Causes of Car Accidents in Sugarland

The Leon Law Firm Understands Different Types of Car Accidents

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tell us that approximately 1.2 million people die per year due to motor vehicle accidents. The main reason for fatalities of individuals aged 3 to 33, according to the NHTSA, is car accidents. It is of note that even with these statistics and the nearly daily news of collisions involving drunk or distracted drivers, 5 of the 6 top causes of vehicular accidents involve the motorists themselves.

Distracted driving, driver fatigue, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, speeding and aggressive driving as well as the weather, makes up the top six causes of automobile fatalities. Beyond the accident itself, an individual involved in a collision frequently has many barriers to full physical and mental recovery. An accident victim can be faced with ambulance and emergency medical costs. Waiting right around the corner are vehicle replacement, additional medical attention and rehabilitation and an inability, whether temporary or permanent, to earn wages. This is where an aggressive and knowledgeable Sugar Land personal injury attorney may be of great help to you and your family.

What are Common Causes of Car Accidents?

• Aggressive & Distracted Drivers

  • With the advent of cell phones, text messaging, in-vehicle televisions and other technology - and with more drivers than ever on Texas roads - there has been a noticeable increase in aggressive and distracted drivers. These drivers can be extremely dangerous. Their negligence can easily result in accidents that are catastrophic or even fatal.
  • In the state of California, texting and driving is an illegal act that can not only result in a driver getting a ticket, but it may also lead to a tragic and potentially fatal accident. The prevalence of texting in our society has increased dramatically over the past few years. The most recent study by AAA discovered that 46% of teens surveyed admit to texting while driving. Distracted driving is the leading cause of accidents on our roadways. Sadly, when a driver is texting behind the wheel, the likelihood of a car accident will increase by 26% simply because their eyes are off of the road. Studies show that the average text takes approximately 4.6 seconds to write, meaning that the driver will have traveled the length of a football field (if on a faster speed highway) before they look up from their phone.

• Drunk Drivers

  • In our state, we have what is called the "dram shop" law. This law concerns itself with those who sell or serve alcohol to a person who is noticeably intoxicated and represents an obvious danger to himself or others. Under the dram shop law, bartenders, private parties, vendors at sporting events, restaurant owners and others can be held legally liable for their actions that lead to injuries and fatalities.
  • An important beginning to your case is to swiftly gather evidence and potential witnesses while the incident is still fresh in their minds. Credit card bills, bar tabs, video footage and skillful interviews can all paint an accurate picture of what occurred and who is responsible. Knowledge of what information to look for and how to correctly obtain it are invaluable in DWI related accidents. Armed with the evidence, we work to pursue full and just compensation for the damage that has been done.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident or auto accident of any kind, the first thing you need to do is stop your car or truck; pull over to the side of the road if you can. Most states make leaving the scene of an accident a crime.

• Check to see whether you or your passengers have been injured. See if the occupants of the other vehicle(s) are okay, too. If anyone is injured, call an ambulance; it is usually best not to move an injured person yourself. Prevent additional injuries by making your vehicle visible: set out flares, turn on your hazard lights or raise the hood of your vehicle.
• States have different rules about when people who have been in accidents need to call the police. To be on the safe side, you may want to call any time you are in an accident. The police will decide whether they need to come to the scene.
• Meanwhile, exchange information with the other driver. Write down the driver's name, address, telephone number, license plate number, driver's license number and full auto insurance information. Give your information to the other driver, too.
• If anyone witnessed the accident, try to get their identifying information. In addition, make note of the circumstances of the crash and anything unusual that you noticed. Record the weather conditions, the speed limit on the road, your speed at the time of the crash, your estimate of the other driver's speed and other such elements. This will be important if the case ends up in litigation or an insurance dispute.
• Do not admit fault. The determination of fault, if any, will be made later. For now, focus on safety and proper accident procedures. Do not sign any waivers offered by the other driver or the insurance company.

Sugar Land Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been in a car accident, sooner or later you will get involved with insurance companies and their attempts to settle your claim. At The León Law Firm, P.C. we feel it is important that you understand what you may run into and why. These companies have expert lawyers to formulate their policies and deal with customers who are filing claims. This is what they do for a living and their "success" can be a claim that is not paid or not fully compensated.

Too frequently, their goal has nothing to do with the best medical and life interests of a claimant. On the other hand, our goal is to aggressively pursue just compensation for our clients towards their physical and emotional recovery from the accident. No matter the cause of your accident, an experienced attorney fighting for your rights may be the assistance you need in a troublesome time.

When you have been injured in a car accident, it is best to contact a Sugar Land Personal Injury Lawyer for the protection of your rights.