Each year, the Texas Department of Transportation chronicles several reports which detail the car accidents in urban and rural areas of the state. These reports are meant to highlight changes from year to year, as well as encourage legislators and law enforcement to strive to make changes in the appropriate problem areas. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

In 2014, the Texas Department of Transportation noted an approximately four percent increase in the number of traffic fatalities from 2013. The results also noted that there were approximately 17,000 people who sustained serious injuries throughout the state in 2014, as the result of car accidents, and nearly 250,000 people sustained injuries. While the statistics noted a positive decrease in the number of pedestrian fatalities, they also noted an increase in the number of bicycle fatalities. Out of the 3,500 fatalities which occurred in 2014, approximately 1,000 were caused by an accident where one driver was under the influence of alcohol. Unfortunately, there were no days free from fatalities caused by car accidents during 2014. However, the statistics do indicate that the majority of the accidents caused by driving under the influence occurred between 2:00 am and 2:59 am on Saturdays. This type of data provides law enforcement with tips on what to look for to attempt to prevent accidents from occurring.

While the statistics offer a sobering look at the total number of accidents which occur each year, they serve as a warning for drivers everywhere, and as a guide to law enforcement agents. Car manufacturers work diligently to outfit all vehicles with adequate safety measures, taking into consideration the failure of a driver to react in certain situations. While this will never prevent an accident from occurring, the new safety protocols help to protect passengers in all vehicles.

The victim of any car accident is entitled to seek compensation from the responsible party. It is clear from the 2014 Texas car accident statistics that the majority of accidents could have been easily prevented. Most car accidents are caused by driver distraction, speeding, or driving under the influence. While there is no way to actively police every driver on the highways, the victim of an accident may succeed in holding the driver responsible for all resulting injuries. This cannot undo the damage caused by the accident, but can serve as a warning to future drivers, and may help prevent future serious car accidents from occurring.

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in assisting clients with their car accident claims, and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve from your injuries. You should not be forced to cover the expense of your medical care for an accident which was caused by the negligence of another driver. Contact our Beaumont office today for your initial free consultation.