Causes of Car Accidents

According to the reports released by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were over 38,000 total traffic crashes in the Houston area in 2011. Of these, over 170 resulted in fatalities and over 4,000 resulted in serious injuries. These crashes, however, do not all have the same cause. The contributing factors to Texas car crashes are countless – ranging from defective products to human error.

At the Law Office of Sebastian J. Simon, we are prepared to step up and protect the rights of car crash victims, regardless of the cause. If you would like to learn more about our firm and how we can help, please contact us as soon as possible. Some of the most common causes of accidents that a Houston car accident attorney from our firm handles are:

Aggressive Driving
In some cases, car accidents can be caused by drivers who simply behave aggressively behind the wheel. Examples of this type of road rage can be manifested in behaviors such as weaving, speeding or tailgating. In other cases, it may result in drivers cutting others off or utilizing otherwise dangerous behavior. This endangers not only the driver themselves, but every other driver on the road.

Auto Product Liability
Some car accidents are not attributed to human error directly, but rather a defective product on this car. This could be anything from tires to brakes to even the engine itself – and can have flaws that can be traced back to the manufacturing process to the design or even the marketing. In these cases, the car accident might be the spring board of what is known as an auto product liability claim to hold liable parties responsible.

Dangerous Roads
Texas roads can be downright dangerous – especially in rural areas that do not see a lot of upkeep. When roads are not maintained, it can cause potholes, lack of guardrails or uneven pavement. All of this can be not only dangerous, but can be the direct cause of some of the most debilitating accidents. In these cases, our firm can help determine who is at fault and step up to help you file a claim.

Distracted Driving
One of the most dangerous forms of behavior on the road today involves drivers who are not paying attention behind the wheel. Casually known as distracted driving, this type of behavior involves a driver who doesn't have their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel or mind focused – sometimes all three. One of the most prominent forms of distraction involves driving while texting.

Driving Under the Influence
Another well-known hazard and cause of car accidents is drinking and driving. Alcohol can seriously impair the ability of drivers to control their vehicles – leading to lessened reaction time, impaired judgment and difficulty handling changing circumstances. According to TxDOT, over 1,000 people were killed in 2011 traffic crashes that involved a driver who was under the influence of alcohol.

Improper Vehicle Maintenance
In some cases, a vehicle may be improperly maintained and cared for, which can result in severe car accidents. For example, cars that don't have regular maintenance could have bad brakes. If the driver is unaware, they could be operating the vehicle as if nothing was wrong – leading to devastating accidents should the brakes give out.

Speeding
According to TxDOT, over 47 passengers were killed in speeding vehicles in 2011. Houston County had over 2 fatal speed-related crashes and over 22 serious injury crashes – over 56 in all. If you have been involved in an accident where the driver was speeding over the legal limit, you should not hesitate to get the involvement of experienced personal injury lawyers who will be able to fight for you.

Tired Driver
When a driver gets behind the wheel exhausted, they are putting not only themselves in danger, but everyone around them as well. It's unfortunately all too common for a driver to get behind the wheel when tired – especially commercial drivers on a strict schedule. This is not only uncomfortable for the driver, it can be deadly, leading to daydreaming and even falling asleep behind the wheel.

Representation for Victims: Car Accident Lawyer in Houston

If you have been involved in a car accident, regardless of the cause, a lawyer from our firm might be able to help. With a broad understanding of personal injury law, we are well-aware of the ramifications of a car accident claim and have what it takes to help. To schedule your initial case consultation with a member of our firm, please do not hesitate to contact a Houston car accident lawyer at 888-347-2807.