Five Leading Causes of Vehicle Crashes in Texas?

Car accidents happen all too often. To better protect yourself and your family, it’s important to understand the five leading causes of vehicle crashes in Texas. Explore common crash contributors, how they impact car accident cases, and why it’s imperative that you hire a car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process of filing an injury claim.

The Five Leading Causes of Vehicle Crashes in Texas

With major roadways like I-10 and the Eastex Freeway running through Beaumont, accidents are expected. TxDOT’s most recent detailed breakout of crash contributing factors shows the following leaders in accident causes:

• Failure to control speed. When a driver can’t slow or stop in time for traffic ahead, road conditions, or hazards, crashes are likely to occur. This is especially true for rear-end collisions and chain reactions. Speed-related doesn’t just mean speeding, but it also includes driving too fast for conditions and failing to keep enough distance to brake safely. Speeding led to the deaths of 11,775 people in the U.S. in 2023.
• Driver inattention. Distraction from multitasking or using a phone while driving continues to be a major problem for drivers. In 2023, car accident statistics show 3,275 people were killed because of distracted driving across the country.
• Changed lanes when unsafe. An unsafe merge or lane change can result in side swipes and secondary impacts at highway speeds.
• Failed to drive in a single lane. Weaving or drifting out of the lane is often linked to driving impaired, distracted, or fatigued. This is a leading cause of sideswipe accidents and run-off-road events.
• Failed to yield right-of-way. Left-turn conflicts at intersections produce high-energy angle impacts. Even at lower speeds, a collision can cause severe injuries due to limited protection on the struck side of the vehicle.

Texas Car Accident Laws

Understanding Texas law can help you protect your rights after a crash. For instance, it’s important to note that Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for injury claims. This means that injuries or property damage must be filed within two years of the accident date. There are limited exceptions to this rule. Missing the deadline could likely result in your claim being dismissed.

Texas uses proportionate responsibility methods when determining fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If more than half of the fault lies with you, you can’t recover damages. Insurance carriers rely heavily on this rule, making it particularly important to conduct a thorough investigation of the accident.

Simple Prevention Measures to Avoid the Five Leading Causes of Accidents

There are simple habits you can enact to protect yourself on the road. These include:

• Building space and leaving time. Reduce your following distance with cars in front of you, especially on highways.
• Eyes up, hands on. Put your phone down. Even hands-free phone usage can be distracting.
• One lane at a time. If you’re planning to change lanes, signal early and check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure a safe lane change. Be sure not to let your vehicle drift over while you do this.
• Turn left with caution. Yield until you have a clear gap, since misjudging the oncoming traffic’s speed is easy to do.
• Slow for conditions. Nighttime, work zones, and congested traffic all require extra vigilance.

What to Do After an Auto Collision

After a car accident, the first priority is to call 911 to receive medical attention. Adrenaline can hide injuries, so having a medical evaluation can catch injuries before they become too serious. If possible, document the scene by taking photos of the vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, and debris.

Gather information from the reporting police officer and any witnesses who saw the accident occur. Then, you’ll need to notify your insurer. It’s a good idea to hire a car accident lawyer to help you with insurance company interactions, since anything you say could potentially be used to hurt your case.

Why You Should Choose Renick Law Firm, PLLC

Renick Law Firm, PLLC, has an extensive record of helping clients receive compensation for damages and injuries resulting from auto accidents. We can negotiate with insurance companies and fight for you in court, if necessary. Our team prioritizes effective communication and possesses a deep understanding of Texas car accident laws, which can be leveraged to enhance your case’s success.

FAQs

What Is One of the Top Five Causes of Collisions in the State of Texas?

One of the top causes of collisions in Texas is distracted driving. Drivers who take their focus off the road to adjust the radio, text, or eat are at risk of being involved in a crash. Even a momentary lapse in attention can cause serious collisions, especially when they occur at high speeds. By staying focused, drivers can greatly reduce the likelihood of being involved in a serious accident.

What Is Not One of the Five Leading Causes of Vehicle Crashes in Texas?

One of the lesser causes of crashes in Texas would be vehicle mechanical failure. Mechanical issues, such as tire blowouts and engine or brake failure, can lead to serious accidents, but they are not a prominent cause. Most accidents are more likely to occur because of human error, such as distracted driving, speeding, and alcohol impairment.

What Are Most Collisions Caused By?

The leading cause of traffic collisions is human error. This can include speeding, impaired driving, or following another vehicle too closely. Distracted driving is the leading cause of accidents. This emphasizes the importance of driving defensively and remaining aware of your surroundings. Keeping your focus on the road can help you avoid an accident and react faster to other distracted drivers.

What Are the Four Factors That Lead to Collisions?

The four main factors that commonly lead to collisions are driver behavior, roadway conditions, vehicle conditions, and environmental influences. Driver behavior, such as distraction, impairment, or recklessness, is a significant factor. Roadway conditions, like poorly marked lanes, can increase risks. Vehicle conditions could involve faulty brakes or bald tires. Environmental factors can impact roadway safety by limiting visibility or making roadways slick.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been in a car accident, contact Renick Law Firm, PLLC, to schedule a consultation and let us help guide you through the process of recovering the compensation and justice you deserve.