries and, hence, larger damages awards, the compensation a victim receives is always limited by the losses and expenses they can prove.
Is It Important to Work With a Car Accident Lawyer to Receive Compensation?
Having an attorney represent you after a wreck can be extremely beneficial. Your lawyer can handle most aspects of investigating, preparing, and pursuing your claim for you. This leaves you free to focus on attending doctor’s appointments, receiving ongoing care, and recovering from your physical injuries.
Contact a Houston Car Accident Attorney From Ramsey Law Group Today
Do not delay in getting legal help if you or a loved one have been hurt in a Houston car wreck. Victims only have two years from the date of their accident to file car accident claims, and this period can pass quickly. Once this period passes, you can lose your right to receive damages for your losses.
At Ramsey Law Group, our dedicated Houston car accident lawyers will put our skills and resources to work for you. Get in touch with us to request your free, no-obligation case evaluation.