A Houston Car Accident Lawyer Explains What Drivers Should Know
The roads and highways in Harris County can be dangerous. Traffic congestion combined with careless and reckless drivers can lead to fatal accidents.
A recent report shows just how dangerous the roads are for drivers in Houston. According to an article in Culturemap, Harris County ranks 10th in the nation for traffic fatalities. Culturemap reported on a new study from The Zebra, which analyzed traffic deaths per 100,000 people. In 2019, Harris County recorded roughly nine vehicle-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Why Are Roads in Harris County So Treacherous?
Crashes typically happen because of a driver’s error. Here are some of the top factors that lead to car wrecks:
- Distracted driving. Drivers sometimes make the reckless decision to text. Distractions include a wide range of behavior, from eating while driving to fiddling with an entertainment system.
- Drunk driving. Driving under the influence causes accidents in Houston every day and is one of the top causes of accidents.
- Speeding. Many fatal accidents are linked to speeding. Drivers should observe the speed limit and slow down for weather conditions.
- Reckless driving. Drivers sometimes fail to follow the rules of the road. They might run a red light or stop sign. They might change lanes without checking for other vehicles.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
The traffic fatality report from The Zebra, an Austin-based insurance marketplace, revealed that Harris County is among the top 10 most dangerous cities for driving. The Texas Department of Transportation states that about 10 people die each day in traffic crashes around the state, according to Culturemap.
Many more car crashes result in serious, life-altering injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained by crash victims include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs), which may cause partial or permanent paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures, often to the lower leg and femur, arm, wrist, clavicle, neck, hip, face, and skull.
- Internal injuries (e.g., ruptured spleen, punctured lung, brain bleeding, abdominal aorta aneurism).
Serious injuries can have a long-term impact on a victim’s life – and affect the injured person’s loved ones. If you’re injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Sometimes, a person in a car crash might think they’re fine and can “shake it off.” Unfortunately, some injuries, such as organ damage and concussions, might worsen over time. It’s critical to seek an evaluation from a medical professional.
How an Attorney Can Help With Your Claim
If you were injured in an accident that was not your fault, you have the right to seek compensation for all your losses. Medical bills can pile up quickly. You may need to take time off from work and suffer lost wages. Some accident victims need to renovate their homes to accommodate a disability after the accident.
The insurance company, however, may attempt to downplay the injuries or the impact the accident has had on your life. Many crash victims will give up in frustration and accept a lowball settlement.
Don’t make that mistake. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer who knows how to fight for crash victims and their families in Harris County. The attorneys at Tracey Fox King & Walters can put experience and resources to work for you.
We fight for victims who have been severely injured or who lost loved ones in Texas car crashes. If you lost a loved one, you may not only be grieving but wondering how to make ends meet. We can listen to you and answer your questions about the next steps, which may include filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
We will fight for you while you focus on your recovery. We have offices are in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.