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They say, “Everything is bigger in Texas.” Unfortunately, that saying also applies to the number of serious traffic accidents that happen here. To combat this tragic fact, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) created a social media awareness campaign, #EndTheStreakTX. This campaign focuses public attention on preventing the most common causes of car accidents. Despite efforts like these, the Lone Star State is still a dangerous place for motorists. According to TxDOT, the state sees a traffic fatality every two hours, an injury every two minutes, and a reportable crash every 57 seconds.
If you were hurt in a car accident someone else caused, they could owe you financial compensation for the harm you suffered. Let an experienced Car Accident with the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC help you demand it. We have more than 30 years of combined legal experience to put at your disposal. And we won’t charge you a fee unless we put money back in your pocket. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an El Paso car accident lawyer.
Dangerous weather and road conditions are leading causes of car accidents. Drivers should be aware of the potential hazards presented by bad weather, damaged pavement, and inherently dangerous roadways.
Weather conditions like rain, fog, sleet, and ice make driving more hazardous. Fog reduces visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or road signs. Wet and slippery roads reduce traction, making it harder for cars to stop safely. Even the difference between a clear or cloudy day contributes to car crashes. In a recent year, TxDOT reported nearly 45,000 accidents involving fog, rain, blowing snow or sand, severe crosswinds, and sleet.
Maintaining and improving roadways is challenging in Texas, which has over 300,000 miles of public roads. Roadway hazards are a significant contributor to car accidents in Texas. Poorly maintained roads, unsecured construction materials, and lack of proper signage can contribute to crashes. Collisions also happen when unexpected roadway hazards, such as fallen tree limbs and animals, are in the road.
Intersections, traffic circles, and other areas where drivers must yield the right of way are common sites for car wrecks in Texas. Some motorists do not understand the rules of the road, resulting in thousands of collisions annually. In one recent year, TxDOT reported that there were about:
High-speed driving is a common factor in highway accidents in Texas. Speeding drivers have less time to react and avoid a collision. They also fail to account for increased braking distance. And when vehicles travel at higher speeds, the severity of the impact is worse. In a single recent year, TxDOT reported around:
Many car wrecks are caused by driver errors in four key areas: distraction, speed and recklessness, road rage, and impairment. As a result of this dangerous behavior, there has not been a deathless day on Texas roads in over 20 years.
Vehicle defects and malfunctions are another common cause of car accidents, especially when they affect a vehicle’s braking system. If a vehicle’s brakes fail, it can be almost impossible to stop the car in time to avoid a collision. Brake failures can lead to severe crashes, especially when high speeds are involved. Tire blowouts are another common cause of loss-of-control accidents. Other vehicle defects and malfunctions, such as steering, engine, or transmission failures, can also lead to collisions. In a given year, the TxDOT reported roughly:
Texas has strict driving laws and dedicated police officers to enforce them. Yet driver error and dangerous human behavior remain consistent factors that cause car accidents. In particular, speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and failure to yield the right-of-way play a significant role in crashes throughout the state. According to the TxDOT, traffic accidents resulted in over 240,000 injuries and nearly 4,500 fatalities in a recent year.
If someone’s unsafe driving behavior injured you, they could owe you compensation for your medical bills and other expenses. However, navigating a personal injury claim while recovering from injuries is exhausting. And trusting the at-fault driver or insurance company to do the right thing could leave you with far less than you deserve. Instead, put your case in the hands of an experienced El Paso car accident lawyer with a track record of success.
At the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, we have been helping injured Texans recover the money they need since 1997. Our community-focused law firm gets results for clients because we know how to negotiate with insurance companies and aren’t afraid to take them to court when necessary. From collecting evidence to maximizing potential compensation, the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC is ready to fight for you.
Contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC for a free consultation today.
Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...
We are experienced El Paso personal injury lawyers. Give us a call and you’ll be taken care of! (915) 333-3333
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