Texas roads can be dangerous. The fact is that the state’s population is exploding. Texas is the second most populated state in our nation. And as the population increases, the number of vehicles on the roads increases. To be sure, police officers and Highway Patrol Troopers are doing everything they can to keep the roads safe. But sometimes, accidents happen. And 2018 was no exception. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, based on reportable crashes in 2018:

• § 1 person was killed every 2 hours 25 minutes
• § 1 person was injured every 2 minutes 7 seconds
• § 1 reportable crash occurred every 58 seconds. 

The good news is though, Texas experienced a decrease in the number of motor vehicle traffic fatalities. The 2018 death toll of 3,639 was a decrease of 2.36% from the 3,727 deaths recorded in 2017.

But while the number of deaths in car accident decreased, the number of deaths for people on bicycles skyrocketed. Bicycle fatalities totaled 72 in 2018. This is a 26.32% increase from 2017. Clearly, we must do better to alert drivers about sharing the road with bicyclist.

In addition to the increase in bicycle deaths, distracted accidents increases across the state in Texas. In 2018, there were 398 people killed in crashes involving distracted driving. This is a 12% decrease from 2017.

In 2018, there were a total of 14,314 car accidents in Hidalgo County. 51 people died in car accidents in Hidalgo County. And a total of 2,089 had serious injuries as a result of these accidents.

Accidents happen. That is a fact of life. When they do, the law provides a way for you to recoup your damages for lost earnings, damage to vehicle, medical bills, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident, contact The McAllen Personal Injury Lawyer today for a free consultation at 956-501-6565. You will always speak to me directly.