Every year, thousands of Texans are injured, and lives are tragically lost due to motor vehicle accidents across the state. Whether it’s a rear-end collision, a distracted driving incident, or a severe multi-vehicle pileup, the impact of these accidents is far-reaching. At the Law Offices of J. Robert Davis, P.C., we’re committed to not only standing up for victims but also educating our community about the scope of road safety issues in Texas.
Recent motor vehicle accident data sheds some light on the dangerous trends, common causes, and high-risk areas drivers face daily. By examining this information, we aim to empower you to take proactive steps toward safety and help those impacted by accidents get the justice they deserve.
How Serious is the Motor Vehicle Accident Problem in Texas?
The numbers don’t lie—Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of car accidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in its latest report, there wasn’t a single day in Texas in 2022 without a roadway death. That’s right—Texas has experienced at least one road fatality every single day for over two decades, a statistic that is heartbreaking and unacceptable.
To break this down further:
- Total crashes reported: Over 600,000
- Fatal crashes: Approximately 4,400, resulting in more than 4,600 deaths
- Serious injuries: Over 18,000 crashes involved major injuries, leaving countless Texans with life-altering consequences
- Minor and possible injuries (where injury is suspected): Roughly 85,000 incidents
These numbers are more than just cold statistics—they are lives forever altered by preventable tragedies. Behind every number is a mother, father, spouse, friend, or child whose life has been shattered.
The Most Common Causes of Crashes in Texas
Understanding what causes most motor vehicle accidents in Texas is crucial to identifying preventative solutions. According to the most recent TxDOT data, here are the leading causes of accidents across the state:
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains one of the most significant threats on Texas roads. Activities like texting, phone calls, eating, adjusting navigation systems, or even chatting with passengers divert a driver’s attention and lead to devastating consequences. Statistically, distracted driving was responsible for over 360,000 crashes in Texas in 2022 alone.
2. Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to be a serious problem statewide. Over 25% of all fatal crashes in Texas involved alcohol impairment, and thousands of innocent people have been injured or killed at the hands of impaired drivers. This trend underscores the critical need for harsher penalties and public education campaigns targeting drunk driving.
3. Speeding and Reckless Driving
Excessive speed decreases reaction time and increases the likelihood of severe or fatal outcomes in a crash. Law enforcement reports that speeding plays a role in nearly one-third of all car accidents in Texas. This problem is particularly alarming on highways, where speeds are already high and collisions often result in catastrophic damage.
4. Weather Conditions
Sudden storms, heavy rain, and fluctuating weather create challenges for drivers across the state. Wet roads and reduced visibility significantly increase the risk of accidents, especially when drivers fail to adjust their speed or exercise extra caution during poor conditions.
5. Failure to Follow Traffic Laws
Simple mistakes or negligence, like failing to yield, running red lights, or ignoring stop signs, are higher-than-expected contributors to accidents. Such infractions often lead to intersection-related crashes, which made up over 40% of all reported collisions in Texas in 2022.
High-Risk Areas in Texas to Watch Out For
While accidents happen everywhere, specific areas in Texas see a disproportionate number of motor vehicle crashes. Not surprisingly, major metro areas such as Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin top the list. These cities feature significant traffic congestion, dangerous intersections, and higher population densities that increase the risk of collisions.
Other dangerous spots to note include:
- Interstate-35 and I-10 corridors with heavy commercial vehicle traffic
- High-speed stretches on US-281 and US-59
- Busy suburban roads like those in Plano, Fort Worth, and growing suburbs around metro areas
Rural areas in Texas are not immune—the vast highway system across the state contributes heavily to high-speed accidents, especially involving semi-trucks.
Why This Data Matters to Texans
It’s easy to feel detached from accident statistics until it impacts you or someone you love. When you consider the devastating ripple effect these incidents have—medical bills, long-term injuries, lost income, and emotional trauma—the urgency of addressing this issue becomes undeniable.
We hear these stories every day at the Law Offices of J. Robert Davis, P.C. Parents who’ve lost children. Employees severely injured and unable to work. Families drowning in financial distress caused by mounting medical expenses. These stories remind us of the importance of fighting for justice and advocating for safer roads.
What Should You Do if You’re in an Accident?
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to act quickly and protect your rights. Here’s what to do:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get checked by a medical professional. Adrenaline often masks symptoms after a crash.
2. Document Everything
Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage. Gather witness statements and get a copy of the police report for future reference.
3. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating the legal world of personal injury claims is complex, which is why hiring an experienced lawyer is critical to obtaining just compensation. At the Law Offices of J. Robert Davis, P.C., we specialize in protecting victims of negligence and ensuring they receive the financial and emotional support they need to move forward.
How the Law Offices of J. Robert Davis, P.C. Can Help
Recovering after an accident is overwhelming. That’s why our team is here to make the legal process as stress-free as possible for our clients. With decades of experience fighting for injured Texans, we provide compassionate, outcome-focused representation tailored to your unique situation.
Here’s what you can count on with our firm:
- Thorough Investigation: We comb through every detail to build the strongest possible case for our clients.
- Fair Compensation: From medical bills and lost wages to property damage and pain and suffering, we fight to ensure you get what you deserve.
- No Upfront Costs: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
- Personalized Attention: You’re not just another case file to us—you’re a person who deserves respect, empathy, and individualized care.
Help Us Reduce Motor Vehicle Accidents in Texas
While we excel in helping those affected by motor vehicle accidents, prevention remains a key goal as well. By understanding the statistics, avoiding common causes of accidents, and holding dangerous drivers accountable, we can work together to make Texas roads safer.
Have you or a loved one been impacted by a car accident? Don’t wait—reach out to the Law Offices of J. Robert Davis, P.C. today for a free consultation. Together, we can seek justice and help you rebuild after life’s most challenging moments. Your road to recovery starts here.
