Houston Personal Injury Attorneys – Smith & Hassler

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Reckless drivers rarely ever use caution on Texas roads, and it’s the good, responsible drivers who often pay the price when serious crashes occur. Thousands of people are killed in crashes across Texas each year, because of reckless drivers. Several thousands more suffer serious injuries.

We have all seen these drivers zipping down the highway, weaving through traffic, or engaging in grossly negligent behavior at some point. It’s not hard to spot these drivers on the road with enough attentiveness and awareness. While you can stay safe by keeping a safe distance from them, a crash could be unavoidable.

Common reckless driving behaviors

Knowing which drivers to keep your distance from isn’t difficult. All it takes is to be aware of the following actions and keep your distance when you see them:

• Driving too fast when road conditions are unsafe: Whether it’s during a traffic jam, roadside construction, a rainstorm, or other hazardous conditions, reckless drivers often drive at speeds that are not safe and prudent.
• Disregarding the safety and rights of other road users: All drivers are expected to give others on the road the right-of-way. Failure to do so can lead to a serious crash and injure or kill others on the road. Not only do reckless drivers often refuse to yield the right-of-way, they too often ignore the rights of bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians and treat them as a nuisance.
• Failing to obey traffic laws: When some drivers are in a rush, they may deliberately blow through red lights or stop signs. They may also make illegal turns or travel well above the posted speed limit.
• Alcohol-impaired driving: Alcohol causes impaired judgment, decreased reaction time, and decline in physical and cognitive control. The degree of impairment depends on a driver’s blood alcohol concentration, which at 0.08 percent is illegal.
• Using a mobile phone while driving: Distracted driving has been one of the main causes of serious and fatal crashes across Texas and the United States. In 2018, 2,841 people died in crashes nationwide due to distracted driving.

What should I do if I was injured?

If you or a loved one was injured by a reckless driver, the Texas car accident attorneys at Smith & Hassler, Attorneys At Law can help you pursue a claim against the at fault driver and his or her insurance company.

Our legal team is committed to helping injured motorists recover medical bills, lost income, and other damage accrued from your crash. To learn about how we can help you maximize your compensation, contact us online and schedule your free case evaluation. We serve clients in the greater Houston area.

Feeling tired behind the wheel is something we can all relate to. Most drivers have felt heavy eyelids and struggled to stay awake at some point in their lives.

Some people are more prone to drowsy driving than others. These people usually include commercial truck drivers, business travelers, night-shift workers, parents of young children, people who take sedative medications, and people with undiagnosed and untreated sleep disorders.

For everyone else, drowsy driving can happen after a night of inadequate sleep or a long driving trip. One study that was conducted in 2000 found that staying awake for 17-19 hours within any given night can have a similar effect to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 percent.

A BAC of 0.05 percent is considered “buzzed driving.” Think about how of great of a chance buzzed drivers have of being involved in a crash in comparison to sober drivers. The likelihood of being involved in a crash is also high among drivers who don’t get enough sleep.

Long-term drowsy driving safety tips

Lack of sleep can be especially problematic when embarking on a long driving trip. BMW’s Changing Lanes podcast discusses the factors that can lead to drowsy driving and the many ways it can be prevented on long driving trips.

Here are some long-term prevention tips shared on the podcast:

• Be sure to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep before driving on a long trip.
• Be aware of the warning signs of drowsy driving. These often include frequent yawning, frequent blinking, heavy eyelids, poor concentration, wandering thoughts, memory loss, restlessness and difficulty staying within the lines of the road.
• Take 20-minute naps every four hours in a parking lot or rest stop.
• Avoid driving between 2-5 a.m. and between 1-3 p.m., when the body is naturally programmed to sleep.
• Take frequent breaks by getting out, walking around and getting fresh air.
• Avoid driving on an empty stomach or after eating too much.
• Stay hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before or during a long trip, as this can induce drowsiness.
• Listen to music or have a conversation with a passenger to stay mentally active.
• Avoid taking certain medications that can cause drowsiness before a long trip.

Short-term fixes to stay awake

For drivers who may be experiencing drowsiness, but only need to stay awake for a short amount of time, the podcast offers these short-term fixes:

• Consume sugar or caffeine for a temporary energy boost, but never rely on this method to stay awake.
• Roll down the window for a short boost of oxygen, which can temporarily increase alertness.
• Chew on gum to temporarily increase blood flow to the brain.
• Listen to loud music to stay mentally engaged temporarily.

What should I do if I was injured in a drowsy driving car accident?

If you were hurt in a drowsy driving crash, you may be overwhelmed with high medical bills. In addition, you may be dealing with the emotional and financial devastation of not being able to work or engage in certain activities.

That’s why it’s important that you speak to an experienced Texas car accident attorney who can help you rebuild your life after a crash. Smith & Hassler Attorneys At Law can fight to help you recover all economic and non-economic damages owed to you. We have been serving crash victims in the Houston area since 1989. To schedule your free case evaluation, contact our law firm online.

In Houston and throughout Texas, car accidents are a frequent occurrence. People’s lives can be changed in an instant. They are seriously injured and need medical treatment. They may not be able to work or take part in their usual activities. The medical expenses add up quickly and they are left to fight with the insurance companies over compensation.

Why do car accidents happen? Most of the time, they are caused by negligent drivers practicing dangerous driving habits.

Distracted Driving

Texting while driving is against the law in Texas, but that hasn’t stopped many people from doing it. There are other types of distracted driving, too. Some drivers talk on the phone or read social media posts. Others adjust dashboard controls or use a GPS while driving. There are some drivers who don’t see a problem with eating or drinking while on the road.

The problem is that engaging in these or other activities while driving takes the driver’s eyes off the road. It may only be for a few seconds, but that is more than enough time for a driver to fail to see a car stopping suddenly, or a car pulling in front of them.

Speeding

We’ve all seen drivers going way too fast – on the highway, on streets and on back roads. Whether the speed limit is 75 mph or 35 mph, exceeding that limit can easily lead to a crash.

The speed limits are set for a reason. Those are the top speeds at which a vehicle can be driven safely. Traffic conditions can change quickly, and drivers need to be able to respond. Driving above the speed limit makes it more difficult to control a vehicle, making it much harder to avoid a collision if a driver needs to quickly slow down or come to a complete stop.

Reckless Driving

There are many drivers who seem to think that state driving laws don’t apply to them. These are the drivers who weave in and out of traffic on the highway. They pass other cars on the wrong side of the road or suddenly change lanes without signaling. They speed up to try to beat the light. If there’s heavy rain, they don’t even think about slowing down. Then there are the tailgaters who are following much too closely. These are all dangerous driving behaviors that put others at risk.

Driving Under the Influence

Too many people still think they’re OK to drive after having a few drinks. Alcohol, prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines and illegal drugs can all have powerful effects. They can reduce the ability to focus, negatively affect judgment and slow reaction times. Driving under the influence of any of these substances greatly increases the risk of a crash.

Fatigued Driving

This can happen when drivers don’t get enough sleep or spend long hours on the road. A driver who is fatigued is not fully alert and may be slow to recognize and respond to changes in traffic conditions. Fatigue also slows reaction time, making it more difficult for a driver to prevent a crash with another car.

Since 1989, Smith & Hassler has been fighting for the rights of people injured in car accidents caused by negligent drivers. If you’ve been injured in the Houston area, contact us to schedule a free consultation.

Everybody knows that busy intersections can be dangerous places for pedestrians and bicyclists. One negligent driver can cause an accident that leaves someone seriously hurt. LINK Houston, a non-profit organization that advocates for transportation options for underserved communities, set out to answer one question.

What are the 10 most dangerous intersections for people walking or biking in Houston?

LINK Houston analyzed 12,707 crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists that occurred in the Houston area from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017, using data from the TxDOT Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

So what did they find?

The 10 Most Dangerous Intersections in Houston

• Fannin & Pierce (Downtown, near Midtown)
• Ranchester & Bellaire (Sharpstown)
• Westheimer & S Dairy Ashford (Eldridge West Oaks/Briar Forest)
• Long Point & Gessner (Spring Branch West)
• Westpark Dr & US 59 South (Gulfton/Mid-West/Sharpstown)
• Old Spanish Trail & 288 South (AstroDome Area)
• Fondren & West Bellfort (Greater Fondren Southwest)
• Bissonnet & Wilcrest (Alief)
• West & Airline (Greater Greenspoint)
• Bellaire & S Gessner (Sharpstown)

The study found that during the time period analyzed, there were seven crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists each day on average. There were 618 fatalities and 1,634 people seriously injured.

What types of car accidents happen at intersections?

Houston intersections see countless cars traveling in several different directions every day. Not surprisingly, they are also the location of many car accidents in Houston. One of the most common types are T-bone accidents. The front of one car crashes into the side of another, creating the shape of the letter “T.” They often happen when one car is making a turn.

Other types of car accidents happen at intersections, too. They include:

• Rear-end accidents – The front of one car crashes into the back of another.
• Head-on collisions – One car veers into another lane and crashes head-on into an oncoming car.
• Multi-vehicle accidents – There is a chain reaction of crashes at intersection involving multiple drivers.

It only takes one negligent driver to cause an intersection accident that injures a pedestrian or bicyclist – or another driver or passenger. Common causes of intersection accidents include speeding, distracted driving (such as texting), reckless driving, fatigued driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

What types of injuries happen in intersection accidents?

People involved in intersection accidents can suffer broken bones or injuries to the head, neck or back. In more serious cases, they can suffer traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury. Medical treatment may involve surgery, hospitalization, medication and physical therapy.

Pedestrians and bicyclists are at greater risk of suffering severe injuries because they have no protection in a crash. As a result, recovery from their injuries may take months or even longer. They may even be left with a permanent disability, and medical expenses can quickly add up.

If you were injured in a Houston intersection accident, it’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights. Smith & Hassler, Attorneys at Law have been serving the injured in Houston since 1989. We have the experience and resources to fight back against insurance companies and get results. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.

The good news: Drunk driving deaths in 2018 were at their lowest rate – 29 percent – since the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration began compiling the data in 1982. The bad news: A fatality still happens once every 50 minutes, which is about 29 a day.

A report on the subject, “High-Risk Impaired Drivers: Combating a Critical Threat,” recently was released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Responsibility.org, a liquor industry drunk driving prevention group. It says offenders lack self-control while meeting at least one of the following criteria:

• Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent or higher. These drivers were involved in 60 percent of impaired fatalities in 2018.
• Driving under the influence of both drugs and alcohol. The number of these drivers has climbed 16 percent in the past 10 years.
• Having more than one previous DUI arrest. Repeat offenders are involved in about one-third of impaired fatalities each year.

Fines and jail terms not enough

Obviously, offenders need to be punished, particularly if they cause damage, injuries and, at worst, fatalities. In addition to fines and jail time, the study calls for “individualized justice,” which criminal justice experts say is more efficient at deterring bad behavior.

The key, the study says, is treating underlying issues that plague impaired drivers. That means screening, assessment and testing drivers for drugs besides alcohol. Currently, they believe, many drivers escape detection because they are not tested.

“Right now, our approach is to catch, convict and punish the high-risk impaired drivers and then release them. It’s a cookie-cutter approach that doesn’t treat the underlying problem,” said Chris Swonger, CEO of Responsibility.org. “Instead, we need to identify the root cause of each individual’s behavior and then determine what treatment, along with sanctions, should be administered so that we break this cycle and prevent impaired driving deaths.”

Victims should not have to pay, too

Treating people with substance abuse problems is a noble endeavor. It doesn’t help you, however, if you are the victim of a drunk driver. While the offender is getting help for their addiction, you may be injured, out of work and unable to support your family. The bills are piling up while an insurance company, knowing your financial situation, tempts you with a settlement that does not come close to meeting your short- or long-term needs.

You need an advocate, too. The car accident lawyers at Smith & Hassler have been handling cases just like yours in the Houston area since 1989. We will aggressively pursue justice for you and your family. Contact our Houston firm today for a free case consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.