Houston Car Accident Lawyer Answers: Why Are There So Many Fatal Car Accidents in Houston?
Houston is the most crash-prone city in Texas, recording roughly 67,000 motor vehicle wrecks in 2023. That’s about 185 crashes every single day. These collisions killed nearly 300 people and injured more than 22,000 others in the city alone. If you’ve been hurt in a Houston car accident, understanding why our roads are so dangerous—and knowing your legal rights—can make the difference between financial ruin and full recovery.
How Bad Is Houston’s Car Accident Problem?
Houston’s traffic fatality numbers are staggering. In 2023, the city recorded approximately 270 to 290 fatal crashes, causing close to 300 deaths. Harris County as a whole saw more than 530 traffic deaths that year. To put this in perspective, more people died in Houston car wrecks in 2023 than were killed in homicides.
Houston’s crash totals dwarf those of other major Texas cities:
- Houston: 67,600 accidents
- San Antonio: 39,355 accidents
- Dallas: 33,980 accidents
- Fort Worth: 13,401 accidents
- Austin: 12,768 accidents
What Makes Houston’s Roads So Dangerous?
Several factors combine to make Houston one of the deadliest places to drive in America. Our Houston car accident lawyers have identified patterns that appear repeatedly in the cases we handle.
Massive Traffic Volume
Harris County has 3.5 million licensed drivers, while the greater Houston area sees more than 5.5 million registered vehicles on its roads. This sheer volume creates constant opportunities for collisions. Roughly one in five Texas crashes happens in Harris County alone.
Deadly Highway Design
Houston’s highway system includes some of America’s most dangerous roads. Interstate 45 ranks as the deadliest highway in the United States. Other high-risk corridors include I-10, US-59, and the 610 Loop. These wide freeways, designed for high volume, often encourage aggressive driving that puts everyone at risk.
Speeding
Speed remains the leading cause of crashes in Texas. In Harris County alone, speeding was linked to more than 38,000 wrecks in 2023 and caused well over 170 deaths. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, excessive speed continues to be the top contributing factor in Texas crashes year after year.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol-related crashes remain a serious problem despite decades of public awareness campaigns. Harris County recorded more than 3,300 DUI-related crashes in 2023, killing approximately 160 people. Drunk driving accounts for roughly 24% of all traffic fatalities in Texas.
Distracted Driving
Inattentive drivers caused more than 10,000 crashes in Harris County in 2023, resulting in dozens of fatalities. Texting, phone calls, and other distractions pull attention from the road at exactly the wrong moments.
What Types of Crashes Cause the Most Injuries in Houston?
Not all crashes are equal. Some types of collisions cause far more serious harm than others.
In 2023, Houston recorded about 1,360 “suspected serious” injury crashes, producing around 1,600 people with severe injuries. Another 5,400 crashes resulted in more than 7,500 people with minor injuries. When you include all injury categories, more than 22,000 people were hurt in Houston wrecks that year.
Commercial Truck Accidents
Large trucks and commercial vehicles were involved in more than 6,100 crashes in Harris County in 2023. These collisions killed at least 40 people and caused well over 100 serious injuries. While trucks represent a smaller percentage of vehicles on the road, they cause outsized fatal and catastrophic injury risk due to their size and weight.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists make up a small share of road users but a disproportionate share of deaths. Harris County consistently ranks near the top of Texas counties for pedestrian and cyclist fatalities. These vulnerable road users have no protection when struck by a vehicle traveling at speed.
How Do Houston Car Accidents Affect Victims?
Behind every statistic is a real person whose life has been changed by a car accident. The impact extends far beyond the crash itself.
Accident victims often face mounting medical bills that can reach tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Lost wages compound the problem when injuries prevent victims from working. Many require long-term rehabilitation, physical therapy, or ongoing medical care. Some never fully recover and must adapt to permanent disabilities.
Property damage adds another layer of financial stress. More than 42,000 Houston accidents in 2023 resulted in property damage, leaving families scrambling to repair or replace vehicles they depend on for daily life.
What Should You Do After a Houston Car Accident?
The steps you take immediately after a crash can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Texas law provides accident victims with specific rights, but these rights must be exercised properly and promptly.
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 16, you generally have two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation entirely.
Insurance companies often move quickly to minimize their payouts after an accident. They may contact you within days offering a settlement that seems generous but falls far short of covering your actual damages. Having legal representation before speaking with insurers helps protect your interests.
How Can a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Help?
At Varghese Summersett, our approach to car accident cases starts with a thorough investigation. We gather evidence, document injuries, interview witnesses, and build a case for full compensation. This includes current medical bills and lost wages as well as future expenses and impacts on your quality of life.
We’ve seen how accidents affect every aspect of a person’s life—their ability to work, their relationships, their independence. That’s why we fight to ensure our clients receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Car Accidents
How many car accidents happen in Houston each year?
Houston recorded approximately 67,600 car accidents in 2023, making it the most crash-prone city in Texas. This averages to about 185 crashes every single day within city limits.
What is the deadliest road in Houston?
Interstate 45 ranks as the deadliest highway in America, not just Houston. Other particularly dangerous Houston roads include I-10, US-59, and the 610 Loop.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas?
Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to most car accident cases, though exceptions may apply in certain circumstances.
What causes most car accidents in Houston?
Speeding is the leading cause of crashes in Houston and throughout Texas. Distracted driving and drunk driving are also major contributors. In Harris County, speed-related crashes alone caused more than 170 deaths in 2023.
Should I talk to the insurance company after a car accident?
You should be cautious about speaking with insurance companies before consulting an attorney. Insurers often try to minimize payouts and may use your statements against you. Having legal representation helps protect your interests during these conversations.
Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a Houston car accident, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you reach out to Varghese Summersett, the better positioned we’ll be to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at (281) 805-2220 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you understand the best path forward. With Houston’s roads becoming more dangerous each year, having strong legal representation isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
