Archive for the ‘Auto Accident’ Category

Tips to Overcome Bad Driving Habits in 2024

Driver holds soda in one hand and a sandwich in the other while trying to steer the wheel of a car, putting her at risk of a serious car accident.

During this time of year, many people are trying to maintain their New Year’s resolutions. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, one of the top priorities on everyone’s list should be actively contributing to preventing car accidents.

So, what’s the most effective way to enhance road safety? It begins with addressing and changing bad driving habits. AAA points out that bad habits, whether it’s texting while driving, speeding, disregarding stop signs, or neglecting to use turn signals, have become ingrained in many drivers. The challenge lies in breaking free from these habits.

To shed light on this issue, let’s explore some of the most common bad driving habits and examine whether they are a concern in Texas. Additionally, we’ll provide some valuable safe driving tips to help drivers change these habits. Our team of Houston car accident attorneys at Smith & Hassler is committed to promoting safer driving practices.

What are the most common dangerous driving habits?

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety recently released the “2022 Traffic Safety Culture Index.” Based on responses from 2,500 drivers in 2022, the report identifies some of the most common dangerous driving habits, including:

  • Distracted driving – 15 percent of the respondents said they drove distracted within the last 30 days, including texting while driving.
  • Drowsy driving – 9 percent had trouble keeping their eyes open while driving within the past month.
  • Not stopping at a red light – 8 percent of drivers surveyed stated they failed to stop for a red light at least once within the past 30 days.
  • Speeding – 7 percent drove 15 mph over the speed limit on an interstate or 10 mph over the speed limit in a residential area.
  • Aggressive driving – 3 percent of drivers described themselves as aggressive drivers.
  • Drunk driving – 3 percent admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol within the past 30 days.

How safe are drivers in Texas?

Many drivers in Texas have bad habits that often result in serious or fatal car accidents. In fact, according to accident data collected by the Texas Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2021 was a record-setting year for three common bad driving habits.

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol – 1,906 people died in drunk driving accidents that year, the highest drunk driving death toll in the state in at least a decade.
  • Speeding – 1,568 deaths due to speeding, another decade-high record.
  • Not wearing a seatbelt – 1,172 deaths, the highest death toll in more than a decade.

Tips to be a safer driver in 2024

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and our legal team have several suggestions for drivers who want to break bad driving habits this year, including:

  • Minimize distractions: Turn off your cell phone or switch it to “do not disturb” mode before you start driving. Distracted driving, especially due to texting or using a phone, significantly increases the risk of accidents.
  • Obey traffic signals: Make it a habit to come to a complete stop at all red lights and stop signs. Rolling through stop signs or running red lights can lead to dangerous collisions.
  • Plan ahead: If possible, leave a few minutes earlier when heading out so that you’re not in a rush to reach your destination. Rushing can lead to aggressive driving behaviors and reduced attention to road conditions.
  • Never drink and drive: Always have a plan before heading out for the evening, especially if you’ll be drinking. Designate a sober driver, use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, or rely on public transportation to get home safely.
  • Take regular breaks: When driving long distances, make it a point to take breaks every two hours. This practice helps prevent fatigue and drowsy driving, reducing the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
  • Avoid eating and drinking while driving: Eating or drinking behind the wheel can divert your attention from the road. It’s safer to consume food and beverages when your vehicle is parked.
  • Drive defensively: Adopt a defensive driving approach, which means being prepared for unexpected situations while driving. Always anticipate that other drivers may make mistakes, and maintain a safe following distance to give yourself time to react to sudden changes in traffic.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, tell them you mean business

Don’t let anyone push you around if you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver. Get a Houston car accident lawyer who means business. Get Smith & Hassler. Our dedicated legal team has the knowledge, skills, and experience you need to demand justice after your car crash.

Take command of your case right from the start. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with a Houston car accident attorney focused on winning your case. We have four offices conveniently located throughout Texas, including three offices in Houston. In addition, our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only have to pay us if we secure a financial settlement or verdict for your car accident injury.

Intersection Accidents Spark Right-on-Red Debate

Houston City Hall building and traffic at night in downtown Houston, Texas

Texas considers ending right turns on red due to spike in crashes

Most states, including Texas, permit right turns at signaled intersections in the absence of oncoming traffic. However, an increase in fatal intersection accidents  – particularly in Houston – has prompted calls to restrict right turns on red lights.

Just this month, Houston has experienced several fatal accidents at intersections, including:

According to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association, this optional maneuver always posed a risk but has become more dangerous over time due to the popularity of large trucks and SUVs, which can limit a driver’s visibility. When scanning for gaps in traffic to take a right turn on red, the larger vehicles increase the potential for drivers to miss pedestrians, cyclists, and on-coming vehicles.

Determining who is at fault in a right turn on red accident is often complicated, but an experienced Houston car accident lawyer can guide injured victims successfully through the process.

Who has the right of way in a right-on-red turn?

In Texas, as in many other places, the right of way law says that drivers are allowed to make a right turn after coming to a complete stop, provided that it is safe to do so and there is no conflicting traffic. Here are the key points regarding the right of way for right turns on red lights in Texas:

  • Come to a complete stop. Before making a right turn on red, the driver must come to a complete stop at the stop line or before entering the intersection.
  • Check for traffic. Drivers must ensure that there is no oncoming traffic from the left and that it is safe to make the right turn. This includes checking for pedestrians and bicyclists in the crosswalk.
  • Yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks – even in intersections with RTOR options.
  • No turn on red signs. Some intersections may have specific signs indicating that right turns on red are not allowed. In such cases, drivers must wait for a green signal.
  • Traffic signal changes. If the traffic signal changes to green while a driver is waiting to make a right turn on red, they should yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians and proceed with caution.

Who is at fault in RTOR accidents?

Fault and liability can be unclear in RTOR accidents, as well. Typically, the turning driver is at fault, but not always. There are many questions to ask and factors to consider, including:

  • Did the crash involve any traffic law violations?
  • Could the driver see the victim, or was their view obstructed?
  • Did the driver fail to gauge the speed and distance of other vehicles?
  • Was the driver impaired?
  • Did they yield to pedestrians and others with the right-of-way?
  • Did the driver safely execute the turn?
  • Did the driver check for oncoming traffic?

An investigation by a car accident attorney with extensive experience handling claims in Texas can help injured victims find answers to these questions. They can interview witnesses and collect important documents and evidence to build a strong claim.

Compensation for intersection accident victims in Houston, TX

In Texas, victims injured in car accidents involving right turns on red lights may have options for financial compensation. When a driver’s negligence leads to such an accident, victims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.

The experienced car accident attorneys at Smith & Hassler, Attorneys At Law, can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies for maximum compensation.

If you were injured in a car accident in Houston or the surrounding community, contact us for a free case evaluation. A member of our team is available 24/7 to hear from you. We can answer your questions, explain your potential legal options, and help you decide how to move forward.

Texas Approves $345 Million for Pedestrian and Bike Safety

Pedestrian signal for crossing street in downtown Houston, TX.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently approved $345 million worth of projects, including bicycle paths and pedestrian walkways, designed to make the state safer for everyone and reduce the number of bicycle and pedestrian accidents in Texas.

“This is a major investment in communities across the state that will help make it safer and easier to get around on foot or a bike,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Robert “Robie” Vaughn said in a statement recently released by TxDOT. “This optionality supports safety, active lifestyles, health and wellness, and can provide alternatives to traveling by vehicle.”

Pedestrian and bicycle projects in Houston, Texas

The $345 million will be spent on 83 projects throughout the state. According to TxDOT officials, “These projects will help improve safety for people walking, biking, or using wheelchairs, including 24 projects that will go in areas with a high pedestrian crash history.”

In the Houston area, such bicycle and pedestrian projects include:

  • Construction of West Loop shared-use path and Bayou Bridge in Harris County, Texas – $18.45 million.
  • Multi-modal path construction in University Asia Town area – $8.87 million.
  • Construction of shared use path in The Woodlands, Texas – $7.47 million.
  • Construction of Emancipation Trail shared use path in La Marque, Texas – $4.5 million.
  • Bicycle lane and sidewalk construction in Angleton, Texas – $4.27 million.
  • Sidewalk construction, traffic signal improvements, and other pedestrian projects in Dickinson, Texas – $2.8 million.
  • Construction of sidewalks and other public safety improvements in Hitchcock, Texas – $2.45 million.
  • Sidewalk improvement project in West Columbia, Texas – $2.26 million.
  • Bicycle transit study in Harris County, Texas – $920,000.
  • Planning study for Improving Safety and Access to White Oak Bayou – $460,000.
  • Pedestrian and bicycle master plan designed to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety in Houston – $368,000.
  • Transportation plan in Clute, Texas – $288,075.

Pedestrian accidents on the rise

One of the driving forces behind these projects is the dramatic increase in the number of pedestrian accidents and fatalities throughout Texas in recent years. Between 2013 and 2022, the number of pedestrian accident deaths in Texas has increased by 72.9 percent, from 480 deaths in 2013 to 830 deaths in 2022, according to accident data collected by TxDOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Bicycle accidents are also a problem

Along with pedestrian fatalities, fatal bicycle accidents have increased sharply in the past decade in Texas. Between 2013 and 2022, bicycle accident deaths have increased by a staggering 91.6 percent, from 48 deaths in 2013 to 92 bicycle fatalities in 2022, according to the NHTSA and TxDOT.

“People who walk and bike make up about 1 out of every 5 deaths on roadways here in Texas,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Alvin New in a recent statement. “These projects will help the state move closer toward the goal of zero deaths by giving people a place to walk and bike separate from traffic.”

Contact a Houston, TX pedestrian accident attorney

An insurance claim involving a cyclist or pedestrian hit by a car might initially seem straightforward. But many times, they become complicated legal cases. That’s because the stakes can be high, and rather than paying injury victims the money they deserve, insurance companies will often do everything they can to reduce or deny injury claims.

Our Houston pedestrian accident lawyers at Smith & Hassler know how to handle insurance companies and can help you every step of the way. We know how to investigate such accidents and what evidence to look for to build a strong legal case. Many insurance companies agree to negotiate in good faith once they see we’re serious about your case. If not, we’re not afraid to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit on your behalf, seeking the compensation you deserve.

Get the law firm that gets results for injured Texans, and schedule a free case evaluation with a Houston pedestrian accident attorney who puts your best interests first. We have four offices conveniently located throughout Texas, including three offices in Houston. We also offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless we win your case. Contact us today to learn more about your potential legal options.

Texas Launches ‘Survive the Drive’ Campaign Amidst Alarming Spike in Roadway Deaths

Interstate traffic towards Downtown Houston on a sunny day

AAA Texas and the Insurance Council of Texas are launching a campaign called Survive the Drive to combat a troubling trend on Texas roads that has emerged since the COVID-19 pandemic. Before 2020, Texas drivers were heeding warnings about the dangers of reckless driving. However, when the pandemic began, risky driving behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and aggression became more prevalent. As a result, Texas experienced a surge in roadway deaths and serious car accidents.

Roadway deaths spike in Texas

From 2019 to 2022, deaths due to impaired driving increased by over 22%. The Insurance Council of Texas also reported a rise in claims from serious car accidents.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas saw a concerning rise in the fatality rate on its roadways in 2021 alone. That year, the state had 1.58 roadway deaths per hundred million vehicle miles traveled. This marked a 5.45% increase compared to 2020.

The total number of motor vehicle traffic fatalities also increased, with 4,497 recorded in 2021, signifying a significant 15.43% uptick from the 3,896 deaths reported the previous year. Furthermore, 2021 saw 15,769 serious injury crashes in Texas, involving 19,456 individuals who sustained severe injuries.

Contributing factors

According to Rich Johnson, Director of Communications for the Insurance Council of Texas, the increase in population is one contributing factor to the surge in traffic accidents. “We’re getting bigger. We have more people on the roads,” he said in a statement.

Other common factors include:

Safety advocates respond

As a response, Survive the Drive aims to educate Texans about safe driving habits on the road. One important tip is to use rideshares or other transportation alternatives instead of driving impaired. They also advise drivers to put away their phones while driving to minimize texting and other distractions. That can be either in the glovebox, with a passenger, or in the trunk.

The message becomes particularly vital as the days grow shorter during the fall season. Survive the Drive encourages a return to safer, more responsible driving habits to help reverse the trend of increased Texas crashes and fatalities.

Protect your rights if you were injured in a crash

While safety advocates are doing their part to address the growing number of Texas roadway deaths, the problem could persist for years. That’s why it’s important to understand your rights if you or a loved one was hurt in a crash on Texas roads.

The Houston car accident attorneys at Smith & Hassler can be your ally in the pursuit of justice. Our legal team understands the physical, emotional, and financial devastation that you may be going through. We’re committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and fighting to maximize compensation for injured motorists and their families.

To find out how we can help you, contact us online. We would be glad to answer any questions and help you explore your potential legal options during a free consultation.

Houston’s Vision Zero Effort Seeing Mixed Results

Houston, Texas, USA downtown city skyline and highway.

Houston’s Vision Zero report for 2022 indicates a slight decrease in traffic fatalities compared to the previous year, but the reduction is modest, and more work still needs to be done. Despite this decrease, over 320 individuals died on Houston’s roadways in 2022, and nearly 1,600 others suffered severe injuries in traffic-related incidents.

In concrete terms, the report reveals that eight fewer car accident fatalities were recorded in 2022 compared to the previous year, alongside 28 fewer injuries. While these improvements are encouraging, they are a reminder that Houston is still far from achieving the ultimate vision of zero lives lost due to traffic accidents.

Houston’s 2022 Vision Zero report

In 2022, Houston witnessed 323 fatalities due to traffic-related incidents, marking a 2.4% decrease compared to the previous year’s statistics. The death toll includes motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The report also revealed that 1,592 people sustained severe injuries while navigating Houston’s roadways throughout the year.

Here are other key takeaways from Houston’s Vision Zero report:

  • There were 115 pedestrian fatalities in 2022, an 8.5% increase compared to 2021
  • 245 pedestrians suffered serious injuries, up 11% from 2021.
  • 37 people died in motorcycle accidents, a 9% increase over 2021.
  • 165 motorcyclists sustained severe injuries, marking an 11% increase.

However, there were positive developments as well, as drivers and passengers witnessed a decline in traffic fatalities and serious injuries last year. These findings are notable, especially considering the 20% increase in traffic fatalities from 2020 to 2021. Encouragingly, the number of people who suffered serious injuries decreased from 1,624 in 2021 to 1,592 in 2022, marking a 1.7% decrease.

‘No loss of life is acceptable’

In response to the Vision Zero report, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner emphasized that “no loss of life is acceptable.” He highlighted concerns regarding the increasing number of cyclist fatalities in 2023, with 12 bicyclists tragically losing their lives.

However, Turner also noted the positive aspect of the overall reduction in fatalities and serious injuries in 2022. During his eight-year tenure as mayor, the city has implemented significant safety measures, including comprehensive street overhauls and the expansion of multimodal transportation options. These efforts take into consideration the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transportation users and other alternatives to personal vehicles.

Street safety projects in Houston

The report highlighted the effectiveness of these safety initiatives by spotlighting five specific street safety projects completed since 2019. These projects involved reducing vehicle lanes, expanding sidewalks, and introducing protected bicycle lanes.

The areas that underwent these transformations include:

  • Austin Street between Holman and Commerce streets
  • Bagby Street from Clay to Franklin streets
  • Gray Street between Bagby and Hamilton streets
  • Hillcroft Avenue from High Star to Westward streets
  • McKinney Street between Main and La Branch streets

According to a report by Houston Public Media, all these areas experienced a reduction in crashes, fatalities, and injuries resulting from crashes. Notably, no fatalities were reported among those using protected bike lanes.

More safety enhancements scheduled for Houston

The city’s commitment to enhancing safety and accessibility includes the construction of 6 miles of sidewalks and 20 miles of bikeways in 2022. The city has ambitious plans to add an additional 155 miles of bike lanes in 2023, according to the recent Vision Zero report.

“Houston is committed to Vision Zero and making the city more accessible for people of all modes,” Turner said. “The results speak for themselves – our comprehensive approach of safety and multimodal planning is making Houston a safer city.”

Holding negligent drivers accountable in Houston

For safer roadways in Houston, it’s essential not only to focus on preventive measures but also on accountability. When car accidents occur due to negligent drivers, it’s important for crash victims to seek justice and accountability through the justice system.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Houston car accident involving negligence, Smith & Hassler is here to help. Our Houston car accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious accident can have on crash victims and their loved ones. That’s why our dedicated legal team is committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

To learn more about how we can help with your potential legal case, contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Harris County Leads Texas in Drunk Driving Crashes

A drunk driving concept showing a glass of liquor in the middle of a slick road at night with an SUV in the background.

Every year, countless lives are affected by people who make the reckless decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol. It’s a particularly severe issue in the Houston area. With a staggering number of drunk driving-related car crashes, Harris County has earned a sobering distinction in Texas.

According to a recent report by the Courier of Montgomery County, new data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) says Harris County has earned the unfortunate title of having the highest number of drunk driving-related car crashes in the state. In 2022 alone, Harris County recorded over 3,500 crashes involving impaired driving.

Drunk driving in Harris County, TX

The crash statistics are nothing short of sobering: over 115,000 reported car accidents within Harris County in a single year. What’s even more concerning is that out of these incidents, 3,553 crashes were directly attributed to drivers under the influence of alcohol.

One key element in this equation is the county’s remarkable growth and diversity. With a population that surpasses 4.7 million, Harris County is the largest county in Texas and the third-largest in the entire nation. This sheer number of residents introduces a dynamic set of challenges that can influence statistics, including those pertaining to drunk driving crashes.

The interplay between Harris County’s population influx and its drinking culture is a complex one. As people from all walks of life converge on this vibrant county, a diverse range of behaviors, habits, and attitudes towards alcohol come together. This diversity, while contributing to the richness of the community, also means that there is a broad spectrum of attitudes toward responsible alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, a surge in intoxication-related fatalities has been a consequence of this particular social landscape.

Lynn Nguyen, the section chief of the vehicular crimes division at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, told the Courier of Montgomery County: “We’re obviously a huge county. I think that’s what drives the numbers every year. And we’re kind of one of those growing counties, where people are coming from all over to live here…and so with the influx of people and the drinking culture that we do have here, that unfortunately means there’s going to be an increase in intoxication-related fatalities.”

Understanding the dangers

Drunk drivers are at risk of causing serious and fatal car accidents because their impaired state hampers their ability to operate a vehicle safely and respond effectively to the dynamic challenges of the road. As a result, not only are drunk drivers themselves in danger, but so are passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and fellow motorists who share the road.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous because it results in:

  • Impaired cognitive function: Alcohol impairs cognitive functions, including attention, judgment, and reaction time. This compromised mental state significantly increases the likelihood of accidents.
  • Reduced motor skills: Alcohol affects motor skills and coordination, making it difficult for drivers to maintain control over their vehicles and respond appropriately to unexpected situations.
  • Decreased inhibition: Intoxication can lead to reckless behavior and a decreased sense of caution, resulting in drivers taking unnecessary risks on the road.
  • Slower reaction times: Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, which can prevent them from effectively avoiding collisions or stopping in time to avoid a collision.
  • Increased likelihood of high-speed collisions: Drunk driving accidents often occur at higher speeds due to impaired judgment, resulting in more forceful collisions and greater damage.
  • Higher severity of injuries: The combination of high speeds and impaired judgment leads to more severe injuries in accidents involving drunk drivers, especially when they drive on the wrong side of the road and crash into other vehicles head-on.

Drunk driving is dangerous and can lead to legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. The tragic truth is that these accidents are preventable, underscoring the critical need for responsible choices, increased awareness, and accountability to curb the devastating impact of drunk driving on our roads.

Holding drunk drivers accountable

At Smith & Hassler, our car accident attorneys recognize the seriousness of crashes caused by drunk drivers and the profound impact they can have on victims’ lives. With a deep understanding of the nuances of Texas law and extensive experience in complex cases, we are ready to help you fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve.

If you were hit by a drunk driver or your loved one died in a crash involving a driver under the influence of alcohol, your path forward starts with us. Contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation. We’re located in Houston, TX, and we look forward to speaking with you about your potential legal case.

Texas Ranked in Top 10 States With Highest Teen Driver Fatality Rate

Driving and texting in car with blue tone

Prioritizing safety is crucial for young motorists.

As we approach the summer season and the subsequent surge of young drivers on the road, it’s crucial to address an alarming issue — the high rate of teen driver fatalities in Texas. In a recent ranking by Bumper.com, Texas emerged as one of the top 10 states in the U.S. with the highest teen driver fatality rates.

Particularly concerning is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a timeframe safety advocates call the “100 Deadliest Days.” In these summer months, when schools are out and teens are behind the wheel more frequently, the risk of serious and fatal car accidents escalates. However, there are other factors driving this deadly surge in teen fatalities.

Teen car accidents in Texas

According to the Bumper.com study, Texas has a rate of 6.17 fatal accidents per 10,000 licensed teen drivers, the 10th most in the nation (New Mexico has the highest teen driver fatality rate at 9.66 while Rhode Island has the lowest at 1.58). The summer months further exacerbate this issue, as 35.2% of the fatalities involving teen drivers in the Lone Star State occur during this period (June to September).

While it’s natural to attribute the rise in teenage accidents to increased summer driving due to school breaks and more leisure time, the true catalyst lies in their driving behavior. Diana Gugliotta, Senior Manager of Public Affairs for AAA Northeast, emphasizes the heightened danger when teens engage in aimless joyriding rather than driving with a specific destination and timeframe in mind.

Another critical risk factor is the number and ages of passengers accompanying the teenage driver. Gugliotta cites research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, revealing a staggering 51% increase in the fatality rate for all individuals when a teen driver has exclusively teen passengers in the vehicle. Conversely, when passengers aged 35 or above ride with a teenage driver, the overall fatality rates in crashes decrease by 8%.

Factors contributing to teen driver fatalities

Speed emerges is the most crucial factor behind fatal car accidents involving teenage drivers. According to the Bumper.com study, speed contributes to 39.3% of fatal accidents involving teen drivers, surpassing the rate of 28.7% for other age groups. Speeding is dangerous for a driver of any age, but when you combine a teen driver’s lack of experience with a smaller margin for error, it can be a recipe for disaster.

The second leading cause is driving under the influence of alcohol, accounting for 31.8% of teen driver fatalities. While this rate is comparatively lower than that of other age groups, it aligns with the limited accessibility to alcohol for drivers under 21. Nevertheless, when teenagers do choose to drive while impaired, they pose a significant danger to themselves and others on the road.

Distracted driving, which includes texting and cell phone use, stands as a distant third, contributing to 9.2% of fatal accidents involving teenage drivers. The desire to stay connected and the temptation to quickly respond to messages or notifications can be incredibly enticing for young drivers. For inexperienced teen drivers who are still developing their skills and judgment on the road, the consequences of distracted driving can be especially severe.

Safe driving tips for teens

To mitigate the risk of fatal accidents involving young drivers, teens should:

  • Obey the speed limit: Speeding remains the leading cause of teen driving fatalities, making it crucial to respect and obey speed limits.
  • Minimize distractions and put the phone away: Teen drivers should avoid distractions such as using cell phones or engaging in conversations that divert their attention from the road.
  • Never drive under the influence: Parents can play a crucial role by offering to drive their teens home at any time if they are intoxicated or otherwise impaired.

Car accident lawyers serving Houston, TX

With summer nearly here, prioritizing accident prevention becomes crucial for both young drivers and motorists of all ages. Equally important is ensuring that drivers and passengers injured in car accidents know their legal rights. If you were injured or a loved one died due to a car accident caused by a young driver — or if you’re the parent of a teen driver injured in an accident that wasn’t their fault — seeking assistance from an experienced car accident attorney can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. To see how our law firm can help you, contact us today for a free consultation.

TxDOT to Move Forward with I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project

Houston Texas Skyline

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) have signed a Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA) to address the FHWA Title VI investigation of the I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP), which in turn lifted FHWA’s pause on the project.

According to a March press release by the FHWA, the actions in the VRA will be performed in addition to and/or in compliance with the mitigation actions already committed to by TxDOT, as contained within the Record of Decision (ROD), including:

  • Twice Annual Public Meetings through Design and Construction;
  • Mitigating Displacements, Relocations, Housing, and Other Community Impacts;
  • Drainage Improvements to Reduce Flooding;
  • Parks, Open Space, Trails, Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities;
  • Community Access During Construction;
  • Highway “Footprint” Reduction;
  • Structural Highway Caps;
  • Air Quality Mitigation; and
  • Meaningful Access for Persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).

“This agreement moves forward an important project, responds to community concerns, and improves the North Houston Highway Improvement Project in ways that will make a real difference in people’s lives,” Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt said in the press release. “Through this agreement the community will have a greater voice in the design and throughout the project’s life cycle. We have lifted the pause, and with FHWA oversight, TXDOT may proceed with design and construction.”

What is the 1-45 project in Houston?

The I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP), with a price tag of $9 billion, aims to completely reconstruct the interstate between downtown Houston and the North Sam Houston Tollway to meet federal safety standards and enhance mobility. The project will not only improve safety but also increase transportation options through the addition of four non-tolled managed lanes.

Furthermore, bicycle and pedestrian features along frontage roads, cross streets, and trails parallel to bayous within the right of way will provide increased mobility for non-motorized forms of transportation. The project will also incorporate detention ponds, pump stations, and other flood mitigation tools to combat Houston’s notorious flooding issues.

The project will also have a positive environmental impact through less congested traffic and reduced idling cars, among other mitigation measures. Overall, the NHHIP is a comprehensive infrastructure project that will modernize one of Houston’s major thoroughfares and improve both safety and mobility.

“This portion of I-45 was built in stages in the 1950s and 1960s and the design remained essentially the same while the area population has doubled,” TxDOT executive director Marc Williams said in the press release. “The reconstruction of I-45 will address mobility needs for people and freight, while also improving safety and a number of environmental mitigations that include critical measures to improve storm water drainage. Considering the recently executed agreements with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County, and now the FHWA, we are excited to get this critical infrastructure project moving with our partnering agencies.”

Car accident attorneys fighting for Houston’s injured

I-45 is among the deadliest highways in Texas, so any improvements are crucial for public safety. However, the proposed improvements under the NHHIP have been hotly debated, with concerns raised about their potential negative impact on the surrounding community. Despite the controversy, the need for increased safety and mobility on I-45 cannot be overstated.

Unfortunately, only so much can be done to prevent serious and fatal car accidents on I-45. Remember, it only takes one careless driver to cause a crash with devastating consequences for those involved.

If you were injured or a loved one died in a serious crash on I-45 or any other highway in Texas, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced car accident lawyer. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of seeking justice and financial compensation for any injuries or damages you may have suffered.

At Smith & Hassler, our Houston car accident attorneys can help you navigate the complex legal system and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve under Texas law. To learn more about how our law firm can help you, contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Houston’s Most Dangerous Road to Receive $28 Million Upgrade

Car speeding at night in city

The federal grant is the largest grant any city received in Texas.

The City of Houston has announced a major overhaul to one of its most dangerous roadways, as the federal government has pledged $28.7 million to enhance safety measures on a seven-mile stretch of Bissonnet Street, according to Chron.com.

The project, which will focus on the stretch of Bissonnet between S. Dairy Ashford Road and Hillcroft Avenue, aims to reduce the number of fatal accidents on the roadway, which city data shows has a higher death toll than any other street in Houston.

Houston is among 510 communities nationwide to receive funding for safety improvements through “Safe Streets and Roads for All,” a federal grant program announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) that awarded a total of $800 million in grants.

“The project will help reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries along the corridor, which travels directly through the underserved communities of Alief-Westwood, Gulfton, and Braeburn,” DOT officials wrote in the project’s description.

Upgrades are a welcome change.

The advocacy group LINK Houston, which advocates for equitable transportation access, has welcomed the much-anticipated safety improvements. LINK Houston has long been pushing for a robust and equitable transportation network and has named the intersection one of the city’s most dangerous (No. 8 on the organization’s priority list).

“It’s about time,” LINK Houston’s Gabe Cazares said. “It’s about time that every level of government use every resource available to them to make sure people stop dying on Texas roads.”

The initiative aligns with the city’s “Vision Zero” mission and aims to reduce traffic accidents and improve safety for motorists and pedestrians along Bissonnet Street. This particular stretch of road, which is part of Houston’s High Injury Network, has seen a disproportionate number of fatal crashes and serious injury incidents compared to other city-owned streets.

According to ABC 13, upgrades to the stretch of road are scheduled to begin in 2025 and are set to be completed by 2028. The revamp will feature wider sidewalks, multi-use paths, new traffic signals, and pedestrian crossings designed to lower dangerous speeds. The new design will aim to create a safer and more accessible environment for all street users.

Bissonnet Corridor Fatal and Serious Injury Crash Statistics (2014-2021)

According to data published in the Bissonnet Corridor Safe Streets Project application, from 2014 to 2021, there were 19 fatalities and 149 severe injuries due to crashes on the Bissonnet Corridor. Of those 19 deaths, 11 were pedestrians, and 8 were classified as motorists (drivers, passengers, motorcyclists).

For serious injuries, there were 111 suffered by motorists, 35 by pedestrians, and 3 by bicyclists.

With a fatality and serious injury crash rate of more than 18 per mile over the eight years of analyzed data, this stretch of road affects a significant portion of the city’s population. Over 135,286 residents, or 6% of Houston’s total population, live along Bissonnet Street. In addition to these residents, the area is home to 19 schools and over 25,000 workers.

The grant application states that commuting along Bissonnet Street is especially challenging for those who rely on walking, biking, or public transit, with 8% of commuters using these modes of transportation. The #65-Bissonnet bus route, which carries an average daily ridership of 4,055 people, is one of METRO’s busiest and most important routes, and it is slated to be upgraded as part of the Safe Streets Project.

The project’s overall goal is to make Bissonnet Street safer for all who live, work, and travel along it.

Contact a Houston car accident lawyer if you’ve been injured.

In the aftermath of a crash, your focus should be on your recovery, not navigating the often-complex claims process. With this in mind, it is crucial to have an advocate who understands the ins and outs of securing full compensation for damages sustained.

At Smith & Hassler, Attorneys At Law, our car accident attorneys possess the knowledge and experience to manage all the details of your claim, allowing you to focus solely on your recovery. Whether a resolution is reached through a settlement or a jury verdict, our team is committed to pursuing the maximum possible recovery on your behalf.

To learn how an experienced Houston car accident lawyer can help you, contact us today for a free case evaluation.

How to pursue a claim after a rear-end car accident

Rear-end collision

Even though rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident, no one ever expects to get rear-ended and injured. Rear-end crashes are almost always the result of negligence and typically occur at intersections, stop signs, and during traffic jams. This usually makes establishing fault very easy. For example, if you were hit from behind by another driver while you were legally stopped at a red light, the other driver is almost certainly at fault. The driver who hit you could have been texting, speeding, or driving while impaired.

While establishing fault in a rear-end crash usually isn’t difficult, dealing with the at fault driver’s insurance company and getting appropriate compensation for your injuries is a different ballgame. That’s why it’s important that you consult with an experienced attorney who can gather the facts, build your case, and advocate for your best interests.

Linking your rear-end collision to your injury

Rear-end accidents often cause injuries that require medical treatment, even when they occur at low speeds. The most common injury linked to this type of crash is whiplash, which occurs when the victim’s head jerks back-and-forth in a rapid, whip-like motion, causing the soft tissue in the neck to become overstretched and damaged.

People who sustain whiplash in a rear-end collision often don’t realize that they’re injured until days later. Common symptoms include neck pain and stiffness; loss of neck mobility; tenderness in the shoulders, upper back, and arms; tingling in the arms and hands; fatigue; dizziness and vertigo; difficulty focusing; and difficulty sleeping.

If you did not experience these symptoms prior to your accident, your attorney can help prove that your condition was a result of the crash. This is why it’s critical that you see a doctor as soon as possible to get a proper medical evaluation and diagnosis. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the easier it will be for the insurance company to argue that your injury isn’t that serious.

Whiplash is typically treated with heat and cold applied to the neck, pain medication, and rest. It can take several months to make a full recovery. During that time, you may have to avoid working and engaging in certain physical activities. In high-speed rear-end collisions, it’s possible for crash victims to sustain traumatic brain injury, broken bones, lacerations, serious spinal injuries, and damage to internal organs.

Gathering the evidence

Before your attorney negotiates a settlement with the insurance company, your accident should be investigated. Even when it’s clear who caused the crash, the other driver’s insurance company may try to place some of the blame on you so that they can offer you less in compensation. They may even attempt to blame the weather or roadway conditions for the crash rather than the actions of the other driver.

Furthermore, Texas is an “at-fault” or “tort” state. That means a burden of proof of negligence exists when litigating your case. Through an in-depth investigation, your attorney can find evidence to prove the other driver’s negligence caused the crash. Evidence can be gathered by:

  • Interviewing witnesses and asking them what they saw.
  • Obtaining electronic records from the other driver’s cellphone company.
  • Measuring the tire marks in the road (or lack of tire marks) to determine how fast the other driver was traveling.
  • Obtaining video footage from surveillance cameras or witness dashcams, if possible.
  • Getting a copy of the official police accident report.

Your attorney will also need to calculate the total cost of all your accident-related losses, including but not limited to:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages if you can’t work
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering

Contact our Houston lawyers if you were hurt in a rear-end crash

The car accident attorneys at Smith & Hassler have more than 30 years of experience fighting for injured crash victims throughout the greater Houston area. Our passionate and professional legal team is committed to helping victims and their families recover every penny owed to them in compensation. If you were hurt in an accident, contact our law firm online or call us today for a free and confidential case evaluation.