What Are The Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents?
Auto accidents are a leading cause of injury and death across Texas and the United States, resulting in serious injuries, devastating loss, and major economic impact for families every year. While accidents may seem random, most crashes are preventable and trace back to identifiable negligent actions or unsafe conditions on the road. Understanding the most common causes of car crashes is not only essential for your safety but may also play a pivotal role in the success of a personal injury claim if you or someone you love is hurt. At Machi & Associates, P.C., Arlington’s most trusted car accident law firm, we know how to investigate, litigate, and recover maximum compensation for victims of all types of auto accidents.
Top Causes of Car Accidents in Texas
While countless factors can contribute to a collision, certain driver behaviors, road conditions, and mechanical failures are consistently at the root of most serious crashes:
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving now rivals—and often surpasses—drunk driving as the leading cause of accidents on Texas highways. Common distractions include:
- Texting, scrolling, or typing on a phone
- Talking on the phone, even hands-free
- Eating, drinking, or grooming behind the wheel
- Passengers, especially young children
- Adjusting audio, GPS, or other dashboard technologies
- Daydreaming or “lost in thought”
It only takes a moment’s distraction to miss a stop sign, fail to brake in time, or drift into another lane. Texas law bans texting while driving—and after recent legislation, law enforcement cracks down harder than ever. If you were hit by a distracted driver, Machi & Associates, P.C. will fight aggressively to obtain cellphone records, witness testimony, and evidence from the crash scene to prove negligence and maximize your claim.
2. Drunk or Drugged Driving (DWI)
Impaired drivers continue to cause catastrophic accidents, especially in late-night and early morning hours. Alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, and even some over-the-counter medications can slow reaction times, impair judgment, and increase reckless driving behavior. If your accident involved intoxication or DWI, you may have additional claims—such as punitive damages or a “dram shop” action (against a bar or restaurant that overserved the at-fault driver).
Drunk driving accidents often result in higher settlements and verdicts, as Texas juries and insurers take a hard stance against this reckless behavior. Machi & Associates, P.C. has secured significant compensation for Arlington DWI accident victims, holding not only the driver but sometimes third parties accountable.
3. Speeding and Reckless Driving
Driving above the speed limit is a factor in one-third of all car crash fatalities in Texas. But “unsafe speed” isn’t limited to exceeding posted limits. Any time a driver fails to adjust speed for weather, traffic, construction, pedestrians, or poor visibility, they can be found negligent. Other reckless behaviors—such as weaving in traffic, aggressive tailgating, running red lights, or illegal passing—also increase the risk of severe injury.
High-speed crashes cause more serious injuries—fractures, brain trauma, paralysis, or death—due to the greater force of impact. Our firm works with crash scene investigators and accident reconstruction experts to establish how speeding led to your accident and to demonstrate the full extent of the at-fault party’s liability.
4. Inclement Weather and Poor Road Conditions
Texas drivers face unique weather hazards, from sudden thunderstorms and flash flooding to ice patches, fog, or intense heat. Heavy rain can cause hydroplaning, while ice and snow drastically reduce braking performance. Road conditions—such as potholes, loose gravel, or poor maintenance—can also contribute, sometimes making a road authority partially responsible.
If weather or roadway damage was a factor in your crash, Machi & Associates, P.C. can determine whether a government entity, contractor, or another third party shares fault with the other driver, increasing your compensation options.
5. Fatigued or Drowsy Driving
Tired drivers are dangerous drivers. Truck drivers, shift workers, and commuters working long hours may have slower reflexes, poor decision-making, and struggle to stay awake—making them as risky as intoxicated drivers. Drowsy driving is a frequent cause of highway and commercial vehicle accidents.
6. Failure to Follow Traffic Laws and Aggressive Driving
Failure to yield, making improper lane changes, running stop signs or signals, and disregarding right-of-way rules often leads to preventable collisions. Aggressive drivers who tailgate, honk, or attempt to “punish” other drivers contribute to crashes involving multiple vehicles and sometimes road rage incidents.
Machi & Associates, P.C. investigates the traffic citations, witness statements, dashcam footage, and police reports necessary to hold rule-breaking drivers accountable for your injuries.
7. Driver Inexperience and Elderly Drivers
Teen and inexperienced drivers are more likely to make risky decisions, underestimate hazards, or be distracted by passengers or devices. Likewise, elderly drivers may have slower reaction times or vision challenges. If a crash was caused by a driver whose age or inexperience was a factor, careful legal strategy can help determine liability and insurance responsibility.
Vehicle Defects, Recalls, and Third-Party Liability
Not all accidents are solely the result of negligence on the part of another driver. Sometimes a crash is caused or made worse by:
- Defective brakes, tires, airbags, or seat belts
- Steering or acceleration failures
- Vehicle rollovers due to a flawed design
- Manufacturing defects or faulty components under recall
- Poor vehicle maintenance by a rental agency or service provider
When faulty vehicles or defective parts cause harm, an experienced team like Machi & Associates, P.C. evaluates all avenues for recovering from automobile manufacturers, suppliers, or maintenance companies. Combining personal injury law and product liability expertise, we can help you hold every responsible party accountable and substantially increase your claim’s value.
Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Motorcycle Accidents
Drivers must also be vigilant about pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycles sharing the road. Failing to yield in crosswalks, speeding through school zones, drifting into bike lanes, or turning without checking for a motorcycle can all have deadly consequences. Texas law offers specific protections for vulnerable road users. If your accident involves a non-motorist, Machi & Associates, P.C. has the experience to pursue the at-fault driver and resolve complex insurance questions.
Determining Liability and Building a Winning Claim
After any auto accident, proving what caused the crash and who was at fault is the foundation for any compensation claim. Machi & Associates, P.C. pursues all relevant evidence:
- Police and accident investigation reports
- Surveillance footage, dashcam or cell phone video
- Witness interviews and statements
- Black box or event data recorder information
- Cell phone records (to show distraction)
- Medical records and expert testimony
- Repair estimates, photos, and crash site investigations
We are diligent in recording all economic damages (medical bills, property damage, lost income) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, future care needs) to ensure no aspect of your financial recovery is overlooked.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Texas?
- Ensure Safety First: If possible, get vehicles out of traffic, turn on hazards, and check everyone for injuries. Call 911 for emergency help if needed.
- Call Law Enforcement: Always file a police report, regardless of the severity. It is vital for insurance and legal claims.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, license plates, vehicle damage, road conditions, and physical injuries. Exchange information with all involved parties and collect witness names if possible.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor to rule out hidden injuries. Waiting too long can hurt both your health and legal case.
- Do Not Admit Fault or Make Detailed Statements: Speak to police honestly but avoid speculating or accepting blame—those comments can later be used against you.
- Contact a Trusted Car Accident Attorney: Before speaking with insurance companies or accepting a settlement, contact Machi & Associates, P.C.. Our attorneys will protect your rights from day one.
How Can Machi & Associates, P.C. Help After a Car Accident?
Choosing the right law firm is crucial for getting the compensation you deserve. As Arlington's premier car accident and personal injury law office, Machi & Associates, P.C. delivers:
- Free, no-obligation consultations—online or in-person
- No fee unless we recover money for you
- Decades of litigation success and local experience
- Immediate help with medical treatment, bill negotiation, and lost wage documentation
- Aggressive pursuit of all liable parties and insurance companies
- Personalized, compassionate service tailored to your family’s needs
- Clear explanation of your rights and Texas car accident laws
Insurance adjusters will often try to minimize their payout, shift blame, or offer quick, low settlements. With Machi & Associates, P.C. on your side, you'll have an experienced advocate ready to fight for your full and fair financial recovery.
Common Defenses Used by At-Fault Drivers and Insurers
Defendants and their insurance representatives may attempt to:
- Blame you for causing or contributing to the crash (contributory or comparative negligence)
- Argue an "Act of God" or sudden medical emergency defense
- Suspend or deny your insurance claim, citing gaps in the evidence
- Claim a pre-existing condition was to blame for your injury, not the accident
- Allege mechanical issues or poor maintenance on your end caused the collision
Machi & Associates, P.C. has successfully refuted these tactics for years, using comprehensive case preparation and expert analysis to build strong, winning arguments.
How Texas Comparative Fault Rules Affect Your Compensation
Texas applies a “modified comparative fault” standard. This means you can recover money as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the crash. However, your award will be reduced by your share of the fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. This makes effective investigation, legal strategy, and evidence presentation absolutely crucial—areas where Machi & Associates, P.C. excels.
Insurance Requirements and Uninsured Drivers in Texas
Texas requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but not everyone follows the law. Hit-and-runs or accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers complicate claims. Machi & Associates, P.C. will review all available options, including using your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or holding additional parties accountable, to maximize your recovery.
When Car Accidents Create Financial Hardship
In some tragic cases, catastrophic injuries, medical debt, and lost income from a severe crash can threaten your overall financial stability. In such situations, Machi & Associates, P.C. does more than fight your injury case: we also advise on options like bankruptcy relief in Texas to protect your assets and give you a fresh start, if needed.
Other Types of Accidents and Related Claims
Our experience isn’t limited to car, truck, and rideshare accidents. The team at Machi & Associates, P.C. is recognized as Arlington’s most trusted law office for:
- Motorcycle and bicycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Commercial vehicle and 18-wheeler wrecks
- Slip and fall (premises liability) cases—see our complete personal injury law page
- Defective product claims (product liability)
- Wrongful death actions
No matter what caused your injury, we provide aggressive representation and compassionate service to every client we serve.
Contact the Most Trusted Car Accident and Personal Injury Law Office in Arlington, Texas
When serious injury or devastation occurs due to an auto accident, you need a local advocate who knows Texas law, understands the insurance landscape, and never settles for less than you deserve. Machi & Associates, P.C. is that advocate. We are here to help you and your family after any accident, empowering you with the legal knowledge, support, and resources to rebuild your life.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a car crash, don’t wait—contact Machi & Associates, P.C. for a free consultation today and take the first step toward justice, financial stability, and peace of mind.
