Texas Auto Accident Statistics

If you drive a car or other motor vehicle on Texas roads, you are automatically at risk of being involved in a car accident. Every year, there are hundreds of thousands of car accidents across the United States that result in serious injuries and sometimes death.

Auto Accident Deaths

In 2003, 3,675 people died in Texas car crashes. About 54 percent of all vehicle accident deaths were due to roadway departures, 18 percent were intersection related, and 13 percent involved large trucks. The remaining deaths involved nonmotorists, including pedestrians and bicyclists. Of those killed, 40 percent were passenger car occupants and 36 percent were light truck passengers.

Alcohol is a major contributing factor to car accidents in Texas, and is involved in more than four out of ten car crash deaths. Speed is also a factor, accounting for 41 percent of car crash deaths. Fortunately, Texas has a budget each year to help resolve issues such as drunk driving and seatbelt use.

Texas Auto Laws

Texas laws are strict and are designed to protect you. Drunk driving laws are especially strict, providing the state with the ability to immediately revoke an individual's driver license for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Other laws include fines for front seat violations, safety restraint seat required for children under 4 years old or under 36-inches tall, and helmet use required for all persons under 18 operating a vehicle with wheels, i.e. bicycle, scooter, skateboard, skates, etc.

There are also laws the protect victims of negligent driving. When an accident occurs due to negligence, an injured person may file suit against the negligent party to recover all their damages. Damages usually include medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, loss of income, and punitive damages.

Examples of negligence include driving too fast, failing to pay attention, failure to yield the right of way, vehicle defect, intentional and reckless acts, failure to maintain or turn on headlights, etc. If you are suffering, you are not alone. Don't delay in seeking help.

Consult a Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in a car accident, you should contact an experienced attorney to find out whether you are eligible for compensation.