A car accident can completely derail a person’s life. Even seemingly minor car accidents can leave victims with injuries lasting months or years, and catastrophic accidents can affect the rest of a person’s life. Our Texas car accident lawyers at Pastrana & García Injury Law believe in fighting for your rights through a personal injury claim or wrongful death case.
We’re experienced in dealing with the various injuries, liabilities, and types of car accidents that happen on Texas roads. Our firm has been working on personal injury cases for over 30 years, and we can help you secure the compensation you deserve for your accident.
Type of Car Accidents
Different situations can lead to different types of accidents, and these different types of accidents all have common injuries associated with them. Some of the types of accidents we most frequently see include:
Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous types of collisions because of their forceful impact. The directness of the impact leads to devastating injuries. The higher the speeds, the greater the chance of serious injury or fatality. Some experts recommend avoiding head-on collisions by adjusting the trajectory of your vehicle, if possible; a side-swipe or side collision usually has less damage.
T-Bone, or Side Collisions
T-bone collisions, where one car hits another car squarely on the side, are usually not as deadly as head-on collisions–although they still carry a high risk. These collisions are often seen at intersections or when one driver runs a red light.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions, where a car behind slams into the car in front, has the possibility to cause a chain reaction of cars slamming into each other, causing more injuries and damages. Rear-end collisions are often seen in urban areas, where there is a lot of stopping and starting. Even slight rear-end collisions can lead to whiplash.
Rollovers
Rollovers are where a car physically rolls over its hood or to the side. These are extremely dangerous accidents, and certain types of cars are more susceptible to them than others. Rollovers have a high rate of serious injuries and fatalities.
Side-Swipe Accidents
Side-swipe accidents are where two cars graze and/or impact each other on their sides. While this isn’t usually as serious as some other types of accidents, it can still lead to injuries that may take months or years to heal.
Single-Vehicle Crashes
Single-vehicle crashes involve just one car. They may occur when someone is run off the road or from the fault of the driver through distracted driving, alcohol impairment, or other causes.
Multiple-Vehicle Crashes
Multiple-vehicle crashes involve two or more cars. When more than two cars are involved in an accident, insurance demands from competing insurance companies can get confusing.
Car Accidents Involving Other Vehicles
Car accidents don’t only happen between cars — accidents with commercial trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, or buses may greatly complicate a car accident.
Texas Car Accident Statistics
In 2021, there were 42,939 fatalities from car accidents — 10% of those were crashes that occurred in Texas. While thousands are killed, millions more are injured. In 2022, a combination of serious and minor injuries reached nearly 110,000 people. That number is for Texas residents alone.
With Texas counting for 1/10 of the nation’s fatalities when it comes to car accidents, it’s especially important to be safe on the road. Some more serious statistics regarding driving patterns in Texas take into account the various causes in 2022:
- Nearly 3,500 accidents were caused by cell phone usage
- Over 1,600 accidents were caused by road rage
- Over 18,000 accidents were caused by drug or alcohol usage
These accidents are not only tragic; they’re preventable. Everyone has the responsibility to make the roads as safe as possible. When other drivers are negligent or careless, accidents happen.
Efforts to make the Texas roads a safer place to travel are being made. Currently, through efforts of the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), campaigns are sweeping the state. TxDOT’s “Be safe. Drive Smart” campaign focuses on driving safer in work areas, and the #EndTheStreakTX campaign focuses on the fact that over 20 years have gone by where there hasn’t been a single death-free day on the roads.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents stem from many sources, from poor choices to negligent behavior. The cause of a car accident helps to determine which driver is responsible, or more responsible, for the accident. Some of the main reasons for car accidents include:
- Drunk drivers or drivers who operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs
- Drowsy or fatigued drivers who fall asleep at the wheel
- Distracted drivers, who may have diverted their attention from the road
- Poor weather conditions
- Road rage, where a driver channels their anger at another driver
- Passing another car in a dangerous or reckless manner
- Speeding
- Failing to signal when turning
- Failing to signal when passing another car
- Running a red light or rolling through a stop sign
- “Racing” through a yellow light
- Failing to give right of way
- Turning on red at a “no turn on red” intersection
- Careless driving around pedestrians or bikers
Many accidents can be prevented with a little more caution. Your focus on driving can save lives — your own or another driver’s.
A Note About Distracted Driving
We live in a busy world, and our attention is pulled in multiple directions, but that’s incredibly dangerous when on the road. You might not even think you are driving while distracted until something happens. Distracted driving might look like:
- Talking on a cell phone
- Texting
- Changing the radio station
- Talking to a passenger
- Trying to reach something
- Dealing with small children
- Eating or drinking while driving
Distracted driving is dangerous, and it also poses the risk of decreasing your injury compensation, as distracted driving is seen as being partially at fault for the accident. Make wise choices when on the road. Below is a list of ways you can protect yourself and others on the road.
Before you get into a vehicle, make sure:
- You are not impaired to drive
- You are not sleepy or fatigued
- You have set aside all distractions and are ready for your trip
- You know your route
- You are in a neutral state and not feeling rushed–anger or frustration can lead to road rage
- You are aware of the weather conditions
Following these tips can go a long way to protecting you and others and avoiding the causes of accidents listed above.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Texas
When a car accident significantly upends your life, it’s important to remember that you can turn to experienced professionals who have handled this situation before. Pastrana & García’s priority is you, and we want you to protect yourself, physically and financially, as best as possible. After a car accident, make sure you do the following:
- Get seen by a doctor as soon as possible. Keep medical records from all exams and treatments; they are essential to a personal injury claim.
- File a police report. If you can’t file it at the scene, make sure you get a copy later.
- Collect evidence or witness statements. Reach out to people if you couldn’t gather this at the scene.
- Record everything you remember from the accident. Keep a dated journal of your recovery journey.
- Contact Pastrana & García Injury Law. Our experienced team will help you handle insurance claims and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
By following these steps, you’ll be in a better position when filing your personal injury claim.
Evidence and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Even if you were not at fault, you must prove the other driver’s negligence to assert your claim. Useful evidence includes:
- Doctor’s notes and billing
- Witness statements
- Your personal account
- Photos of injuries
- Bystander photos/videos
- Dash-cam footage
- Traffic camera footage
- The official police report
We advise clients to stay off social media and avoid discussing the accident publicly to prevent insurers from using it against you.
What Damages Can I Collect if I’m Involved in a Car Accident in Texas?
We help you seek both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future wage loss
- Quality of life reduction
- Pain and suffering
Each case is unique. Contact our lawyers for a personalized evaluation.
Understanding the Texas Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re less than 51% responsible, you can still seek compensation.
Partial fault examples include:
- Speeding
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Failing to signal
- Drowsy driving
Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Let our team help you navigate the complexities and maximize your claim.
Texas Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for car accident claims. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to compensation.
Gathering evidence and contacting witnesses takes time. A legal team can streamline the process and ensure everything is filed before the deadline.
When To Hire an Attorney for a Car Accident
Hire an attorney as soon as possible. The earlier we start, the more evidence we can gather. Our team will:
- Find and interview witnesses
- Work with police departments
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
Even if your deadline is near, contact us today for expert advice and a free consultation.
Changing Times: Texas Laws You Need to Know to Stay Safe on the Road
Stay updated on changing laws. Starting in 2025, many Texas drivers won’t need annual safety inspections. This may reduce hassle, but it could also increase road hazards. Stay informed and stay safe.
Contact Pastrana & García Injury Law Today
Your injuries deserve strong legal representation. Our team works with empathy and dedication to fight for your compensation. Call us at 512-474-4487 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
