Houston Car Accident Statistics 2024

If you drive in the Houston area, it is important to not only know the biggest risks you face on the road but also what to do if another driver causes an accident with you. Every year, Houston ranks among the top cities in the state when it comes to the number of car accidents and serious injuries resulting from these accidents each year. Knowing the most common causes of accidents in the area can help you avoid the greatest risk factors you face on the road in Houston.

If you experience a car crash, you will need legal counsel you can trust to recover your losses. A Houston car accident attorney is invaluable in this situation, as your recovery is likely to require both an auto insurance claim as well as a personal injury claim against the responsible driver. Your legal team can guide you through your recovery efforts and increase the total compensation you secure for the damages.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Houston

Accidents happen for many reasons, but various government agencies and other organizations collect accident data each year that highlights the most common causes of car crashes in Houston:

• Distracted driving is the most commonly cited cause of all vehicle accidents throughout the United States. Whenever a driver is not paying full attention to operating their vehicle, they put themselves and others at severe risk.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. DUI is illegal, and each state enforces different penalties for DUI convictions. When a driver causes an accident resulting in bodily injury or death from DUI, they are not only liable for the victim’s damages but also face greater penalties in prosecution.
• Speeding is one of the top contributing factors to accidents in Houston and is a leading cause of fatal accidents. The damages resulting from any accident increase with the speed of the vehicles involved.
• Aggressive driving can easily result in devastating collisions. When drivers engage in hostile and threatening maneuvers against other drivers, they can face criminal charges if they cause an accident. Drivers should do what they can to disengage and distance themselves from any aggressive drivers they encounter on Houston roads.
• Moving violations such as running red lights, performing illegal turns, or failure to yield the right-of-way can easily cause serious accidents, especially in congested intersections and on highways.

During 2022, more than 75,000 auto accidents occurred in Houston, and there were roughly four fatal injuries from vehicle accidents every week of the year. Although the fatal accident rate in the state declined slightly from 2021 to 2022, it is vital for all drivers to acknowledge that the Houston area can be dangerous for motorists in several ways. If you experience an accident in Houston due to another driver’s negligence or intentional misconduct behind the wheel, it is important to remember the value of legal counsel you can trust when it comes to recovering from your damages.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Most Common Causes of Vehicle Crashes?

A: According to the most recent accident data for Houston and throughout the state, the most common causes of vehicle accidents include distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and aggressive driving. Whether negligence or intentional misconduct caused your recent accident, the responsible driver is fully liable for all damages they inflicted on you and the other occupants of your vehicle.

Q: What City in Texas Has the Most Vehicle Accidents Each Year?

A: Unfortunately, Houston consistently ranks as the most dangerous city in the state for drivers, with the highest number of vehicle accidents, accident-related injuries, and fatal vehicle accidents of any city in the state each year. Drivers cannot always predict how other motorists will behave around them, but they can reduce their risk of causing accidents by driving defensively and attentively at all times.

Q: Can I File an Insurance Claim After a Car Crash in Houston?

A: Texas law requires all drivers to have liability insurance that covers bodily injuries and property damage. When an accident happens, and one driver is responsible for another driver’s damages, the injured driver has the right to file an auto insurance claim naming the responsible driver and seeking recompense for their damages. If the injured driver’s damages exceed available insurance coverage, they can file a personal injury suit to recover the rest of their losses from the responsible driver. If the responsible driver does not have insurance, the injured driver can proceed directly to filing a personal injury claim against them.

Q: What if a Car Crash Causes a Fatal Injury?

A: If you recently lost someone you love in a car accident in Houston, you have the right to file a wrongful death claim against them and seek recompense for your family’s loss. A wrongful death suit is procedurally very much like a personal injury claim, and proving liability will be essential to success with the case. However, while a personal injury claim aims to compensate the victim, a wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the surviving family’s damages.

Q: What Should I Do After a Car Crash in Houston?

A: State law requires drivers to call 911 and report any accident that results in significant property damage, injury, or death. Once you report the accident, wait for the police to arrive. Answer their questions honestly but do not admit fault, and once they allow you to leave, you should seek medical treatment even if you think you only suffered minor injuries. After you take these initial steps, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney to help prove liability for the accident and secure compensation for the losses you suffered.

Ultimately, Houston is a statistically dangerous place for drivers. While it is impossible to entirely prevent accidents at all times, it is possible to reduce your own risk of causing an accident and facing liability for others’ damages. When you need legal counsel to help you recover from an accident someone else caused, the team at Stevenson & Murray can help hold an at-fault driver accountable for the losses they inflicted. Contact us now and set up a free consult with us to learn all about the services we offer.