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Texas Ranks in the Top 10 States With the Worst Drivers… Again

We've all encountered reckless drivers at some point. Texas roads are riddled with them. The high speed limits and lack of regard for public safety have created a culture of risky driving in the Lone Star State. Researchers from the insurance industry have delved deeper into the leading causes of Texas's alarming number of traffic fatalities.

Insurance marketplace site Car Insurance Comparison (CIC) recently drew from national car accident statistics to determine which states have the worst drivers. After reviewing data trends from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Information Institute, the study’s author ranked the top 10 states with the worst drivers in 2020. Texas tied with Montana at No. 3 and appeared in the top 10 worst drivers list for the ninth year.

The study defines bad drivers as drivers who engage in inconsiderate, risky, or aggressive behavior. The No. 1 most dangerous type of driving behavior ranked by CIC varies between speeding and drunk driving. Both account for more than 30 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States. According to the study author, both forms of dangerous driving go hand in hand.

Drunk driving accounts for Texas's bleak history of road deaths

The study includes an interactive map displaying Texas's bleak history when it comes to drunk driving fatalities. The Lone Star State ranked No. 1 for having the worst drivers in 2016. At best, the state ranked No. 9 in 2018. The data shouldn't surprise anyone. Texas has consistently remained one of the most dangerous states to drive in for decades. The state's 20-year streak with an average of 10 deaths per day has safety advocates alarmed.

CIC gave each state a best and worst category. Texas's worst category was drunk driving. The study based its findings on the number of drunk driving fatalities in Texas during 2018. That year, nearly 46 percent of all traffic fatalities in Texas involved a drunk driver. In addition, drunk driving fatalities in Texas accounted for nearly 16 percent of all drunk driving fatalities nationwide.

Texas has the highest speed limits in the U.S., with speed limits reaching 85 mph on some roadways. Ironically, the state's best category was speeding, which accounted for more than 27 percent of traffic fatalities in 2018.

Drunk driving often goes hand in hand with speeding. That's because the lack of good judgment caused by alcohol impairment makes drunk drivers unaware of how fast they're traveling. Additionally, they often fail to stop or slow down before a crash due to delayed reaction time and reduced coordination. Many full-speed drunk driving crashes also happen when impaired drivers fall asleep at the wheel.

Our Texas lawyers will fight for justice for you and your loved ones

Drunk driving and other types of reckless driving accidents can change people’s lives in an instant. The Texas car accident lawyers at Smith & Hassler have seen injured motorists lose years of their lives while recovering from debilitating injuries. We have also seen families mourn the loss of a loved one. We can't stress this enough – catastrophes caused by bad drivers are 100 percent preventable.

There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol. Those who consume alcohol have many other options. They can designate sober drivers, catch a rideshare, and even stay within walking distance. Sadly, many people choose to drive impaired because they believe they can get away with it. They believe that they'll never get caught by law enforcement or cause someone's injury or death.

Drunk drivers rarely cause crashes intentionally, but they do make the decision to drive after drinking too much. That's why our legal team is committed to holding drunk drivers accountable and pursuing justice for crash victims and their families.

We have fought to maximize compensation for our clients for more than 40 years. Some of our most significant case results include:

  • $1.38 million for two clients who sustained mild traumatic brain injuries (one sustained several broken bones) in a truck crash.
  • $537,000 for a client who sustained a mild traumatic brain injury and a broken leg in an intersection T-bone crash.
  • $158,500 for a client who sustained a knee tear after being T-boned by a delivery truck. Our client needed two knee surgeries to recover.
  • $137,000 for a client who sustained a herniated lumbar disc after being rear-ended by a large truck.

What to expect from your car accident case

If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident, the aftermath will likely be frustrating and drawn out. As your medical bills add up and you're unable to work, you will likely rely on the insurance companies to compensate you. The truth is, insurance companies often don't have your best interests at heart. They often care more about saving money and will use their usual bag of tricks to avoid compensating you. Save yourself the frustration. Speak to an experienced Texas car accident lawyer who can demand justice on your behalf.

The legal team at Smith & Hassler will leave no stone unturned when building your case. We'll factor in your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other losses when negotiating for a fair settlement. We'll also launch an aggressive investigation and gather the evidence we need to prove that the other driver was responsible for your injuries.

We will gladly review the details of your crash and discuss your legal options during a free case evaluation. Worried about the cost of hiring an attorney? No problem. Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs for our legal services. You only pay if we resolve your case and you're financially compensated. Contact us online or call our Houston law office to find out how we can help you.

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Smith & Hassler

1225 N Loop W #525
Houston, TX 77008
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