A new study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that Texas is going the wrong way when it comes to road safety. In fact, the Lone Star State currently leads the nation in wrong-way crashes. From 2015 to 2018, wrong-way crashes in Texas occurred at an alarming rate, killing 309 people over the course of those years.
Wrong-way crashes are particularly devastating because vehicles often collide at high rates of speed. Across the country, wrong-way accidents account for more than 500 deaths every single year, and these numbers are increasing. Fatalities from wrong-way accidents are up 34 percent from recent years across the United States. In Texas, fatalities from wrong-way crashes are up 29 percent — not exactly a trend many Texans want to see.
Common Risk Factors of Wrong-Way Crashes in Texas
When motorists drive the wrong way in Texas, there is little to protect them from other cars heading in their direction. Head-on collisions are some of the most horrific accidents on the road, generally resulting in catastrophic injuries or death. When these accidents do occur, safety experts want to understand why they happen.
A few of the most common risk factors of wrong-way crashes include:
- Drunk driving
- Older drivers (70 years of age or older)
- Motorists with revoked, suspended or expired licenses
- Inexperienced drivers
Unfortunately, insurance companies know that these accidents result in extraordinary damages. That is why they often offer accident victims a quick settlement — even while they’re still in the hospital. They hope accident victims will sign it, so they can put the entire claim behind them. Yet, this initial settlement is often just a fraction of what they need and deserve after a serious wrong-way accident in Texas.
Don’t let insurance companies low-ball you after an accident. When you suffer an injury in a wrong-way crash in Texas, you need an experienced law firm on your side from the start. Your time is better spent on your health and your recovery. You need a personal injury lawyer who can swiftly investigate the crash scene, preserve all evidence and begin negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
Contact Our Houston Personal Injury Lawyer After a Serious Accident
If you suffered an injury in a wrong-way crash in Texas, we can help. Contact our Houston car accident attorney to discuss your legal options. The Law Office of Daniel D. Horowitz, III PC represents clients in Houston and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (832) 460-5181 or fill out our online case evaluation form to schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you after a serious accident.