When behind the wheel of a car, a driver’s primary responsibility is to drive as safely as possible and avoid dangerous behaviors. While most people understand the risks involved with dangerous driving, reckless actions and negligence still occur. There are some roads in Texas where dangerous driving is more prominent, and you will benefit from knowing how to stay as safe as possible while on these highways.
Speeding, drunk driving and more can all contribute to the likelihood of an accident. However, one of the most common reasons these types of incidents occur is due to distraction. Distracted driving in any form, including looking at a phone, sending a text or scrolling social media, all make it significantly more likely that a crash will occur. If a driver causes you harm due to his or her reckless or negligent actions, you may have grounds to pursue recourse through the civil justice system.
Protecting yourself and avoiding accidents
It may help to understand the specific reasons why some of the highways in Texas are more dangerous than others. According to statistics, the highways in Texas where the most accidents occur are I-10, I-45 and US-83. Some of the most common reasons why accidents take place on these roads include:
- Weather — Icy roads or wet roads can be difficult to safely drive on. In conditions that involve strong wind, taller vehicles may be prone to turn over.
- Speeding — Speeding makes it more difficult to properly control a vehicle, making it more likely that an accident will occur.
- Distracted driving — When a driver is dealing with distractions, he or she is not giving full attention to the task at hand. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents.
Each driver is responsible for the choices he or she makes while behind the wheel. A driver who causes another motorist harm due to his or her irresponsible choices, such as sending a text or driving over the speed limit, may be accountable for financial losses and other damages.
Your options as a victim
If you are the victim of a car accident that was not your fault, you may have legal options available to you. Through a civil claim, you may be able to secure compensation for economic and non-economic damages you experienced as a result of your car accident. You may benefit from an assessment of your car accident and explanation of the specific legal options you have in your individual situation.