If you drive regularly, it is likely that you witness other drivers exhibit behaviors that could be risky or outright dangerous.
Many drivers behave in ways that needlessly place others in harm’s way, and they often mistakenly believe that they can safely multitask. Even one second of distraction, one small decision or any type of mistake can have devastating consequences. Sometimes, these consequences may include causing an accident that results in a fatality.
Fatal accidents can happen for many different reasons. Often, grieving Texas families must pick up the pieces and determine how they can move forward.
There are certain places in the state where fatal accidents are more likely. It may help to look at accident statistics, the factors that played a role in the accident and other details to determine what legal options may be available to you and your family.
Are some counties more dangerous than others?
Fatal accidents may be more likely in certain Texas counties.
There could be several factors that contribute to this fact, including road conditions, the habits of drivers, weather conditions and much more.
There are 254 counties in Texas. According to statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation, these Texas counties saw the most fatal car accidents in 2021:
- Harris: 576 fatalities
- Dallas: 354 fatalities
- Bexar: 239 fatalities
- Tarrant: 227 fatalities
- Travis: 155 fatalities
- El Paso: 99 fatalities
- Hidalgo: 71 fatalities
- Montgomery: 69 fatalities
- Denton: 68 fatalities
- Lubbock: 63 fatalities
- Smith: 63 fatalities
- Jefferson: 60 fatalities
- Fort Bend: 55 fatalities
- Williamson: 54 fatalities
- Collin: 52 fatalities
- Brazoria: 48 fatalities
- Nueces: 47 fatalities
- Ector: 43 fatalities
- Bell: 43 fatalities
Bell County sees a higher-than-average rate of fatal accidents. Neighboring county data includes:
- Coryell: 11 fatalities
- Brazos: 14 fatalities
- Hamilton 1 fatality
Many of the fatal accidents in Bell County take place on county roads. This may be because drivers are more prone to drive faster on open roads that have higher speed limits than in urban areas. Rural roads may also be dangerous due to poor conditions, lack of signage, lack of passing lanes and more.
Regardless, each driver is responsible for the choices he or she makes behind the wheel, especially those that result in harm to someone else.
After a fatal accident
If you lost a loved one in a preventable accident, there could be legal options available to you. One of these options may include seeking compensation and recovery through a civil claim. While this cannot reverse what happened to your loved one and your family, it can provide you with the financial resources you need to pick up the pieces and move forward. An assessment of the fatal accident can give insight regarding the most appropriate way to move forward.