Generally, all types of auto crashes can have catastrophic consequences. However, some have the potential to be more deadly than others. Let’s discuss the deadliest types of car accidents in Texas.
Auto collisions, whether minor or severe, can be deadly, especially if the vehicles are traveling at high speed. While no two crashes are the same, some give rise to a greater risk of catastrophic injuries and death.
Unfortunately, many Texas residents’ lives are cut short every year due to traffic crashes. Understanding the deadliest types of car accidents can make you aware of your driving habits and save your life.
Several factors contribute to the severity of a particular fatal accident. This can include the model of the vehicles involved, failure to use seat belts, and speeding. Generally, the higher the speed of the vehicles involved, the more severe the accident fatalities and property damage suffered.
Accident victims are entitled to receive financial compensation from the at-fault driver who caused the crash. The money they get compensates them for the financial loss incurred for the medical bills, property damage, cost of repairs, etc.
Hopefully, you will never be involved in a deadly auto collision. However, if you find yourself or a loved one in an accident that results in injuries, you should reach out and discuss your legal rights with a Houston accident attorney immediately.
This article discusses the top deadliest car accidents in Texas, their causes, and common injuries suffered.
What Are the Deadliest Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Texas is one of the most dangerous states in the country to drive. In 2021, the state had a death toll of 4,489 and 15,764 serious injury crashes, with 19,448 people sustaining severe wounds. These accident statistics prove that accident fatality rates are on the rise.
In no particular order, the deadliest car accidents in Texas include:
Off-Road Crash
Single-car accidents can be as deadly as a collision between two vehicles. It occurs when a car veers off the roadway and crashes into another object such as a tree, pole, concrete barrier, etc. It results in the vehicle absorbing the majority of the impact.
This crash can result in severe injuries or the victim’s death. Per the U.S Department of Transportation National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), off-road crashes account for 70% of all fatal single-vehicle crashes. Causes of this crash include driver distraction, inclement weather, drunk driving, or speeding.
Side Impact Collision
A side impact collision is also called a T-bone accident. It occurs when the front of another vehicle hits the side of yours, forming a T-shape. Unlike the front and back bumpers, the side of a car offers less protection for impacts.
As a result, the affected occupant hit at the side can sustain grave injuries or, worse, death. In addition, this kind of crash is common at intersections, parking lots, highways, etc.
Head-On Collision
This is one of the deadliest car collisions. It doesn’t matter if the vehicles involved were driving above the speed limit. Per Injury Facts, head-on collisions were the highest contributor to most of the fatalities resulting from crashes involving more than one vehicle in 2020.
When two cars hit one another head-on, the result can create a dramatic impact due to the combined speed of both vehicles. For example, if both cars are traveling at 45 mph, the impact speed would equal 90 mph. A head-on crash can result in severe injuries, a totaled vehicle, or death.
Rear-End Accident
The effect of rear-end collisions can have a lasting impact on the victims. The crash may not seem dangerous at the time of occurrence. However, it can cause severe injuries such as whiplash, chronic neck pain, back pain, etc.
Rollover Accidents
This is a single-vehicle crash often caused by the driver’s maneuvers. It occurs when a vehicle flips over when driving too fast or loses stability around tight corners. Large vehicles such as SUVs, vans, top-heavy trucks, etc., are prone to this kind of crash.
Most rollover crashes happen due to driver’s negligence. Whether distracted driving, illegal speeding, or failing to obey traffic laws, their actions can have a life-altering consequence on the injured victims. Another contributory factor to these accidents is poor road conditions and inclement weather conditions.
What Are the Common Types of Injuries in a Car Accident?
Dangerous car crashes claim the lives of many in Texas daily. According to Texas Motor Vehicle Crash Facts 2021, one person was killed every 1 hour 57 minutes. Additionally, one person was injured every 2 minutes twelve seconds, and one reportable crash occurred every 57 minutes.
Sadly, the injuries sustained are only a part of the damages incurred. Road traffic injuries can cause a considerable economic loss to the victims, their families, and the state.
These losses arise from the cost of medical treatment and the loss of productivity to those killed or disabled by their injuries. In addition, many loved ones take time off work or school to cater to their injured loved ones.
Common injuries sustained in a deadly crash include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Head injuries
- Amputation and disfigurement
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Facial injuries
- Injuries to the abdominal and pelvic areas
- Laceration and cuts
- Broken bones
- Death
What Are the Leading Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Texas?
Several risk factors contribute to fatal car accidents in Texas. They include:
Speed
Speed is a major contributory factor associated with deadly car crashes. An increase in average speed is related to the likelihood of a crash occurring and the damage’s severity. In 2020, it attributed to 29% of all traffic fatalities, killing 11,258 people. Texas law sets the speed limit at 75 miles per hour.
However, it allows Texas Transportation Commission to set a speed limit of 75 mph, 80 mph, or 85 mph if the highway accommodates such speed. Driving at a rate above the established limit is illegal speeding.
Driving While Impaired (DWI)
Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or psychoactive substances increases the risk of a deadly crash resulting in fatalities. In Texas, you are legally intoxicated when your blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08% or more. In addition, you break the law when the drug or alcohol affects your driving.
Distracted Driving
Many types of distractions can lead to impaired driving. For example, common forms of distraction include drivers texting while driving, eating, changing radio stations, etc.
Unsafe Road Infrastructure
Many times, crashes are not just the fault of negligent drivers. Road designs can also impact drivers’ safety. Government agencies are responsible for providing good road infrastructures. Roads should be well maintained and free of potholes and debris to ensure the safety of road users.
Failing to Yield Right of Way
Drivers failing to yield right of way during a left turn, stop signs, etc., can cause fatal crashes. Also, accidents can happen when traffic is not flowing due to following too closely. Therefore, drivers should distance their vehicle from the nearest car.
Drowsy Driving
Driving while fatigued or sleepy can cause an auto collision. Drowsy drivers are less observant and have a slower reaction time.
Do I Need a Houston Accident Attorney After a Fatal Car Accident?
No law mandates crash victims to hire a legal team for a car crash. However, you might want to do so. You have a right to legal representation in recovering compensation for the injuries and losses suffered.
A Houston accident attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence to support your claim, and handle negotiations with the insurance company. Insurance companies are not generous in their payouts for accident claims. Hence, they will devise means to deny your insurance claim or pay you less than you deserve.
A lawyer will represent your best interest while you focus on your health and recovery. Also, their goal is to recover maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, etc. In addition, they will help file a wrongful death claim if a death is involved.
Protect Your Rights With a Houston Accident Attorney
From the above, it is evident that car accidents are common in Texas. Vulnerable victims bear the financial and physical brunt of the accident, but they shouldn’t be. We at McDonald Worley will meticulously investigate your case to hold the responsible parties accountable.
In addition, we will develop a legal strategy tailored to your case with the goal of getting you maximum compensation for damages. Contact us today to discuss your legal options with a Houston accident attorney.