Texas highways experience a lot of accidents every year, mainly because of the risks and hazards on these roads. It has been proven impossible to eliminate, predict, or prevent all types of hazards that lead to accidents, which means they continue to affect families and communities.
However, driver error plays a role, and mechanical failure can cause a severe highway accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) report that human error and mechanical problems remain two of the most common causes of highway accidents.
Mechanical Failures On Texas Highways
A mechanical failure happens when part of a vehicle does not work as it should. For example, you may drive down a highway, and your car’s tire bursts. Or, you could be driving at high speed only to be unable to stop because of a brake failure.
TxDOT and NHTSA data show a significant number of crashes in Texas involve defects like these. And even though these defects may cause a smaller number of crashes compared to distracted or drunk driving, they can still prove deadly.
Driver Errors On Texas Roads
A driver can make a mistake while driving on a highway in several ways. Sometimes, you do not consider how dangerous something can be until an accident happens. There are lots of examples of driver error.
- You may be late for a meeting, so you answer your phone while driving. Holding the phone in your hand can lead to distraction and a devastating accident. You may decide to run a red light, only to crash into a car you did not see.
- You may be fatigued due to a late night, which can lower your reaction time. When you do not react to hazards quickly enough, it can result in a severe accident.
- You could make the mistake of driving while under the influence. This endangers not only your life but that of others on the road.
Driver Errors And Mechanical Failures May Interact
Mechanical failures and driver errors are not always two separate issues. You may lose control of your car if it has a defect you did not know about. For instance, if your car’s brakes are worn, you could crash your car if you drive too fast.
In this instance, the worn brakes are the mechanical failure, and your speeding is the driver error.
Remember that if you cause an accident by speeding, you can be liable for injuries and losses. If the accident happens because of speeding and a mechanical failure, the liability may be shared depending on what caused the failure.
Maintenance And Safe Driving Should Be Supreme Of Mind
Regular vehicle maintenance can lower the risk of mechanical failure while driving on a Texas highway. Having your tires, brakes, lights, and other car components checked and replaced regularly is important.
At the same time, you must practice safe driving habits. There is growing concern over the accident rate in Texas. Drivers seem to believe the rules and laws don’t apply to them.
Do not be one of these drivers. There are rules and traffic regulations for a reason.
You should try to avoid distractions at all costs. Never drive if you are under the influence of alcohol. Always stick to the speed limits on highways and other roads.
If every driver did their part, it would significantly reduce the crash rates on Texas roads.
What If You Are Not To Blame?
So, what happens if you do everything right but are in an accident because of someone else’s negligence? Another driver may not maintain their vehicle, resulting in a mechanical failure and an accident. Or, they may be fatigued and distracted and crash into your car.
If you are involved in such an accident, you must take the following steps:
Stop Your Vehicle And Try To Stay Calm
Car accidents usually come out of nowhere and can be a terrifying experience. If someone crashes into you, try to stop your car from spinning out of control. When your car comes to a stop, take a few moments to compose yourself.
Do your best to stay calm. It won’t benefit you or the situation to become angry, aggressive, or hysterical.
Check For Injuries
Inspect yourself and your passengers for injuries. If you can get out of your car, check on the driver and passengers of the other car. Call for emergency services even if you cannot see obvious injuries.
When you call 911, tell the operator where you are and give them a brief description of the accident. Even if the accident is minor, you or the operator should report it to the police. This is essential for insurance and legal reasons.
Take Photos Of The Scene
While waiting for help to arrive, use your phone to take photos of the scene and vehicle damage. If there is a mechanical issue, try to get photos highlighting it.
Make notes on your phone while the accident is still fresh in your memory. Also, ask bystanders whether they can provide you with a statement.
The more information you gather, the clearer it is whether driver error or mechanical failure caused the accident.
Exchange Information
While at the scene, you should exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Do this without blaming the driver for the accident or discussing fault.
If the driver refuses to give you any information, note their license plate number and give it to the police.
Get Medical Attention
You should also get medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. You will need medical reports to file a personal injury claim against the other driver’s insurance company.
Get the Police Report
Remember that you must also get a copy of the police report created at the scene. When you get this report, ensure it contains the correct details about the accident, including obvious mechanical failure or driver error.
It Is Always Wise To Consult A Lawyer
Let a lawyer guide you through the legal process if you want to file a personal injury claim. Your lawyer will review all your evidence and gather more relevant ones to support your case. He or she will also investigate the accident to determine the main cause.
Working with a lawyer also gives you the best chance of compensation for your losses.
Our super author here at Famous Parenting and an absolute wealth of knowledge. She has studied many topics including creative writing, psychology and journalism but her real passion lies in raising her 3 children. Between working from home, homeschooling her youngest 2 children and navigating the world of teenagers she is a guru for parents.
