If you’re a driver in Houston, chances are you’ve experienced the wild ride of dodging potholes, weaving through congested traffic, and occasionally literally driving on thin ice. With more than 20 different highways and countless roads, navigating the city has its challenges – gridlock, street construction, and dangerous intersections are just a few of the traffic hazards that drivers need to watch out for. With that in mind, it’s a great idea to have a great car accident lawyer in mind in case you need one.
Houston Roads to Watch Out For
When it comes to driving in Houston, there are certain stretches of road that are more dangerous than others. According to recent data from the Texas Department of Transportation, these are some of the most hazardous spots in the city:
- US 59 South near Beltway 8: This stretch is known for its slippery roads during inclement weather. The high speed limit combined with slick surfaces make this a particularly treacherous spot.
- I-10 Eastbound at Silber Road/Kirkwood Road: This area sees an average of 65 wrecks each year due to people not paying attention while merging or changing lanes.
- I-45 in the Greater Houston Area: This stretch of freeway was the site of 73 deaths in 2019 alone. Since then, it’s been named the most dangerous road in the entire United States. Traffic volume, congestion, texting, drunk driving, and speeding are the main causes of wrecks along this dangerous highway.
As you can see, many deadly accidents occur on Houston roads when people aren’t paying attention or driving recklessly. That combined with the sheer volume of drivers on the road makes it more important than ever to know of a Houston car accident lawyer that can help you.
Houston Traffic: Worst Times to Drive
Local injury lawyers know that with Houston’s notoriously congested highways, unpredictable weather, and lack of public transportation options, many drivers dread getting behind the wheel. But not all hours are created equal when it comes to driving in Houston—there are some times that are much worse than others.
- Rush hour is always bad, but rush hour in Houston is something else entirely. During peak travel times—which tend to fall between 7-10 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays—traffic tends to be even more congested than usual, and more dangerous. According to data collected by the Texas Department of Transportation, this is when the majority of accidents occur.
- Interestingly, weekends aren’t any safer either—in fact, they tend to be even more dangerous than weekdays. The number of Houston accidents increases significantly on Saturday nights between 10 p.m. and 12 a.m. as people head out for a night on the town or return home from festivities. This could be due to drivers being distracted by their phones, impaired by alcohol, or simply not paying attention because they’re exhausted after going out all night.
- It’s no secret that it rains quite a bit in Houston (in fact it was recently voted one of the rainiest cities in America!) Unfortunately though, when rain hits the streets of this fair city so does an influx of bad drivers—which makes rainy days one of the worst times to drive around town.
Best Practices in a Car Accident
Unfortunately, even the best drivers can end up in a car accident in the Greater Houston area. Not all risks can be avoided, but they can certainly be prepared for. Here are a few things to keep in mind just in case:
- Check for injuries & ask all parties if they are ok (without admitting fault!)
- Stay Calm and Carry On – If no one is seriously injured, move the involved vehicles out of the road as soon as possible to prevent further damage or harm.
- Document as much as possible, get information from all involved parties, and file an accident report
- Seek medical care as soon as possible. Not all injuries are immediately apparent and early intervention can prevent long-term pain
- Not sure if you need legal help? Think again! Hiring a car accident lawyer near you to fight for your rights is almost always the best decision when dealing with insurance companies.
Conclusion: Is Hiring an Attorney Worth it?
It is important to hire an attorney in order to protect your rights and ensure you receive the full amount of compensation that you deserve. A Martindale-Nolo survey revealed that 74% of car accident victims with an attorney recovered compensation from the at-fault driver. Meanwhile, just 54% of people without an attorney were paid damages. Don’t forget that insurance companies have the goal of paying as little money as possible.They have legal professionals representing them who know the law and who are fighting for their interests. You deserve the same. Luckily, in most cases, you won’t have to pay a cent in accident lawyer fees until your case is resolved.
