CALL (800) 863-5312 to speak with Houston traffic Accident Lawyers for Free
Traffic accidents happen in a split-second, but the consequences can be life changing and, in some cases, even life threatening. Worse, a car accident can leave victims with significant financial burdens that may include medical bills, car repairs, time taken off work, and pain and suffering.
The Zinda Law Group Houston personal injury attorneys near you have experience representing car accident victims, helping them seek the compensation they may deserve. Call us today at (800)-863-5312 for a free attorney consultation with skilled Houston traffic accident lawyers.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationTexas traffic accident statistics
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the following statistics reflect traffic accidents that occurred in 2019 on Texas roadways:
- 3,610 people were killed in car accidents
- 256,338 people were injured in traffic accidents
- 1 person was killed every 2 hours 26 minutes
- 1 person was injured every 2 minutes 3 seconds
- 1 reportable crash occurred every 56 seconds
- 600 people were killed in head-on crashes
- 660 pedestrians suffered fatalities
- Zero deathless days occurred on Texas roadways in 2019
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationCommon causes of car accidents in Texas
While a number of factors can contribute to a crash, some of the most common causes of car accidents in Texas include the following:
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationSpeeding
When drivers speed, they have less time to react. This means that a speeding car will hit crash victims with a higher impact and can cause more severe injuries. In 2019, speeding was a contributing factor in over 250 car crash fatalities.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationImpaired Driving
Impaired driving may result in weaving across lanes, quickly accelerating or decelerating, swerving, tailgating, or driving without headlights at night. In 2019, there were 886 people killed in Texas in motor vehicle traffic crashes where a driver was under the influence of alcohol, making up 25% of the total number of people killed in car accidents.
Distracted Driving
It only takes a few seconds for drivers to respond to a text on their phone, but those few seconds can be fatal for crash victims. If a driver’s eyes are on a phone, then they’re not focused on the road or the cars around them. Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of car accidents in Texas.
Failing to Yield at Intersections
In 2019, 731 people were killed in crashes occurring in intersections or related to an intersection. When drivers fail to look twice, slow down, or respect the right-of-way, intersections and turns can turn into dangerous areas that seriously injure drivers.
Common injuries
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 15,843 people were seriously injured in traffic accidents in 2019. While injuries can range from minor pain to serious and fatal injuries, some of the most common types of injuries from car accidents include:
Head Injuries
Head injuries can range in severity from minor injuries like whiplash and concussions to serious internal brain and skull damage. Depending on the severity of the accident, a brain injury may require extensive hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you believe you have a head injury.
Cuts and Bruises
The second your car hits another object, the items inside your car can go flying and become projectiles that injure you and your passengers. This could include items such as cell phones, mugs, kids’ toys, purses, books, or any loose item in your car that can cause injuries. If a windshield breaks, the glass from the windows can cause deep cuts and lacerations and require stitches or more serious medical attention.
Broken Bones
The force generated by a car collision is enough to cause serious bone breaks. Drivers behind the wheel of the car may be especially susceptible to broken ribs from the impact of the steering wheel. Broken arms and legs can also occur in serious car accidents.
what to do after a traffic accident
After leaving the scene of the accident, you may still feel shaken and overwhelmed about what to do next. The below steps outline what you should do in the days and weeks following your traffic accident.
Seek Medical Attention
If you do not receive medical care at the scene of the accident, be sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible to determine whether you need medical treatment. Even after you leave the hospital or doctor’s office, be sure to watch for any additional signs or symptoms of injuries that can occur in the days following an accident.
Document Your Damage
As soon as possible, be sure to take photos of the damage to your car and any injuries you sustained in the accident. If possible, take photos of the location of the accident and gather any witnesses’ contact information. These may be used later on to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and how the accident occurred. If a police officer responded to your accident, they will have filled out an accident report, and you should call the police department to ask for a copy.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After you’ve been in a car accident, your insurance company needs to be notified. In minor cases without any injuries, you can call your insurance company and notify them yourself. However, if any party is injured, it is best to call an experienced car accident lawyer first for a few reasons.
Although it may be tempting to settle the accident with an insurance company right away, insurance companies operate to pay as little as possible. They may not offer an amount that is insufficient to cover your expenses and does not reflect the true the value of your case.
When you talk to an insurance agent a day or two after an accident, you may not know the full extent of your injuries. Insurance agents may also record your phone call when speaking with you, hoping to find evidence that an accident was your fault. Insurance agents are trained to use leading questions, which may result in an answer that doesn’t tell the full story. These recordings can be used in court to hurt your chances of recovering money from the other party.
Document Your Expenses
A traffic accident can be expensive. It’s important that you keep track of all receipts and paperwork related to your accident to help prove the extent of your damages. This could include:
- Hospital and doctor bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Documented time taken off from work due to any injuries
- Receipts for the repair or replacement of your car
FAQs
What Compensation Can I Seek After a Traffic Accident Injury?
After an injury, you may be able to recover hospital bills, medical expenses, car repairs, time taken off work because of your injuries, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. Our Houston car accident lawyers are here to help walk you through every step of the process. This may include ensuring you receive proper medical treatment, investigating the accident, interviewing witnesses, collecting crash reports, negotiating with the insurance company, filing a lawsuit, and going to trial if necessary to help you seek the compensation you may deserve.
What If I am Partially Responsible for Causing the Accident?
Even if you believe you may be partially at fault for causing the accident, you may still be entitled to recover money. It is important to never admit fault in an accident, so even if you believe you may be partially responsible, do not admit fault to the other party, police officers, or others involved in the accident.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault law, meaning that fault can be shared between the parties. For example, if you were found to be 30% and the other driver was 70% responsible for the accident, you could still recover some money, it would just be reduced proportionately. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault in a car accident, then you will be unable to recover damages from another party. Determining fault and recovery can be complicated, but an experienced Houston traffic accident lawyer may help navigate the process for you.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
If you were injured in a traffic accident and want to file a car accident lawsuit against the other party, you need to be aware of the time limits, or statutes of limitations, that are in place. In Texas, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim for your injuries. It is best to contact a car accident attorney near you as soon as possible to help you seek the money you may deserve.
Contact a lawyer who handles traffic accident cases
At Zinda Law Group, our attorneys have helped many crash victims get the compensation they deserved after suffering an injury. We understand that an accident can be life changing and requires time to recover from your injuries. Let us take care of your legal case while you focus on healing and moving forward.
We believe an accident victim should never have to worry about being able to afford legal representation. That is why we offer 100% free consultations, and why you pay nothing unless we win your case. That’s our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
If you have been injured in a car accident in or near the Houston area, call Zinda Law Group at (800)-863-5312 to receive your free consultation with one of our experienced Houston traffic accident lawyers.
Meetings with attorneys are available by appointment only.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
