Houston sees its fair share of car accidents, from minor fender benders to major multi-car crashes. While accidents can’t always be avoided, knowing the top causes can help you take precautions and reduce your risk on the road.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, Hernandez Sunosky, LLP is here to protect your rights. Our Houston car accident attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Main Causes of Car Accidents in Houston
Car accidents happen for many reasons, from driver errors to hazardous road conditions. Understanding these causes can help reduce your risk on the road.
- Speeding
- Running red lights
- Failing to yield
- Ignoring stop signs
- Drunk or drugged driving (responsible for over 25% of fatal crashes in Houston)
- Road rage and aggressive driving
- Tailgating and frequent lane-cutting
- Using a cell phone or GPS while driving
- Driver fatigue from long work hours or overnight trucking
- Lack of reaction time due to exhaustion
- Heavy rain leading to hydroplaning
- Potholes and uneven road surfaces
- Poor visibility during storms
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, Hernandez Sunosky, LLP is ready to help. Our Houston car accident attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Are Some Ways to Avoid an Accident?
Taking simple precautions can reduce your risk of getting into an accident. Follow these steps to stay safe on the road:
- Turn on headlights and reduce speed when driving in rain
- Obey all traffic laws, signals, and signs
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Stay focused—avoid using your phone or infotainment system while driving
- Pull over for important calls, even with a hands-free system
- Maintain a safe stopping distance and avoid tailgating
- Always use your turn signals when changing lanes or turning
- Take advantage of active driver assistance features in newer vehicles
- Keep your car properly maintained to ensure safe operation
- Adjust your driving for road and weather conditions
What Should You Do If You Are Involved in a Car Accident?
Even if you have taken every precaution, you still may be involved in a car accident due to the other driver’s recklessness or negligence. When this happens, seek immediate medical attention, and also remember to get the information about the other driver, as well as their contact information, driver’s license and insurance card.
Texas is a fault-based state. This means that the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable to pay for damages. So, if you are involved in an accident, you should contact your insurance company and consider hiring an experienced traffic accident attorney to represent you. This attorney can help you file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim with your own insurance company, depending on the insurance situation with the other driver. You can also file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. This is especially important if your insurance company does not cover enough of your damages.
Contact Our Houston Car Accident Attorneys
Getting involved in a car accident can be a very traumatic experience. This is especially true if you or your passengers have sustained a personal injury. Even drivers who take all necessary precautions can be involved in collisions. The experienced car accident attorneys at Hernandez Sunosky, LLP will guide you through the process so you can get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.