Austin's traffic safety record presents a mixed picture. While the likelihood of experiencing a car accident in Austin is lower compared to other parts of Texas, if an accident does occur, the risk of sustaining injuries or dying is higher than the state average.
The reasons behind the elevated risk of severe accidents in Austin remain unclear. Nevertheless, it's crucial to acknowledge that a car crash in Austin can have significant repercussions, affecting your physical well-being, financial stability, and overall quality of life. If you were in such a recent accident, the best step you can take to protect yourself is to reach out to an experienced Austin car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Austin Car Accident Statistics
The latest car accident statistics for Austin, TX, published by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), show that too many individuals suffer injuries and fatalities on Austin's roads despite several roadway upgrades, technological advancements, and safety campaigns
Consider the following grave statistics:
- Last year alone, there were 12,433 car accidents in Austin, TX.
- An average of 34 car accidents occur in Austin every day.
- Austin had a total of 113 fatal crashes in just one recent year, causing 104 deaths.
- About 2.3 percent of all deadly car accidents in Texas happen in Austin.
- While about 1 percent of Austin car accidents last year involved distracted drivers, about 8 percent involved drunk drivers.
- About 3 percent of Austin traffic accidents happen in highway work zones.
In just one year, Austin's traffic accidents led to injuries for 8,734 individuals, causing 511 individuals to sustain severe injuries, necessitating ambulance transportation to the hospital. Severe injuries include loss of consciousness, major fractures, significant lacerations, and paralysis.
In addition, 3,304 people suffered minor injuries. The term "minor injuries" refers to visible injuries that don't render the victim incapacitated and don't necessitate ambulance services. They may be abrasions, minor fractures, and minor lacerations.
A total of 4,919 people reported suspected injuries in car crashes. These cases arise when someone exhibits no apparent physical injury but complains of pain or other related symptoms.
Suspected injuries can include:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Concussions
- Mental trauma
However, there are also some promising stats when it comes to Austin car accidents:
- Austin traffic crashes decreased dramatically since 2018, declining by almost 21 percent.
- Over the last decade, motor vehicle accidents in Austin have declined by nearly eight percent.
Most Dangerous Roads in Austin, TX
According to the Austin Department of Transportation (ADOT), accidents severely injured or killed over 350 individuals on the following 13 roads in Austin over recent years:
- Airport Boulevard, especially from Manor Road to Springdale
- Riverside Drive, especially Lakeshore Boulevard to Montopolis Drive
- Burnet Road, especially U.S. 183 to MoPac
- South Congress Avenue, especially Ben White Boulevard to William Cannon Drive
- Cameron Road, especially East Street Johns Avenue to Rundberg Lane
- South Pleasant Valley Road, especially Cesar Chavez Street to Oltorf Street
- East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, especially Airport Blvd to Johnny Morris Road
- Slaughter Lane, especially Menchaca Road to IH-35
- North Lamar Boulevard, especially U.S. 183 to Braker Lane
- South First Street, especially Stassney Lane to Slaughter Lane
- North Lamar Boulevard, especially Koenig Lane to U.S. 183
- William Cannon Drive, especially Menchaca Road to Elm Creek Drive
- Parmer Lane, especially Metric Boulevard to Dessau Road
Certain areas in Austin pose higher risks for car accidents:
Interstate 35 (I-35)
Car accidents occur frequently along the entirety of I-35 as it traverses Austin. However, the stretch passing through Windsor Park and Cherrywood is notably perilous. In 2021 alone, this segment witnessed ten fatal accidents and eight accidents resulting in injuries.
U.S. Route 290 (U.S. 290)
US-290 exhibits several high-risk zones for traffic accidents, notably around Congress Avenue. In 2021, this portion of US-290 saw five accidents causing injuries and one fatal accident.
U.S. 183 and TX-1/MoPac Expressway Interchange
This interchange presents a particularly hazardous situation. In 2021, three fatalities and four injuries happened at this bustling highway junction.
Factors that make Austin's roads so dangerous include (but aren't limited to):
- A lack of or poorly maintained crosswalks and/or sidewalks
- Confusing or missing traffic signs
- Timing issues with traffic signals
- Poorly situated bus stops
- Poor or no street lighting
- No bicycle lanes
That's why many of them are the focus of recent, current, or future highway upgrade projects.
Causes of Austin Car Accidents
Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents, along with detailed insights:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving encompasses a wide range of activities, from texting or adjusting the radio to engaging in activities that divert attention from the road. The alarming truth is that just a few seconds of diverted attention can lead to a devastating accident. Drivers must prioritize the task at hand, focusing solely on the road and their surroundings.
Drunk Driving or Driving Under the Influence
Driving while intoxicated is one of the gravest and most lethal causes of car accidents in the U.S. Individuals who have consumed alcohol should refrain from getting behind the wheel, opting instead for a taxi or rideshare service or entrusting their keys to a sober friend. There is no justification for engaging in this risky behavior.
Speeding
Feeling the temptation to exceed speed limits is a common experience for many drivers, especially in today's fast-paced world. However, saving a few minutes on the journey is not worth endangering the lives and well-being of fellow road users. Adhering to speed limits is a fundamental aspect of responsible driving.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving includes a range of behaviors where drivers fail to exercise due caution and skill on the road. This may involve abrupt lane changes or displaying aggressive driving habits that jeopardize the safety of everyone on the road. Prioritize safe and considerate driving practices.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Texas frequently experiences adverse weather conditions, particularly rainfall. Regardless of the road or weather conditions, drivers must maintain control over their vehicles. Rain can make roads slippery and hinder visibility. In situations where safe vehicle operation is compromised, it is advisable to pull over and wait for the weather to improve.
Fatigued or Drowsy Driving
Recent research underscores that driving while fatigued or drowsy is equally dangerous as driving under the influence. This is particularly concerning for shift workers and truck drivers who may neglect mandated rest breaks. When drivers lose control due to drowsiness, it can lead to severe and sometimes fatal accidents.
Neglected Vehicle Maintenance
Some drivers overlook the importance of regular vehicle upkeep. For instance, a severely cracked windshield that obstructs visibility, excessively worn brake pads, or tires with diminished traction and potential blowout risks can pose significant dangers.
It is every driver's responsibility to ensure their vehicle is maintained correctly. Neglecting this duty and subsequently causing an accident may result in legal liability for resulting damages.
Driver Inexperience
Inexperienced or younger drivers are statistically more susceptible to causing accidents. This vulnerability extends to semi-truck drivers who may lack the proper training or experience required for safe operation.
Addressing this issue can reduce the likelihood of accidents, particularly among those operating large vehicles.
If you find yourself in an accident, seek the guidance of a seasoned car attorney in Austin to navigate the legal complexities and secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Austin Car Accidents
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions occur when the front of one car hits another car's backside. There are variances in the severity, damage, and injury potential dependent on several factors, such as distance and speed.
Side-Impact Crashes
When one vehicle hits the side of another, it's called a side-impact crash. Often called T-bones, side impacts can happen if a driver runs a stoplight, hitting the side of another vehicle in the intersection. These impacts can cause severe injuries.
Head-On Accidents
Head-on accidents happen when two vehicles' front parts collide, or one vehicle crashes into a stationary object headfirst. These collisions usually cause injuries, some of them severe or catastrophic. They can arise from various situations, including when a vehicle swerves into oncoming traffic.
Rollover
A rollover is when a car ends up on its side or roof. These accidents typically happen due to multiple-vehicle collisions or attempting tight turns at high speeds. Taller vehicles and SUVs run a higher risk of rollovers due to their higher centers of gravity.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle accidents happen for many reasons—runoffs, road departures, and crashing into stationary objects such as trees or light poles are a few examples.
Hit-and-Run
A hit-and-run accident occurs when one driver doesn't stop after an accident or stops momentarily and flees the scene. Hit-and-run accidents can involve any type of accident. Under Texas law, all drivers involved in an accident must stop at the scene. Those who don't can face serious legal consequences.
Establishing Liability in a Car Accident Case
In any Austin car accident case, one of the primary responsibilities of an attorney is to determine the party or parties accountable for the incident. You must seek compensation from the responsible entity.
You can establish a valid case if you can demonstrate the elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care: The other party had an obligation to exercise a reasonable level of care akin to what a prudent person should exhibit in similar circumstances. For instance, stopping at a stop sign or refraining from using a phone while driving are actions that a sensible individual should take.
- Breach of Duty: The other party failed to fulfill their duty of care towards you. This can involve actions such as driving at excessive speeds on icy roads or neglecting to yield the right of way, contrary to legal obligations.
- Proximate Cause: Your injuries directly resulted from the actions or inactions of the other party. For example, if you were involved in an accident with a drunk driver, they probably bear liability for your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered quantifiable damages stemming from your injuries. These may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, as well as any scarring or disfigurement incurred as a result.
What is Your Case Worth?
When you meet with us, we will evaluate your case and provide you with an estimate of the value of your claim. Many factors affect how much your case is worth:
Insurance Policy Limits
- The liability policy limit of the liable driver who hit you
- The liability policy limit of the vehicle's owner (if different from the driver of the vehicle)
- If you have uninsured and underinsured motorists covered on your insurance policy, and if so, what those coverage limits are
The Severity of Your Vehicle Damage
If your car had little to no damage, substantial damage, or if you only had vehicle damages and no injuries.
Injuries
If your injuries resolve with minor treatment, or you still have pain and ongoing medical treatment. Did you have a neck, back, or spinal cord injury or a minor sprain or strain that has healed? Did you sustain a brain injury, lose consciousness, or suffer from post-traumatic amnesia? Did you suffer fractures or an injury that needed surgery?
Employment
If you missed time from work due to your injuries or attending medical appointments, you deserve compensation for that time. If your injuries left you disabled and unable to work, you should also receive compensation for future lost income.
Being injured in an Austin car accident comes as a complete shock. Not only are you trying to recover from your physical injuries, but you are also worried about how you will afford your medical expenses when you can return to work, who will clean your house while you can't, or how your vehicle will get repaired.
When you hire an Austin personal injury lawyer, they come along beside you and deal with the legal aspects of your claim, allowing you to rest and relax while healing from your injury. If you were recently in such an accident, seek legal help today.