According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 15,299 serious injury crashes in 2022. These crashes caused 18,880 serious injuries and 4,481 fatalities.
How Many Car Accidents Per Day In Texas: The Daily Average
To calculate the daily average number of car accidents in Texas, divide the total number of crashes by the number of days in a year:
Daily Average = Total Number of Crashes / Number of Days
Using the data from 2019 mentioned earlier, we can calculate:
Daily Average = 249,241 / 365 ≈ 682
Therefore, on average, there were approximately 682 car accidents per day in Texas during that year.
Rural vs. Urban Car Accidents
Rural areas accounted for a larger proportion of fatal crashes compared to urban areas in Texas. Out of all fatal crashes recorded statewide during 2019, around half occurred on rural roads. This statistic underscores the need for increased awareness and measures specifically targeting rural road safety.
Types of Vehicles in Crashes
Passenger cars were involved in approximately two-thirds of all traffic crashes. Other types of vehicles involved in most vehicle crashes include light trucks (pickup trucks and SUVs) and motorcycles.
| Type | Percentage Involved |
| Passenger Cars | 68% |
| Light Trucks | 22% |
| Motorcycles | 9% |
| Other | 1% |
How Many Car Accidents Per Day In Texas: Injuries
In addition to fatalities, car accidents result in numerous injuries every year. During 2019, over 242,000 people were injured in crashes reported statewide. That translates to about 663 injuries per day. These injuries range from minor cuts to severe and life-altering conditions.
Factors Causing Most Car Accidents in Texas
Several factors contribute to these high numbers, and are responsible for most of the cases that Houston car accident lawyers file in court:
Infrastructure
Texas has an extensive road network that spans across long distances. Poor design or maintenance can lead to hazardous conditions for drivers.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is becoming increasingly prevalent due to technological advancements like smartphones and GPS devices. Texting while driving or using electronic devices diverts attention from the road and increases accident risks.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence impairs a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, making alcohol-related accidents a significant problem on Texas roads.
Speeding
How many car accidents per day in Texas can be attributed to speeding? Well, a significant number. High speeds increase the likelihood of losing control and reduce the time available to react to hazards.
How Many Car Accidents Per Day In Texas Statistics: By Region
According to TxDOT data from 2019, the following are the regional statistics:
| Region | Crashes | Serious Injuries | Fatalities | Crashes per Day |
| Houston | 69,135 | 4,701 | 225 | 189 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | 42,208 | 2,070 | 542 | 115 |
| San Antonio | 21,547 | 1,790 | 209 | 59 |
These figures provide insights into how each region contributes to the overall number of car accidents in Texas.
Car Accident Injuries and Fatalities
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying from minor bruises to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. In Texas, approximately 3,600 people die each year due to car accidents.
According to how many car accidents per day in Texas and related statistics, the most common injuries caused by these accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
Legal Considerations After a Car Accident
A car crash attorney would recommend that you take the following steps after an accident:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you believe your injuries are minor or not immediately evident after an accident, seeking medical attention is critical. Some symptoms may appear later on or worsen over time.
- Report the Accident: Contact law enforcement authorities as soon as possible after the accident occurs so they can create an official police report documenting the incident.
- Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence at the scene as possible such as photographs of property damage or visible injuries sustained.
- Exchange Information: Share contact information with all parties involved including names, phone numbers, addresses along with insurance information.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident promptly.
- Document Damages: Keep track of all expenses related to medical treatments received due to your injury along with any other costs incurred because of the accident.
- Consult with an Attorney: It is highly advisable to consult with a car accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
Comparative Negligence Laws in Texas
Texas follows what is known as modified comparative negligence laws when determining fault and awarding damages in personal injury lawsuits following a car accident. Under these laws:
- If multiple parties are found responsible for causing an accident, each party’s percentage of fault will determine their liability.
- The total amount awarded as damages will be reduced by each party’s respective percentage of fault.
- However, if it is determined that an injured party was more than 50% responsible for causing their injuries (known as “51% Bar Rule”), they will not recover any damages.
These comparative negligence laws highlight how important it becomes not only to establish liability but also demonstrate how much blame each party holds. An experienced car accident attorney can help gather evidence, evaluate fault percentages, and fight for maximum compensation under these negligence laws.
The Importance of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney in Texas
After a car accident in Texas, hiring an experienced Houston auto accident attorney is crucial for several reasons:
- Legal Expertise: A car accident attorney specializes in personal injury litigation and has extensive knowledge about the legal intricacies involved.
- Investigation: Attorneys conduct thorough investigations to determine liability by analyzing police reports, witness statements, gathering evidence and consulting with experts if necessary.
- Negotiation Skills: Attorneys have experience negotiating with insurance companies to ensure fair settlement offers are received.
- Court Representation: If the case goes to court, an attorney will skillfully represent you before a judge or jury.
Given how many car accidents per day in Texas are caused by negligence or recklessness, filing lawsuits is essential to ensure justice and rightful compensation. By enlisting the expertise of a reputable car accident attorney, victims can focus on their recovery while having peace of mind knowing that their legal rights are being protected.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits After Fatal Car Accidents
When someone dies due to another person’s negligence behind the wheel in a fatal car accident in Texas, surviving family members may pursue justice through wrongful death lawsuits.
A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for damages caused by the untimely loss including funeral expenses; medical bills prior to death; loss of financial support from the deceased; emotional suffering endured by surviving family members; loss of companionship or consortium.
The amount awarded as damages varies based on factors such as economic losses incurred by dependents (such as children or spouse) along with non-economic factors like pain and suffering.
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit requires strict adherence to specific legal procedures within established time limits known as statutes of limitations which emphasizes how crucial it is to consult an experienced wrongful death attorney promptly after losing a loved one in a car accident.
How to Choose the Right Car Accident Attorney
Selecting the right car accident attorney after being involved in a car accident can significantly impact your legal outcomes. Here are some key factors to consider when making this important decision:
- Experience: Look for an attorney with significant experience handling personal injury cases, particularly those related to car accidents.
- Reputation: Research online reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge an attorney’s reputation and success rate.
- Communication Skills: Opt for an attorney who communicates clearly, promptly, and keeps you informed about developments in your case.
- Resources: Assess whether the law firm has sufficient resources (e.g., staff, technology) to handle all aspects of your case effectively.
- Personality Match: Find an attorney whose personality aligns with yours; someone you feel comfortable sharing details of your accident.
By considering these factors and consulting with potential attorneys through initial consultations, individuals can make informed decisions while choosing the ideal representation for their specific needs.
Steps to Take After Being Involved in a Car Accident
Immediately following a car accident, it’s normal to feel confused or overwhelmed. However, taking certain steps can help protect your rights and maximize the chances of a successful claim:
- Ensure Safety: Move out of traffic if possible to avoid further accidents.
- Call Emergency Services: Contact the police or medical personnel depending on the severity of injuries involved.
- Collect Information: Exchange contact information with all parties involved along with insurance details.
- Document Details: Take photographs of property damage, injuries sustained, road conditions, and any other relevant factors at the scene.
- Identify Witnesses: Gather names and contact information from any witnesses who observed the accident as their testimony can strengthen your case later on.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider: Report the incident promptly to your insurance company while providing truthful information about what occurred.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t believe you have serious injuries, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Some symptoms may arise later.
After taking these initial steps, it is advisable to consult an experienced car accident attorney who can guide you through legal processes so as to ensure fair compensation for damages.
Final Thoughts
When considering how many car accidents per day in Texas and other statistics about the roads, it is clear that car accidents continue to pose significant risks on the roads each day. They impact individuals physically, financially, and emotionally due to resulting injuries and unexpected property damage that ensues post such incidents.
If involved in a motor vehicle collision it is a great idea to consult an experienced lawyer in order to improve the chances of recovering compensation for accident-related losses. Lawyers provide reliable insight worth consideration when deciding how best to proceed during instances that warrant legal action by those wronged in any form involving car accidents.
