Common Causes of Car Accidents in Texas: What Happens?

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Texas root in negligence. When a negligent driver causes your auto accident, remember that you have rights. Schedule a free consultation with our Houston motor vehicle collision attorneys today. Call 832-767-0339 now.

Auto accidents and motor vehicle collisions harm hundred of thousands of Texans every year. According to a 2019 report from Texas Department of Transportation, a reportable collision occurred somewhere across the state every 56 seconds. This shows a sharp increase from 2015, which showed a reportable incident every 61 seconds. 

Unfortunately, many of these accidents involve unnecessary behavior. 

Accident Statistics in Texas

When we look at the most common causes of car accidents in Texas, it’s important to take a moment and gain some perspective. Texas is the second largest state in the US, right behind Alaska. Additionally, we are the second most populous state, sitting right behind California. 

Unfortunately, we are number one for traffic deaths. According to that same report from TxDoT, 3,610 people died in motor vehicle collisions, and almost 13,000 people sustained serious injuries. The unfortunate reality of these statistics is that not a single day goes by where a Texan doesn’t face the tragedy of an auto accident. 

When you experience a motor vehicle accident, the most common causes of car accidents isn’t important. More importantly, it’s essential to understand the cause of your incident and who is at fault. 

This is because Texas is a no-fault state. That means when you want to pursue compensation from the negligent party, you have to prove liability. Oftentimes, that’s a big problem. Luckily, some of the problem solvers at Universal Law Group are Houston car accident lawyers ready to take that burden off your shoulders. 

As we examine some of the leading causes of auto accidents, remember that you have rights. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how to protect your future. 

What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents?

There are a plethora of reasons people find themselves involved in auto accidents. Below, we discuss some of the leading causes behind these incidents. 

Drunk Drivers or DWI/DUI Accidents

For years, DWI/DUIs are one of the top causes behind accidents in Texas. Across the state, Texas takes drunk driving incredibly serious, and these charges come with severe penalties. Unfortunately, when a drunk driver causes an accident, it often results in serious damage. 

In 2015, Texas passed a law that requires convicted DWI offenders to install ignition interlock devices. These devices may help to reduce recidivism and associated accidents in the future. However, it does not address the threat that first-time DWI offenders pose as well as those habitual drivers who never get caught. 

When a drunk driver causes an accident, the negligence is clear. Moreover, if an establishment overserved the driver, it opens up your case to Dram Shop Laws. 

Excessive Speeding

Speeding extends beyond simply going over the posted speed limit. When a driver speeds, they ignore the duty of care we all share on the road, creating unsafe road conditions. A study that covered fatalities and severe injuries from crashes in Texas from 2010 – 2016 found speeding contributed to 22% of fatal auto accidents and 13% of injuries resulting from collisions. 

Unsurprisingly, the severity of injuries trends alongside the increase in speed. This is especially true when a speeding driver hits someone at a full stop. However, two speeding cars that collide have the potential to spin out and spread the damage to other victims. 

Distracted Driving 

Oftentimes, people associate distracted driving with smartphones. However, it ranked among the most common causes of car accidents long before the advent of cell phones. Distracted driving ranges from fiddling with the radio to eating or drinking. 

Back in 2015, distracted driving play a part in over 105,000 motor vehicle collisions that occurred in Texas. Among these, over 2,500 accidents resulted in incapacitating injuries. Moreover, at least 10,000 more caused minor injuries. 

Today, driver distraction plays a role in roughly 1 out of every 5 accidents in Texas. While there have been attempts to enact bans on phone usage, they all failed to address the issue. Even local bans don’t see much reduction to the overall rate of these accidents. 

Swerving Between Lanes

Another among the most common causes of car accidents is failure to stay in their lane. On its own, this comes with numerous reasons. While one driver might be inattentive, another might suffer from fatigue. 

Occasionally, a person has too much to drink and doesn’t have the capacity to stay in one lane. Regardless of the reason, swerving often leads to minor accidents as drivers drift from lane to lane. Alternatively, a driver might realize it and over-correct, moving into a lane on the other side as they try to avoid an accident. 

These accidents result in harm to others on the road, and it’s essential for people to take responsibility for their actions. When you need to hold the liable accountable, trust in the auto accident attorneys at Universal Law Group. 

Following Another Driver Too Closely

Statistically speaking, it takes a driver 1.5 seconds to process and react to the traffic ahead of them when it stops. Oftentimes, rear-end collisions result from a driver following someone else too closely. 

As the driver ahead of them reacts appropriately to traffic, this lack of distance leaves the driver in the rear with too little time to notice, understand, and react. For instance, a vehicle traveling at 50mph continues to travel another 229 feet before it stops. 

When a driver doesn’t leave sufficient space between vehicles, it puts both drivers at risk. 

Failure to Yield

In Texas, the law requires drivers approaching an intersection to yield to traffic that poses an immediate threat. For instance, when a light turns green for one driver, they should yield to anyone still in the intersection.

Still, failure to yield is one of the most common causes of car accidents in Texas. This results in motor vehicle collisions with a broad range of results. Oftentimes, the severity stems from the details. 

When someone runs a red light or enters a freeway and immediately tries to cross lanes, it puts everyone on the road in danger. It is essential to our duty of care that we observe the law of the road whenever we get behind the wheel. 

What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Collision

When you sustain an injury in an auto accident, it is essential to seek medical attention. Even when injuries don’t seem apparent, visit with your primary care physician as soon as possible. Occasionally, people believe they are fine after a car wreck, only to learn later that they sustained an injury. 

After you have a treatment plan, call on the Houston car accident lawyers at Universal Law Group. Oftentimes, insurance companies low-ball offers to avoid paying out appropriate settlements. They hope that the victim doesn’t know the value of their claim and accepts less than what they deserve. 

At Universal Law Group, we know their tactics. When we put together a settlement, we work to maximize your compensation to ensure you have everything you need. When the insurance provider doesn’t play ball, we take them to court. 

The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents Involve Negligence

At times, car accidents devastate people and their families. In addition to physical injuries and rehab, they come with financial burdens and emotional scars. When you are no longer able to work, the bills keep coming. 

As Houston car accident lawyers, we understand this situation. Our team understands the toll that an accident takes on everyone involved. As your representation, we strive to bear the burden of your case. From gathering evidence to putting together paperwork, we build your claim while you focus on recovery. 

With broad experience in personal injury law, we help Texas protect their futures. When you work with our team of auto accident attorneys, trust that we have your back. Call today to schedule a free consultation about your car accident claim.