The Lone Star state has something for everyone. Whether you prefer the coast, love rolling hills, or prefer a more desert-like environment, you’ll find it in Texas.
As the second-largest state in the Union, right behind the vast expanses of Alaska, there are plenty of roads for drivers to explore. However, this expansive network of roads, highways, and freeways also means you may be at an increased risk of being involved in a vehicle accident.
In 2022 alone, the state of Texas reported 15,299 serious car accidents. To avoid becoming a statistic, there are some steps you can take to help avoid being involved in a vehicle accident.
Pay Attention to Road Conditions
The speed limit on Texas highways is usually 70 mph. However, the state allows drivers to legally hit 80 mph or even 85 mph on some roads.
Speed limits decrease within municipal boundaries. Yet otherwise, you can legally speed down the road at over 70 mph, meaning you can cover the distance between Houston and Corpus Christie in three or four hours. Getting from Houston to Austin and even San Antonio takes about the same amount of time.
However, just because the posted speed limit is 70 mph doesn’t always mean it’s a good idea to fly down the road. Texas is known for its less-than-ideal road conditions. Potholes, crumbling asphalt, and missing guardrails are only a few examples of the adverse road conditions you can encounter in the Lone Star state.
Just because the posted speed limit lets you hit the gas, doesn’t always mean it’s a good idea. Slowing down when the road gets bumpy can help you avoid being involved in a car accident.
Follow Road Laws
If you’re involved in a vehicle accident, something investigators and insurance companies look for is negligence. A requirement for filing a personal injury claim is proving the other driver is negligent, which can also apply to you.
Proving negligence means showing the other driver owes you a duty of care and they breached this duty. All drivers owe others a duty of care by following all road laws, which includes yielding the right of way, stopping at red lights, and respecting pedestrian and cyclists rights in crosswalks.
If a driver fails to follow traffic laws, causing an accident that results in your damages, you may be able to file a personal injury claim with the other driver’s insurance company. However, this also applies if you’re a driver who fails to follow all road laws.
Be Aware of Weather Conditions
Texas is rarely boring when it comes to weather—you can have everything from dust and rain storms to hurricanes and tornadoes. Parts of the state can even experience freezing temperatures and snow storms. In other words, no matter where you’re driving in Texas, weather can be a concern.
Even if you’re familiar with driving in snowy, rainy, or windy conditions, this doesn’t mean it’s a good time to hit the roads. Sometimes, it’s best to put off any errands until the weather clears. Keeping up with the latest weather forecasts can help you stay safer on Texas roads.
Don’t Be a Distracted Driver
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) estimates one in six car crashes in 2023 are caused by distracted driving. What is distracted driving? This occurs anytime you’re distracted and not paying attention to your driving. Even taking a hand off of the steering wheel can be a form of distracted driving; however the common cause is cell phone usage.
A federal law prohibits drivers from texting while operating a motor vehicle. However some states also include talking on a cell phone while behind the wheel—now, Texas doesn’t prohibit cell phone usage while driving, but it can affect your ability to successfully file a compensation claim.
If you’re distracted by your phone and cause an accident, there’s a good chance you’ll assume blame for the accident. What this means is that you may not be able to receive compensation for your damages.
Keep Up with Vehicle Maintenance
Sure, maintaining a vehicle can be expensive; there are things like oil changes and replacing worn-out tires. All of these expenses can quickly add up but before you decide to skip vehicle maintenance, consider the potential risks that come with not promptly taking care of them.
A poorly maintained vehicle is more likely to be involved in an accident and there’s a good chance you’ll also be assigned at least some of the blame for the accident. Your percentage of blame can impact your compensation amount. Not to mention, ignoring vehicle maintenance can place your overall well-being at risk.
If you’re involved in a car accident in Texas, don’t try to navigate the legal system alone. Talk to an experienced accident attorney to learn more about your legal options.
