Common Causes of Car Accidents

Most traffic accidents don’t have to do with knowing how to drive a vehicle, but rather which decisions the driver makes behind the wheel. 90% of all road accidents are caused by human error.

A number of drivers will find themselves committing some of the common causes of traffic accidents. However, increased awareness for these causes can educate and influence drivers to be more cautious.

Common Causes of Car Accidents Related to Human Error

• Distracted Driving
  One of the main causes of car accidents can be blamed on distracted driving. When a driver is texting, talking on the phone, grooming, reading, or even eating while driving, the brain switches between tasks and unable to consistently focus on what’s ahead

$6 million for the family of a driver killed by a distracted driver


• Drunk Driving
  According to the CDC, drunk driving is responsible for an average of 29 deaths per day
• Speeding
  Running late to work, keeping up with traffic, or unintentionally driving over the speed limit are of the top causes of speeding-related accidents
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
  According to the U.S. Dept of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration, more than 50% of car accidents occur at intersections, with the cause being running a red light or a stop sign
• Reckless Driving
  Switching lanes too quickly, intentionally disregarding the safety and/or property of others, and purposely failing to abide by cautionary measures are some characteristics of reckless driving
• Aggressive Driving
  Aggressive driving includes any combination of traffic offenses that endanger other drivers or property, including speeding
• Fatigue
  Sleepiness, drowsiness, or exhaustion can impair a driver’s ability to competently respond, react, or discern conditions on the road

$5.8 million on behalf of the families of two people killed by a truck driver for the largest milk hauler in the U.S. who fell asleep at the wheel

Common Causes of Car Accidents Unrelated to Human Error

Sometimes the safest, most defensive drivers fall victim to car accidents, but not by way of their own error. Other factors can have a big influence.

• Weather Conditions
  Slippery roads from rain, snow, or ice affect traction in tires, in turn causing vehicles to slide off the road or hit other objects or vehicles. Fog, water levels, and wind speed may also contribute to weather-related accidents
• Road Conditions
  Poorly maintained roadways increase the risk of a popped tire and influence a driver’s ability to brake adequately
• Vehicle Defects
  Cars consist of thousands of parts that keep them running safely and smoothly. It is not uncommon for them to malfunction

If you were seriously injured, or a loved one was tragically killed in a car accident, call the offices of Miller Weisbrod, Attorneys At Law, today at 214.987.0005 or toll free at 888.987.0005 for a free consultation with an experienced Car Accident Attorneys.

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Traffic Fatalities Increase During Pandemic

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the United States, causing 3 million injuries and killing over 35,000 people per year.

Even though Americans drove less in 2020 due to the pandemic, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) reports show that an estimated 38,680 people were tragically killed in motor vehicle accidents — the largest number of fatalities since 2007. This represents an increase of 7.2% as compared to the 36,096 fatalities reported in 2019.

Preliminary data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) shows vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in 2020 decreased by about 430.2 billion miles, a 13.2% decrease. The fatality rate for 2020 was 1.37 fatalities per 100 million VMT, up from 1.11 fatalities per 100 million VMT in 2019. NHTSA’s analysis shows that the main behaviors that drove this increase include: impaired driving, speeding and failure to wear a seat belt.

Preliminary finding show that traffic fatalities rose in most major categories over 2019:

• Passenger vehicle occupants (23,395, up 5%)
• Pedestrians (6,205, no change from 2019)
• Motorcyclists (5,015, up 9%)
• Pedalcyclists (people on bikes) (846, up 5%)

Crash factors and demographics reviewed by NHTSA that showed the largest increases in 2020 as compared to 2019 included:

• Occupant ejection (up 20%)
• Uunrestrained occupants of passenger vehicles (up 15%)
• Speed-related crashes (up 11%)
• On urban interstates (up 15%)
• On urban local/collector roads (up 12%)
• On rural local/collector roads (up 11%)
• During nighttime (up 11%)
• During the weekend (up 9%)
• In rollover crashes (up 9%)
• In single-vehicle crashes (up 9%)
• In alcohol involved crashes (up 9%)

Among other notable truck wreck cases, our Texas Car Wreck Attorneys recovered $8,750,000 from a large trucking company which was responsible for the deaths of a 67-year-old and a 19-year-old who were from Mexico.

If you were injured in a car accident or a loved one was tragically killed by a negligent trucker, distracted driver, or drunk driver it is important that you contact the experienced Texas Car Accident Attorneys who can advise you of your rights and help you seek the financial compensation you may deserve.

If You Were Injured In A Car Wreck Call the Texas Car Accident Attorneys of Miller Weisbrod, Attorneys At Law at 214.987.0005

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Traffic deaths jump by most since 1966

Traffic fatalities increased in 2015 by an amount not seen in 50 years. Texas, which has the deadliest highways in the country, remained largely unchanged.

The National Safety Council on Wednesday announced preliminary analysis showed 38,300 roadway deaths in the U.S. last year. That was an increase of 8% from 2014, the highest year-to-year since 1966.

Texas led the nation with 3,490 deaths on roads and highways. Despite California having roughly 12 million more residents, it had 240 fewer traffic deaths.

Texas’ fatality trend was stable. The number of deaths increased 1% from 2014 to 2015 and 4% from 2013 to 2015.

The report notes a recent push in Houston to improve traffic safety. Houston had more roadway deaths than New York, which is roughly four times Houston’s size.

Houston’s economic growth has meant more vehicles on the road, the local analysis concluded, and a corresponding jump in traffic fatalities.

The same conclusion was painted by the National Safety Council report. As vehicle miles traveled have increased in the U.S. and gasoline prices dropped, roadway deaths increased.

The National Safety Council data is different from fatality reports analyzed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration because NHTSA considers fatalities within 30 days of the roadway crash, while the safety council logs all deaths within one year of the incident.

Though drivers log more total miles on urban roads and freeways, nearly half the increase in traffic deaths occurred on rural roads.

Contact Us
If you were seriously injured, or a loved one died in a car accident caused, call the offices of Miller Weisbrod, located in Dallas, today at 214.987.0005 or toll free at 888.987.0005 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury trial attorney. You may also contact us by e-mail today for answers to your important questions or to schedule an appointment.

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What are the most common injuries seen in car crashes?

People are injured every day in car, truck and motorcycle accidents. The type and nature of any injury is dependent on the specific facts and dynamics of the crash. Over the years, we have noted most common injuries following a wreck:

Head Trauma: This occurs when the head strikes an object in or outside the vehicle. The head can be traumatized by the roof, windshield, side window, rear window, seats or steering wheel. Trauma to the head can cause a fracture to the bones of the skull or bleeding just under the skull.

Brain Trauma: Injury to the brain can be one of the most devastating injuries to a person after an accident and many times the injured person doesn't realize it until months or years following the crash. The brain is suspended in the skull by fibrous tissue (ligaments) and is bathed in cerebral spinal fluid. (If the victim's head is jerked forward and backwards or hits a stationary object the brain can collide with the inside of the skull causing bruising and damage to nerve cells).

Whiplash: If a car is rear-ended, the quick, forceful impact can cause the occupant's head to jerk backwards and forward. This may cause injury to the soft tissues of the neck (muscles, ligaments, discs). These people can feel neck pain, arm pain, upper back pain and/or headaches.

Spinal Cord Injury: A spinal cord injury may lead to loss of function in the injured person's arms and/or legs depending on the nature extent of damage to the spinal cord. Along with brain injuries, this is one of the most serious types of car accident injuries one may experience.

Upper Extremity Injury: The shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand can be injured in accidents from either direct or indirect trauma. We typically see rotator cuff injuries, fractured forearms and wrist bones because the driver is holding onto the steering wheel or a passenger puts their hands on the dashboard to brace themselves during the crash.

Lower Extremity Injury: A person's hips, knees, ankles or feet can be injured in an accident from blunt force trauma. We typically see knee injuries when peoples' knees are pushed into the dashboard, steering wheel or seat back. We see hip injuries from side impact and front impact collisions and ankle injuries when a person leg is jammed against the brake pedal or foot board.

Internal Injuries: If an accident is forceful, an occupant of the vehicle may experience injury to internal organs. For example, rib fractures can injure the lungs, heart or spleen.

Why Miller Weisbrod?
At Miller Weisbrod, LLP, we focus on results. In our many years of practice, we have developed an in-depth knowledge and familiarity with the structure and design of automobiles and auto parts, which we bring to bear on every case we handle.

We have recovered many million and multimillion dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients who have suffered TBIs. Our demonstrated trial experience and proven record of results are just some of the many reasons clients continue to turn to us in their time of need.

Among other notable cases, Miller Weisbrod recovered $4,250,000 on behalf of a passenger in a truck who suffered a catastrophic brain injury as a result of being forcibly ejected from a truck in a serious motor vehicle accident.

Contact Us
Our attorneys offer sound legal advice, experienced representation and dedicated advocacy to victims of auto accidents and their families. For more information, we invite you to contact our offices in Dallas at 214.987.0005 to schedule a free initial consultation with our experienced personal injury trial lawyers.

If you are calling from outside the DFW Metroplex, please call us toll free at 888.987.0005. You may also contact us by e-mail now for prompt attention or to request an appointment.

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Causes of Traffic Collisions

The majority of people are going to be involved in traffic accident at least once in their lifetime.

Traffic collisions are so common that they account for the leading cause of accidental deaths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. The majority of those accidents, driver’s negligence or a driver’s error is to blame for a life-altering traffic accident. Those errors and negligence can manifest in a number of ways; which is why our team of personal injury lawyers would like to discuss a few of the leading causes of fatal and injurious traffic accidents.

DRUNK DRIVING
The causes of car accidents vary, but drunk or drugged driving remains a major issue all across the country and the cause of many tragedies. Data from the Department of Public Safety shows that impaired driving accounted for 31 percent of fatal traffic accidents. Even though impaired driving has been on the decline nationwide, this reckless driving habit still accounts for a third of deadly traffic accidents and leaves tens of thousands suffering.

SPEEDING
Everyone is always in a hurry these days, so it should be no surprise that speeding is another leading cause of deadly traffic accidents. Speed limits may be annoyances to time-strapped motorists, but they are actually developed with safety in mind. A motorist who is speeding could easily lose control of their vehicle, rear-end another motorist or cause an accident in a number of other ways. Speed also typically causes the resulting injuries to be more severe or deadly.

DISTRACTED DRIVING
Distraction is another leading cause of traffic accidents in the United States. According to the Department of Public Safety, distracted driving accounted for 9 percent of car accidents. Now that a majority of motorists have smart phones and use them behind the wheel, distracted driving continues to be a major safety hazard on the road. Cell phones are not solely to blame for distracted driving accidents, even activities like talking to a passenger, reaching for a cup of coffee or changing the volume on the stereo can lead to a tragic car accident.

Any one of these unsafe driving habits can lead to an accident and life-changing injuries for all parties involved. If you have been injured in accident caused by the negligent behavior of a motorist, speak with a personal injury lawyer and set up a case evaluation to see what moves you need to make next. You may be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses, emotional distress and any other accident-related expenses you incur.

Those who are injured in a traffic accident caused by the negligent actions of another driver can contact the lawyers of Miller Weisbrod about their legal options. We offer sound legal advice, experienced representation and dedicated advocacy to victims of car accidents and their families.

For more information, we invite you to contact our offices in Dallas at 214.987.0005 to schedule a free initial consultation with our experienced personal injury trial lawyers. If you are calling from outside the DFW Metroplex, please call us toll free at 888.987.0005. You may also contact us by e-mail now for prompt attention or to request an appointment.

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"Do's" of Being in a Car Accident

Injured in a Car Accident — What You Should Do?
Over 6 million car accidents take place in the U.S. each year. 1 of every 3 car accidents involves injury to at least one of the persons involved. If you were recently one of those statistics, contact an experienced accident attorney at Miller Weisbrod to determine if you are entitled to be compensated for the injuries you have suffered.

Every car accident is unique, yet there are some common tips that any car accident victim can follow to ensure the situation is resolved as quickly as possible.

Seek proper medical attention:
Unquestionably, the health and safety of you and your loved ones should be your top priority. Seek medical treatment for any injuries sustained as soon as possible.

Avoid discussing the accident and save your apologies:
You were just involved in a traumatic event and might not be thinking clearly — limit your discussions to avoid admitting liability. Discuss the accident with the police and your insurance agent only.

Have someone obtain vital information:
Get the names, insurance information, phone numbers and addresses of everyone involved in the accident.

Have someone photograph the scene:
Many insurers recommend obtaining photos of the accident scene to avoid discrepancies and to obtain accurate evidence.

Have someone take notes:
Detailing the nature of your injuries, the damage to your property and anything you find unusual could be very beneficial down the road.

Do not accept initial insurance offers:
Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. They want your case to go away as quickly and quietly as possible, and typically undervalue the damages accident victims sustained.

Contact an experienced car accident lawyer:
Speak to a knowledgeable car accident attorney to discuss your case, learn your options and determine if you are entitled to compensation.

If you or your loved one were injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries.

To help determine whether you may be able to file a claim against the other driver, contact the car accident lawyers of Miller Weisbrod to discuss your accident.

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Dallas Car Accident Lawyers

2 children dead in car crash with an SUV
Two children were killed in a car wreck in South Dallas recently, after the family’s vehicle was hit by an SUV. Reports say that the SUV was traveling at approximately 100 mph on a rain soaked highway when the crash occurred. With inclement weather upon us, it is even more important to drive safe this holiday season.

Call Miller Weisbrod at 888.987.0005 for help after a motor vehicle accident injury. We work diligently to protect our clients' rights and advocate their interests in cases where serious or catastrophic injury or death has resulted from any kind of motor vehicle accident.

The Dangers of Speeding in Inclement Weather
Weather events like heavy precipitation can impact the capabilities of drivers as well as the performance of vehicles while on the road. According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 480,000 people are injured and more than 6,000 are killed each year in traffic accidents that occur in adverse weather. A majority of weather-related crashes are said to occur during rainfall and on wet ground.

Even attempting to drive the posted speed limit on wet roads isn’t always a safe choice because the slick surface may pose problems in the event that a driver has to brake suddenly. The slower a vehicle is traveling, the easier it is for the driver to maintain control throughout their commute; therefore, it is important to drive at a controllable speed in rainy weather.

Drivers should take the following considerations when traveling in inclement weather:
•   It takes longer to brake when driving on roads that are slippery:
Tires perform differently on slippery road surfaces than dry ones because the wet road can affect their traction.

•   Not ensuring that one’s vehicle is prepared for driving in certain weather conditions is risky: Making sure tires are properly inflated, windshield wipers are functioning properly, and other vehicle components are in working order is important for reducing the risk of an accident in bad weather.

•   Unnecessary lane changes on slippery roads can be hazardous:
Changing lanes and trying to pass others must be done with extreme caution when driving in rainy weather because it can be difficult to see what’s ahead from certain distances to determine whether one is placing themselves in harm’s way.

•   Driving distractions are especially dangerous in inclement weather:
Cell phone use and other dangerous driving distractions are particularly risky when bad weather is present. Because factors such as rain can obstruct one’s view of what is ahead, not paying attention to the road for even a second can result in serious consequences.

•   There are steps that can be taken to prevent hydroplaning:
 Hydroplaning can happen when a vehicle is traveling on a slick surface. Drivers can reduce their chance of hydroplaning; however, by taking steps such as avoiding standing water puddles when possible, making sure tires are properly inflated, and ensuring that their speed matches the weather condition they are in.

•   Rules for commercial vehicles:
 The Texas Commercial Vehicle License Manual recommends that drivers of 18-wheelers reduce their speed by at least 1/3 in wet weather conditions.  This is due to the proclivity of tractor-trailers to jack knife (especially when lightly loaded or unloaded) as well as the increased stopping distance of these heavy duty trucks.

Those who are injured in a traffic accident caused by the negligent actions of another driver in bad weather conditions can contact the lawyers of Miller Weisbrod about their legal options. We offer sound legal advice, experienced representation and dedicated advocacy to victims of auto defects and their families.

For more information, we invite you to contact our offices in Dallas at 214.987.0005 to schedule a free initial consultation with our experienced personal injury trial lawyers. If you are calling from outside the DFW Metroplex, please call us toll free at 888.987.0005. You may also contact us by e-mail now for prompt attention or to request an appointment.

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