Undefeated Houston Car Accident Lawyer
The Bayou City is well-known for the dangers it poses to drivers.
However, with Houston car accident fatalities nearing a 5-year high in 2024, a disturbing new report is underscoring just how deadly the roads and highways in and around Greater Houston have become.
Fatal Houston Crashes Set to Outpace Homicides in 2024
The analysis, published by Axios, examined five years of crash data from the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System and revealed a startling statistic: fatalities from Houston car accidents exceeded those from homicides during the first half of 2024. Specifically, 169 individuals lost their lives due to motor vehicle crashes from January through June, compared to 158 victims of homicide during the same timeframe.
According to Axios, it’s the first time Houston’s traffic-related deaths outnumbered homicides in either the first or second half of the year during the period analyzed from January 2019 to June 2024. What’s more, Houston saw an 11.9 percent increase in traffic fatalities over the first six months of 2024 compared with the first half of last year.
If the current trend holds, Houston will see the highest number of car accident deaths over the last five years, the report noted.
Causes of Houston Car Accidents
Sadly, it’s likely that nearly all of these tragedies were entirely avoidable. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), risky driving behaviors are a consistent factor in motor vehicle crashes, not just in Texas but across the entire country.
In Houston, some of the most common causes of traffic-related deaths include:
Speeding
According to the 2022 Vision Zero Report, speeding is a leading cause of Houston car accidents, contributing to over 30 percent of both serious injuries and fatal crashes in the city. Motorists often exceed posted speed limits, especially on highways like I-45, I-10, and the Sam Houston Tollway. Speeding reduces reaction time, increases stopping distances, and magnifies the impact of collisions, making crashes more likely to result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Distracted Driving
The Houston Fire Department estimates that texting, talking on the phone, using in-car entertainment systems, and other forms of distracted driving are responsible for up to 20 percent of all fatal car accidents in Houston. Despite a Texas ban on texting while driving, enforcement can be inconsistent, and many drivers continue to engage in distractions behind the wheel. This behavior takes attention away from the road, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a persistent problem in Houston. In fact, according to TxDOT, the Greater Houston Region saw 4,665 alcohol-related crashes in 2023 alone, resulting in 345 serious injuries and 233 needless deaths. Intoxicated drivers have impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced coordination, leading to devastating accidents.
Poor Road Infrastructure
According to Vision Zero, over 58 percent of fatal and serious Houston traffic accidents occur on happen on only 9 percent of its roads. Potholes, lack of proper signage, inadequate lighting, confusing road layouts, and increasing traffic congestion are major contributors to the city’s high crash rate.
Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions, including rain, wind, snow, ice, sleet, and fog, contribute to more than 10 percent of traffic accidents reported in Houston and across Texas. In Houston, rain, ice, and occasionally, snow can cause roads to become slick and difficult to navigate, leading to increased risks of hydroplaning and losing control of vehicles. Sudden storms can also reduce visibility, making it harder for drivers to react to obstacles or other vehicles.
Reckless and Aggressive Driving
According to Vision Zero, unsafe driving maneuvers, disregard for traffic signs and signals, and other forms of recklessness and aggression caused more than 30 percent of all Houston car accidents in 2022.
Common Injuries in Houston Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide variety of injuries, ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic conditions that result in life-long disability and death. The severity and type of injury sustained in a wreck largely depend on factors like speed, angle of impact, and the use of safety equipment such as seatbelts.
Some of the most common suffered in Houston car accidents injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries occur when the head experiences a violent impact or sudden jolt. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe consequences of a motor vehicle collision. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and independence. Victims may require lifelong medical care and assistive devices, such as wheelchairs.
- Broken Bones: The force of a crash can lead to fractures in various parts of the body, including arms, legs, ribs, and the pelvis. While some broken bones heal with proper medical care, others may require surgery and physical therapy to regain functionality.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that occurs when the neck is forcefully jerked back and forth, often during rear-end collisions. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, which can persist for weeks or even months after the accident.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as organ damage and internal bleeding, are less visible but can be life-threatening. These injuries often require emergency medical attention and surgery to prevent further complications.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, metal debris, and other sharp objects can cause deep cuts and lacerations during a collision. In some cases, these injuries may lead to significant blood loss or scarring.
- Psychological Trauma: In addition to physical injuries, car accidents can have profound psychological effects. Victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or a fear of driving, which can significantly impact their quality of life.
In addition to physical and emotional consequences, a serious car accident can also leave victims and their families struggling financially. Medical expenses alone can quickly surpass thousands or even millions of dollars, especially if there are long-term injuries involved. If a victim is left temporarily or permanently disabled, they may also incur significant financial damages due to lost wages and the potential loss of future income.
Safe Driving Tips in Greater Houston
The roads and highways throughout Greater Houston see some of the highest rates of car accidents in the country. With heavy traffic, unpredictable weather, and frequent construction, safely navigating the city requires extra care. To avoid becoming yet another Houston car accident victim, be sure to take the following precautions whenever you hit the road.
- Avoid peak traffic hours: Houston’s roads are busiest during rush hour (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM). Plan trips outside these times to reduce stress and accident risk.
- Watch for aggressive drivers: Stay calm, avoid road rage, and avoid engaging with speeding or erratic drivers, which are common on highways like I-45 and I-10.
- Use navigation apps: Tools like Waze or Google Maps help avoid congestion, accidents, and sudden lane closures. However, don’t let your app become a distraction – enter your destination before you hit the road.
- Stay alert at intersections: Many crashes occur at intersections; double-check for red-light runners or distracted drivers.
- Adapt to unpredictable weather: Houston’s sudden downpours make roads slippery. Slow down, use headlights, and increase following distances.
- Stay in the right lanes on highways: Left lanes are often used for high-speed passing. Staying to the right helps avoid dangerous speeding drivers.
- Avoid distractions: Texting, eating, or fiddling with GPS is especially dangerous in Houston’s dense, fast-moving traffic.
- Watch for large trucks: With Houston’s busy shipping routes, be cautious around 18-wheelers. To avoid a catastrophic truck accident, keep out of blind spots and allow extra room.
- Be cautious near construction zones: Houston frequently has roadwork that causes sudden lane shifts and slowdowns—drive carefully and obey posted signs.
- Never drive impaired: Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you’re heading out and plan to partake, designate a driver who’ll stay sober or use a ride-share app or taxi.
- Maintain your vehicle: Ensure brakes, tires, and wipers are in good shape to handle Houston’s heavy traffic and unpredictable conditions.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Car Accident in Houston
In the moments and hours after a Houston car accident – even a minor fender-bender — you’re likely to be frightened and confused, making it very easy to act impulsively or say something you shouldn’t. However, the steps you take in the immediate aftermath can significantly influence whether you and your family receive the compensation you deserve. It’s essential to act quickly; otherwise, crucial evidence for your case may be lost or destroyed, and witnesses might forget key details about the incident.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health should always be the top priority after a car accident. Even if you feel fine initially, seeing a doctor is essential, as some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical care can also provide documentation of your injuries, which may be important if you pursue a legal claim.
Report the Accident
Contact local law enforcement to report the accident and request an officer come to the scene. A police report can serve as an official record of the incident, documenting important details such as the parties involved, vehicle damage, and potential causes of the crash.
Gather Evidence
If you are physically able, collect evidence at the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and any contributing factors, such as traffic signals or weather conditions. Exchange contact information with other drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the details of the incident, but avoid speculating about fault or making statements that could jeopardize your claim. If you neglect to inform your insurer, you could be issued a detail of coverage and prevented from receiving PIP, Med-Pay, and other benefits that you’ll need to cover medical bills and other expenses.
Don’t Talk to The Other Driver’s Insurance Company
The other driver’s insurance adjuster will most certainly contact you seeking a recorded statement. However, No matter what they might say or promise, they’re only looking to avoid all responsibility by minimizing your injuries and blaming you for the crash. You’re under no obligation to speak with them, and it’s in your best interest not to.
Consult an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, particularly when dealing with injuries and insurance companies. Hiring a personal injury attorney specializing in car accident cases is essential to avoid mistakes that could cost you and your family thousands of dollars. An experienced attorney understands the tactics used by insurance companies and is prepared to go to trial if the company refuses to negotiate in good faith.
Undefeated Houston Accident Lawyers: Call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here
With Billions won, including Record-Breaking Verdicts and Settlements, for crash victims in Texas and across the United States, our Houston Car Accident Lawyers have the experience and resources to ensure you and your family receive the maximum compensation possible for all your injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one were seriously or fatally injured in a Houston traffic accident, call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here to send us a confidential email through our Contact Form.
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