Car accidents are often avoidable incidents that turn a family’s world upside down. The impacts are felt for weeks and months after a crash; and some car accidents change lives forever. Collin County has been rocked by a growth in the number of fatal car accidents, leaving devastation in their wake. Collin County has had a 50 percent increase in fatalities and the entire state of Texas has suffered from at least one death on Texas highways every day for 22 straight years.
When you lose a loved one in a fatal car accident, you need a compassionate car accident attorney to help you navigate the legal process so that you can help provide for your family during unimaginable loss. Protecting yourself and your loved ones is a priority, and Wolf Law, PLLC is on your side.
Driving Forces Behind Fatal Car Accidents in Collin County
Collin County residents and those living in the communities surrounding it are multiplying. Since the 2020 census, it is estimated that Collin County has added over 100,000 individuals to its population. Building safe highways fast enough to accommodate these growing numbers is unattainable.
Recent years have also seen a return to more normal statewide travel after global health crises stunted highway traffic significantly. While the number of crashes dropped to almost half of the typical crash averages for Texas following state shutdowns, a rise in fatal accidents still occurred during that time because of riskier driving behaviors. With Collin County’s growth and more individuals hitting the road, fatal car accidents have grown far too familiar.
Speed is a Factor
Driving over the speed limit is a significant contributor to fatal car accidents. Speed contributed to almost 4,000 auto accidents documented in annual Collin County statistics. These roadway collisions produced 26 fatalities. Speeding accidents involved approximately 12,000 individuals in Collin County.
Alcohol Plays a Significant Role in Fatal Crashes
Collin County was noted as one of the counties having the highest number of DUI-involved crashes in Texas, according to recent data. Only a handful of much larger counties in Texas overshadowed the Collin County’s numbers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 40 percent of roadway accidents where someone is killed, alcohol or other drugs are involved.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving resulted in over 2,500 annual accidents in Collin County and led to 10 fatalities. Someone was injured in almost half of the crashes caused by a distracted driver. Distracted driving has become a tacitly accepted practice that impacts lives on a daily basis. Even the most seemingly common and innocent behaviors behind the wheel can sadly lead to a fatal crash. Distracted driving occurs when individuals take part in these and other similar behaviors while operating a vehicle:
- Focusing on passengers
- Eating while driving
- Becoming preoccupied with scenes outside a vehicle
- Using phones
- Setting navigational systems
- Operating a stereo or DVD player
- Putting on makeup
A multitude of activities occur around us while we drive, pulling our attention from the highway to other places. Distracted driving slows our response time, putting those around us, ourselves, and passengers in danger.
Where Fatal Car Accidents are Occurring
According to the data above, of Collin County’s 77 annual fatal accidents, certain roadways more commonly experience fatalities than others. These roads and highways include:
- Preston Road
- S. 75
- State Highway 121
- The intersection of FM 1138 and County Road 541
- FM 6
Fatal car accidents can occur anywhere. The award-winning car accident lawyers of Wolf Law, PLLC draw upon their years of experience and success to understand what factors and / or conditions may have caused or contributed to higher incident rates on specific roads in Texas and who may be responsible.
Traffic Violations Lead to Fatalities in Collin County
Two of the most common traffic violations leading to fatalities include failing to stop at a stop sign and crossing the center lane, which can cause a highway accident. Any of the distracting driving behaviors mentioned above, when done in conjunction with these violations of the rules of the road, can lead to missed signage and driving errors, resulting in deadly mistakes.
Fatal Car Accidents Impact More Than Drivers and Passengers
Do pedestrians have the right of way? Some of the most vulnerable individuals on the highways are bicyclists and pedestrians who have no protection against the impact of an automobile. Over five years, 769 pedestrians and bicyclists were impacted by crashes in Collin County, with 36 individuals killed as a result of an auto pedestrian accident injury.
Work zone crashes resulted in 608 car accidents, leading to five fatalities and creating an unsafe work environment for those striving to improve Collin County roadways. According to at least one federal study, Texas was the top state reporting the most road construction site fatalities in the country. One hundred forty-three workers died while working on Texas roadways.
Precautions Drivers Can Take to Make Roads Safer
Even if we don’t recognize the drivers around us, we must remember that the individuals we call friends and family are waiting for us at home, at a local restaurant for dinner, or at the ball field where a Friday night game will occur. Simple precautions allow us all to get where we need to be. Please keep the following tips in mind when you get behind the wheel of your car:
- The highways are more crowded than ever. Leave earlier to avoid feeling the need to drive at excessive speeds to get to a destination.
- Put down cell phones and other devices that draw your attention away from the road.
- Stay vigilant while driving. It’s easy to lose focus due to the things happening around us.
- Call a cab or another rideshare service to ensure your safety and the safety of other travelers.
- Pay attention to highway signs.
- Choose not to drive aggressively.
If you are a community member impacted by a car accident, a car accident attorney in Collin County will investigate the cause of your wreck to document what led to your injuries.
When an accident is fatal, we will fight for the maximum possible compensation and help you begin the journey to healing after a tremendous loss.
Steps to Take if You are Injured in a Car Accident in Collin County
Your actions after an auto accident can tremendously impact the compensation you may receive for the damages you suffer. Follow these tips to advocate for yourself:
- Seek medical attention immediately to document for the car accident injury claim and reduce the chance of further injury.
- Take pictures at the scene of the accident to capture the events through visual documentation.
- Collect contact information from the other driver and any witnesses to the accident.
- Speak with law enforcement and obtain an incident report.
- Contact a car accident attorney.
Wolf Law, PLLC will provide unwavering support when you need it most. We are dedicated to fighting for you, no matter what it takes.
Collin County Car Accident Lawyers
The odds continue to increase that you or a loved one may experience the impacts of a car accident in Collin County. Let Julie Wolf and her legal team provide the guidance and support you need. Car accidents claim the lives of loved ones far too often, and we are here to provide help in any capacity you need.