Top 10 Causes of Car Accidents

Many car accidents can be avoided by following traffic laws and focusing on using good judgment. Unfortunately, there are circumstances that can lead to unpreventable car accidents which sometimes come with major consequences. Understanding the most common causes for car accidents can help individuals avoid some of the common issues that lead to car accidents, in order to protect themselves and drivers around them from becoming injured. While some of the leading causes for car accidents are obvious, some may be less obvious to drivers on the road. 

Read this blog to learn about the top 10 causes for car accidents to protect yourself with knowledge when you are out on the road:

#1.) Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is the number one cause for car accidents in the U.S. each year. While awareness about this issue is widespread, the trend of distracted drivers continues to grow, leading to more accidents every year. Some of the most common forms of distracted driving include texting while driving, using a phone or other device while driving, listening to loud disorienting music while driving, talking to passengers while driving, eating while driving, smoking cigarettes while driving, trying to take photos while driving, and more. Thousands of car accidents happen every single day, eliminating the risk factors for being involved in an accident can help you to avoid inconvenience and injury. When you get behind the wheel of your vehicle, put your phone somewhere out of reach, listen to music at a reasonable volume, avoid distractions, and focus on the road! You will want to keep all of your senses focused on the road in order to prevent an accident. 

#2.) Speeding: Many people overlook the dangers of speeding, believing everyone does it and it is just a normal part of operating a vehicle. However, this kind of thinking can make you lose sight of the dangers that come with speeding. You will want to follow all posted speed limit signs in order to keep yourself and those around you safe. There are set speed limits for a reason, designed by professionals who understand the hazards of driving. Speed limits are out in place to give you adequate time to break for obstacles and other vehicles. If you are doing 60 in a 45, you may not be capable of stopping for a red light in time, or you may brake too late when a group of children run out in front of your vehicle. Follow the speed limit no matter how slow you think it is to avoid car accidents and speeding tickets. If you are going excessively fast your speeding may even be considered a felony. 

#3.) These days more than ever before, there is no excuse for drunk driving. There are affordable options such as Ubers, Lyfts, public transportation, and more, to help drivers safely get from point a to point b without operating a vehicle under the influence. It was not long ago that drunk-driving was the number one cause of car accidents, but with smartphones leading to distracted driving and successful drunk driving prevention education, drunk driving no longer holds the number one position. However, drunk driving is still considered extremely dangerous, leading to these listed statistics below:

Drunk Driving Accident Statistics Nationwide

During 2017, one person died every 48 minutes in the United States in a drunk driving accident. In 2016, the average was one person every 50 minutes.

The number of alcohol-related fatalities increased from 2016 to 2017. According to the statistics provided by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving fatalities totaled 10,874 in 2017, including 220 children under the age of fifteen. During 2016, 10,497 people lost their lives in accidents involving drunk drivers. Approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities each year involve a driver who is impaired by alcohol.

These figures include accidents involving drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher. Therefore, the number of DUI deaths could be much higher when you consider drivers who caused a traffic accident while operating a vehicle when they were impaired by alcohol but not over the legal limit.

July had the highest number of alcohol-impaired deaths during 2017, followed by August and September. Seventy percent of the drunk driving accidents that resulted in a fatality occurred at night. Urban drunk driving accidents were slightly higher in 2017 (55%) compared to rural drunk driving crashes.

Texas Drunk Driving Accident Statistics

During 2017, 1,468 people were killed in drunk driving accidents in Texas according to the NHTSA. The 2017 figure was just slightly higher than the previous year (1,438). California held the second-highest number at 1,120.

The figures reported by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) were slightly lower than the figures reported by the NHTSA.

According to the TxDOT, the DUI statistics for 2017 are:

• 910 Fatal DUI Crashes resulting in 1,024 DUI fatalities

• 1,594 Suspected Serious DUI Crashes resulted in 2,169 suspected serious injuries

• 3,530 Possible Injury DUI Crashes resulting in 5,841 possible DUI injuries

• 3,914 Non-Incapacitating DUI Crashes resulting in 5,666 non-incapacitating DUI injuries

The Texas counties with the highest number of DUI fatalities during 2017 were:

• Harris County (151)

• Dallas County (95)

• Bexar County (53)

• Travis County (41)

• Tarrant County (32)

The top five Texas cities for DUI deaths in 2017 were:

• Houston (72)

• Dallas (70)

• San Antonio (49)

• Austin (22)

• Fort Worth (19)

With all of this said, an unacceptable number of car accidents are caused by drunk drivers every year. Do not let your drinking become the cause of another tragedy. If you do drink while out, have a sober designated driver, or use a safe driving service such as Uber or Lyft.

#4.) Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving, speeding, swerving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and other aggressive behaviors are all considered reckless driving, and they contribute to a high number of car accidents every year. Use your best judgement when you are driving and leave your emotions out of it. Maintain a courteous attitude to others on the road and understand everyone is trying to safely get to where they are going. 

#5.) Running Red Lights: When the light is red, you stop. Seems simple enough right? Unfortunately, running red lights is one of the most common reasons for car accidents every year. If your light is red, this means that the lights directing traffic in other directions are likely green or yellow, which means other drivers are passing through. If you speed through a red light, there is a high chance that you will hit someone who’s legally allowed to go. Being distracted by something on your mind or other physical influences is not an excuse. If you are too distracted to drive, do not get behind the wheel.

If you have been injured by the fault of another person in Houston, hiring a qualified Houston car accident lawyer is essential. An experienced attorney can investigate your accident, build your case, and negotiate to obtain a fair compensation award on your behalf. Read on to learn how to hire the right Houston injury attorney for your case.

Do Not Hire An Inexperienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston

One of the most important things that you should be aware of after suffering a personal injury and seeking legal counsel is that hiring an inexperienced personal injury lawyer in Houston will likely not serve your interests well, and could even harm your case.

To be sure, an attorney who has not spent many hours investigating accidents, filing appropriate motions, drafting spoliation letters, demanding settlements, negotiating with insurance adjusters, and litigating in court may fumble over your case. Surely, while practice leads to improvement over time, you do not want your case to be one of the first for a new personal injury lawyer.

When you have been injured in a car accident, the last thing you need is the added stress of dealing with insurance companies. Instead of overwhelming yourself further, work with an attorney to get you the help you need in your case. At the Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers, our team understands how stressful and traumatic car accidents can be for those who have suffered injuries, this is why we offer no cast car accident evaluations in Houston and its surrounding communities. Our team is dedicated to helping you get the medical treatment you deserve in order to heal properly and get back to things that matter most in your life. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident due to the reckless or negligent behaviors of another driver, reach out to us today to find out how we can help you maximize your compensation.

¿No Inglés? No hay problema!

Too often Spanish-speaking individuals feel they will not be able to find justice in their car accident cases, causing them to not take action against those who have left them with financial devastation and physical trauma. At the Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers, our team refuses to let a language barrier affect your right to justice and compensation. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident and is in need of Spanish-speaking legal advice, our team is here for you. We make it simple for those who have been injured in car accidents to navigate the legal system in order to get the results they need to continue on in their lives. Schedule your no-obligation car accident consultation with Attorney Caruthers today. Our team will work with you every step of the way to ensure your needs are being met and that you are getting the treatment you deserve in your car accident case. Don’t hesitate, the sooner you call the more we can do to get you results.

Best Car Accident Attorney in Houston TX

If you have been injured, experienced loss of income, or are unable to work because of a car accident, you can benefit from the services of a Houston car accident expert in your personal injury case. Whether you missed work due to an injury or due to not having access to a vehicle, Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers can help you! Our team works hard to bring the most efficient and practical solutions to your car accident case. Beverly R. Caruthers proudly serves and defends the Greater Houston area including but not limited to Baytown, Conroe, Crosby, Humble, Huntsville, Lake Jackson, Missouri City, Pasadena, Spring, Tomball. Our legal team is bilingual and offers Spanish speaking legal counsel for all of our clients. If you need legal representation following an incident don’t hesitate to contact Beverly R. Caruthers Law Office! 

Caruthers Law Firm
Address: 4141 Southwest Fwy, Suite 400
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 526-9557
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In the aftermath of an accident that leaves you or a loved one injured, it is crucial to know where to turn for support and justice. The Caruthers Law Firm stands as a beacon of unwavering commitment to the cause of pursuing justice for injury victims. With a track record that speaks volumes about our dedication to excellence and passion for our clients, we have garnered recognition throughout the Houston area as a trusted name in the legal community. When you or a family member suffers an injury due to the negligence of another, the need for an attorney who is not just competent but also recognized for their excellence becomes paramount. The Houston personal injury attorney at The Caruthers Law Firm fits that bill precisely. We have earned accolades and trust from our clients because we don not just handle cases; we champion causes. Our cases frequently involve traumatic, life-altering events, such as the loss of a loved one, and our relentless pursuit of justice ensures our clients receive the compensation necessary to secure their financial future. Our dedicated efforts have successfully secured over $50 million in settlements for our clients, and our commitment to excellence has brought us national recognition, particularly in fields like birth injury law. Whether your life has been upended by a tragic accident or the negligence of another party, you can confide in Caruthers Law Firm to handle your case with the utmost skill, dedication, and compassion in your time of need. Every case we undertake is treated with the gravity and importance it deserves, and we strive to provide the best possible representation to our clients. At Caruthers Law Firm, our attorneys boast an impressive array of knowledge and expertise in various practice areas, including personal injury, criminal defense, wrongful death, and more. We fully acknowledge that each case is unique, and we value the individual concerns and needs of our clients. This understanding leads us to craft tailored legal strategies that address each case is distinctive challenges. When you choose Caruthers Law Firm as your legal representation, you can expect a high degree of professionalism, unwavering integrity, and an unparalleled commitment from the beginning of your case to its conclusion. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates for your rights, dedicated to securing the justice you deserve.

For over three decades, Beverly R. Caruthers has been on an unwavering mission to provide her clients with top-notch, tenacious, and compassionate legal services and representation. Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers has not only amassed extensive experience but has also consistently delivered high-quality legal assistance to those who have sought her counsel. Her journey to legal expertise began with academic distinction, having graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Tougaloo College, followed by the acquisition of her Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. With a primary focus on Personal Injury, Criminal Law, and Business Law, Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers has honed her legal acumen in these pivotal areas. Complementing her knowledge and skills, The Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers is fortified by a collaborative team of seasoned and highly qualified attorneys. Together, they work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for each and every client they serve. In the Caruthers family, the pursuit of legal excellence seems to be a cherished tradition. Briona Caruthers, following in the footsteps of her older brother and colleague, hails from Missouri City, Texas, where she graduated from Elkins High School in 2015. Venturing outside her hometown, she spent four years at Hofstra University in New York, where she diligently earned her Bachelor Degree in Legal Studies in Business in 2019. After her academic journey in New York, she returned to her roots in Houston, Texas. There, she attended the same illustrious institution where her mother, Beverly R. Caruthers, and her brothers, Eddie and Parker Caruthers, had studied—the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. In 2022, Briona graduated Cum Laude from TSU, thereby continuing the family legacy. Beyond her legal pursuits, Briona finds solace in retail therapy and enjoys exploring the world through her travels when she is not in the office, fervently advocating for her clients rights. Parker Caruthers, another member of the Caruthers family, was born and raised in Missouri City, Texas, where he completed his high school education at Clements High School in 2012. His educational journey took him to Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing in 2017. Parker commitment to legal studies led him to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at TSU, from where he graduated in 2021. During his time in law school, Parker legal prowess shone through as he secured victory in the Helen Dawn Williams Mock Trial competition, all while gaining valuable experience through internships at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Opting to take a different path by not pursuing prosecution, Parker joined Caruthers Law Firm in 2021. Beyond the legal realm, Parker passions extend to sports fandom and his role as a proud dog owner. At the Caruthers Law Firm, we take a refreshingly transparent and candid approach when assessing our potential clients circumstances. We believe in clear, honest, and direct communication, leaving aside the legal jargon to speak in terms that our clients can readily understand. Each client is treated as a unique individual, receiving personalized and attentive care throughout their legal journey with us.

We are immensely grateful to each and every individual who wholeheartedly contributed to the success of "The Christmas Toy Drive and Giveaway" and "The Back to School Giveaway" right here in the vibrant city of Houston. Your support has made a profound difference in the lives of countless local children, and it is a testament to the incredible community spirit that defines our city. At The Caruthers Law Firm, we take great pride in being active sponsors of these important initiatives, which focus on providing crucial resources to Houstons youth. Some of the recipients come from families struggling with limited income, making it challenging for them to provide the necessary school supplies for their children. For others, the prospect of a joyous Christmas was a distant dream due to a lack of toys. In these circumstances, we aimed to make a meaningful and positive impact on these children and their families. It is through the unwavering support and dedication of our local community that we were able to realize this vision. We encourage you to consider joining us in this noble cause and be a part of the change in the lives of Houston families. Your involvement can take various forms, whether through donating items, contributing funds, or taking the initiative to organize a collection drive within your organization, church, club, or local community. Your support will undoubtedly go a long way in touching the lives of those in need, ensuring that every child in our city can look forward to a brighter future. By working together, we not only provide essential items but also instill a sense of hope, compassion, and generosity within our beloved Houston community. Together, we can create a stronger, more caring, and inclusive community, one that continues to uplift and empower those who need it most. Thank you for being a part of this vital mission.