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Car Accidents — Most Common Causes and How to Stay Safe

What Texas Drivers Need to Know About Crash Prevention and Their Legal Rights

Car accidents remain one of the most serious public safety issues in Texas. According to TxDOT reports, there were 4,489 deaths and 239,539 injuries on Texas roads in 2021 — a death toll that represented a 15.22 percent increase from the 3,896 deaths recorded in 2020. These numbers reflect real people and real families whose lives were changed in an instant by preventable crashes.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Our legal team represents accident victims as they work to get back on their feet following a devastating crash. Contact us today for a free consultation. More information on this Page about our San Antonio Car Accident Attorneys.

Speeding

In 2021, 1,522 Texans were killed due to speeding-related crashes — a preventable tragedy that makes speeding one of the most deadly behaviors on Texas roads. Speeding is just one form of aggressive driving, which encompasses a wide range of dangerous behaviors. According to a study by AAA, approximately 80 percent of drivers engage in aggressive driving at least once a year.

Other forms of aggressive driving that contribute to serious car accidents include tailgating, swerving between lanes, passing on the right-hand side, passing without signaling, refusing to yield the right of way, running red lights, and brake checking. Some aggressive drivers are in the grip of road rage, which severely impairs judgment and reaction time. If you encounter a driver exhibiting these behaviors, give them a wide berth and avoid escalating the situation by making eye contact or responding in kind.

Alcohol

In 2021, 1,077 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in Texas where at least one driver was under the influence of alcohol — representing 24 percent of all traffic fatalities that year. Texas also recorded 25,261 total drunk driving-related crashes in 2021, a nine percent increase from the previous year.

Texas law sets a blood alcohol concentration limit of 0.08 for drivers 21 and older. For drivers under 21, Texas enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy — any detectable amount of alcohol in the blood can result in a license suspension. You can minimize your risks of encountering drunk drivers by avoiding late-night driving when alcohol-impaired drivers are more prevalent, staying off the roads on high-risk holidays such as Super Bowl Sunday, the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and St. Patrick’s Day, maintaining a safe following distance from other vehicles, and positioning yourself slightly to the right within your lane since intoxicated drivers frequently drift toward the center. If you observe erratic or suspicious driving, report it to authorities immediately.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the most serious and growing dangers on American roads. According to government statistics, distracted drivers kill approximately nine people and injure another 1,000 every single day in this country. The NHTSA recorded 36,096 fatalities in motor vehicle crashes in 2019, and distracted driving contributed significantly to that toll.

Distracted driving takes many forms. Texting while driving is among the most dangerous because it takes a driver’s eyes, hands, and attention off the road simultaneously. But distraction also comes from talking on the phone, eating or drinking, reaching for objects inside the vehicle, daydreaming, falling asleep, staring at passing scenery, arguing with passengers, or applying makeup. Any activity that diverts attention from the road even for a few seconds at highway speeds can be fatal. If you need to eat, make a phone call, or handle anything other than driving, pull off the road safely before doing so.

Malfunctioning Vehicles

Another significant cause of accidents is vehicle defects and malfunctions. When a vehicle fails mechanically, even a skilled driver can lose control almost instantly. Common mechanical causes of serious accidents include defective tires that blow out at high speeds, malfunctioning steering systems that cause sudden loss of directional control, and brake failures that prevent a driver from stopping in time. In these situations, the driver may have done nothing wrong — the vehicle itself is to blame, and the manufacturer or another responsible party may face product liability claims.

To reduce your risk of a mechanically caused accident, maintain a regular vehicle maintenance schedule and address any warning signs promptly. Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website regularly for the most recent recall notices, and verify whether your specific vehicle has been recalled by searching your Vehicle Identification Number. You can also subscribe to NHTSA’s recall notification service using your email address.

Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer Today

Injured motorists and their families need compensation to cover medical expenses, replace lost wages, repair or replace damaged vehicles, and address the long-term consequences of serious injuries. If someone else’s negligence caused your crash, you have the legal right to seek a fair settlement from their insurance carrier — but insurance companies will not make that process easy.

Our car accident attorneys have represented injured Texas motorists for decades and recovered substantial compensation for clients in cases ranging from minor collisions to catastrophic crashes and wrongful death. We take a client-centered approach to every case, and we work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us evaluate your claim and explain all of your legal options.