Every time you get behind the wheel in Texas, you’re sharing the road with millions of other drivers—and the statistics prove just how dangerous that can be. In 2024, not a single day passed without a car accident-related death. That’s 365 consecutive days where at least one person lost their life on the road. In the event, a family member passed due to a car accident, reach out to our wrongful death attorneys in McAllen.
Whether you are commuting to work, running errands, or taking a road trip, car accidents can happen to anyone, at any time. When they do, knowing the facts and understanding your rights becomes key to protecting yourself and your family.
Texas Car Accident Statistics for 2024
According to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2024 Traffic Crash Facts report, someone was killed in a car accident every 2 hours and 7 minutes. Every 2 minutes and 5 seconds, someone was injured, and every 57 seconds, a reportable crash occurred.
In 2024, 4,150 people died in Texas car accidents. This is a 3.29% decrease from 2023’s total of 4,291 deaths. The fatality rate amounts to 1.35 deaths per hundred million vehicle miles traveled.
Rural areas proved particularly deadly, accounting for 2,080 deaths—just over half of all traffic fatalities in Texas. Additionally, seat belt usage—or lack thereof—played a critical role in survival rates. Among cases where restraint usage was known and applicable, 45.34% of fatalities involved unrestrained occupants.
The state recorded 14,905 crashes that resulted in serious injuries, affecting 18,218 people. When you expand the scope to include all injury levels, a staggering 251,977 people were injured in crashes throughout the year.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Texas
Many factors contribute to car accidents in Texas, such as:
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol-related crashes claimed 1,053 lives in 2024, representing 25.37% of all traffic fatalities. When drivers choose to operate vehicles while impaired, they put everyone on the road at risk.
- Distracted Driving: Taking your eyes, mind, or hands off the act of driving can lead to serious consequences, whether you are checking your phone or arguing with a passenger. In Texas, distracted driving contributed to 380 deaths during 2024.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes when they occur, making it one of the most consistent contributors to serious and fatal accidents.
- Failure to Yield: Many crashes happen at intersections and merge points where drivers fail to properly yield the right-of-way to other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersection-related accidents claimed 1,050 lives in 2024.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Texas Car Crash
If you are involved in a car accident in Texas, call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. If you are physically able, document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver but avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be used against you later.
Seek medical attention promptly—even if you feel fine—to treat and document your injuries. Finally, contact a McAllen car accident attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters, as early legal guidance can protect your rights and maximize your potential compensation. Schedule a free legal consultation right away to discuss your next steps.
