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The number of car accidents on the highways in Texas is decreasing, but there are still thousands of people affected by car accidents. Many of these auto accidents are caused by speeding or drunk driving. One of the best ways to avoid an auto accident is to remain informed and know what to look for when you are driving. If you are in an accident, hire a lawyer to ensure you get the compensation your deserve.
The following are a few facts affecting drivers in Texas.
Fact #1. Someone died every day in an accident in Texas 2015.
Although the number of fatal accidents decreased by 2.05% in Texas during 2015, someone died each day along Texas highways.
One of the best ways to avoid a car accident is to ensure you are always driving defensively. Defensive driving is driving in an alert state so that you can easily identify driving hazards and react to avoid potential risks. By driving defensively, you protect both you and the passengers in your car.
Fact #2. In Texas, there were 246,335 people injured in traffic accidents in 2015.
Traffic accidents can cause injuries immediately, or they can lead to injuries developing over time. The most common injuries resulting from a car accident include head, back, neck, and chest injuries. Upon impact, many drivers and passengers are thrown forward which can cause them to hit their head against the steering wheel, window or dashboard. Depending on the intensity of the impact, drivers and passengers can fracture their skulls, develop problems with their sight, or lose their hearing.
Additionally, the quick movement back and forth can result in spinal cord damage. With severe spinal cord damage, many people lose their ability to walk or experience reduced sensation in their extremities.
Fact #3. Auto Accidents led to 550 pedestrian deaths.
Between 2014 and 2015, there was an increase in the number of pedestrian deaths caused by vehicles by nearly 13%.
Based on this statistic, it’s important pedestrians remain alerted while they are near traffic. Without the protections afforded to auto drivers due to being in a vehicle, pedestrians are at a higher risk of sustaining serious injury or worse if they are in an auto accident.
Fact #4. You have up to two years to file a lawsuit if you are in an auto accident in Texas.
In the great state of Texas, there is a statute of limitations when it comes to car accidents. A statute of limitations imposes a time frame in which someone can legally take action against someone who injured them. When it comes to car accidents, the statute of limitations is two years.
With many people being seriously injured following an accident, they can’t immediately hire a lawyer. In instances of fatal accidents, the family members may be too grief-stricken to take action immediately. However, individuals in these situations can take advantage of the fact that they have two years to file their lawsuits.
Fact #5. DUI accidents are more likely to happen during early morning hours on Saturday, compared to other days.
Research shows that DUI accidents occur between 2:00 am and 2:59 am. These car accidents are also more likely to happen on Saturday.
Overall, there were nearly 1,000 deaths associated with alcohol during 2015. In fact, DUIs account for 27% of all car accidents that occur in Texas.
Ultimately, by honing your defensive driving skills, you can identify driving hazards and react accordingly. By learning to drive defensively whenever you are driving, you reduce your chances of getting into a car accident, no matter what time of day you get behind the steering wheel.
Fact #6. Distracted driving takes lives.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as activities that take a driver’s attention off their primary task of driving. Based on this definition, distracted driving includes changing the radio station, having an intense conversation, texting, looking at something on the highway, and a host of other distractions.
In 2015, 476 people were killed in Texas due to distracted drivers. Although this is a drop from 2014, distracted driving is a problem that is easily preventable.
Have you or someone you know been involved in a car accident? If you’ve been injured, totaled your car, or you’ve lost wages due to an accident, we can help you recover financially. We encourage you to contact one of our personal injury attorneys at GOM Law to review your case.