According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), a 16% increase in speed-related crashes on Texas roads last year was responsible for one in three traffic fatalities.
Speeding was a factor in more than 163,000 car accidents that resulted in 1,532 fatalities and 6,493 serious injuries. Tragically, the vehicle collisions involving speed last year — and every year from now on — could be prevented.
Here, we discuss why speeding significantly affects car accidents, injuries, and fatalities throughout Texas.
Speeding Increases the Severity of Injuries During Texas Car Accidents
While fatal speeding numbers speak for themselves, those who survive collisions caused by negligent, speeding drivers often suffer significant injuries that could have also been prevented.
Here’s why:
Reduced Reaction Time
Speeding reduces the time a driver has to react to a potential hazard or to apply the brakes. This means that at higher speeds, a driver has less time to perceive danger, decide on a course of action, and execute that action. Reduced reaction time can result in more severe collisions.
Increased Stopping Distance
Higher speeds lead to increased stopping distances. If a driver needs to stop suddenly, in an emergency, the vehicle will travel a greater distance before coming to a complete stop. This can result in more severe collisions with other vehicles, objects, or pedestrians.
Increased Impact Force
The force of a collision is directly related to the speed at which the vehicles involved are traveling. The higher the speed, the greater the impact force. Even a small increase in speed can lead to a significant increase in impact force.
Impact Severity and Vehicle Damage
The severity of vehicle damage is often directly related to the speed of the collision. Higher-speed collisions tend to cause more extensive damage to vehicles, and this increased severity of impact is transferred to the occupants, resulting in more severe injuries.
Reduced Effectiveness of Safety Features
Vehicles are equipped with safety features like airbags, crumple zones, and seat belts to mitigate the effects of a collision. However, these safety features are most effective within specific speed ranges. At higher speeds, the ability of safety features to protect occupants may be compromised.
Increased Likelihood of Rollovers
Speeding increases the risk of losing vehicle control, leading to rollover accidents. Rollover accidents are often associated with more severe injuries due to the higher forces and the potential for ejection from the vehicle.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys in Houston for Help
Slowing down can significantly reduce the risk and severity of injuries in a car accident. If you or someone you love has been injured or lost their life in a vehicle collision caused by a speeding driver in Texas, contact our dedicated Houston car accident lawyers at the Hollingsworth Law Firm today by calling (713)-637-4560 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Our skilled bilingual personal injury lawyers and support staff represent clients throughout Texas on a contingency basis, so you never pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, so are we. Let us take the lead.
Steve Hollingsworth is a seasoned trial attorney with extensive experience across Texas. After beginning his career as a felony prosecutor, Steve went on to represent major insurance companies before focusing on helping individuals injured in car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability cases. Founder of his own firm, Steve is committed to providing personalized, client-focused legal representation to ensure justice for those he serves.
View Our Recent Cases
Confidential
Worker killed when he fell from height on a construction site.
CASE SETTLED
$1.3 MILLION
Man broadsided in an automobile accident when a lady ran a red light.
CASE SETTLED
$1.3 MILLION
Pedestrian was struck while walking by rideshare, suffered from multiple fractures.
CASE SETTLED
$882,500
Our client suffered severe arm injuries from a head on collision with a drunk driver.
CASE SETTLED
$715,000
Construction worker shattered his knee when he fell into an unmarked elevator shaft
JURY AWARDED $715,000
$500,000
Our client suffered from a gunshot to the abdomen caused by unsafe handling of firearms.
CASE SETTLED
$500,000
Our client and his family members were rear-ended by an 18-wheeler in Columbus, Texas.
CASE SETTLED
$450,000
Our client was struck by a commercial vehicle, causing severe damages to him and his car.
CASE SETTLED
$450,000
Our client was rear-ended by a negligent tow truck, causing injuries that necessitated a back surgery.
CASE SETTLED
$429,300
Workplace injury at grocery store, our client suffered from severe injuries from a fall.
CASE SETTLED
$360,000
Our client was struck on the driver’s side of the vehicle by a commercial truck, the negligent driver fled the scene after the accident.
CASE SETTLED
$350,000
Our client was rear-ended by another driver, causing damages to her neck, back, shoulders and leg.
CASE SETTLED
$304,341
Our client was rear ended by a negligent driver of a commercial vehicle.
CASE SETTLED
$300,000
Woman injured when a commercial truck sideswiped her.
CASE SETTLED
Confidential
Woman fell on wet floor at Wal-Mart and shattered knee cap.
CASE SETTLED
Confidential
Man injured when he was rear-ended by an oil field services truck.
CASE SETTLED
In Progress
Refinery worker received 3rd degree burns over approximately 30% of her body due to a flash fire at an oil refinery.
In Progress
Testimonials
Awesome Attorney
I was a client of Steve Hollingsworth. I was totally satisfied with his representation of me. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I am very happy with the settlement of the case and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
Rossana Former Client
Houston’s Best Consultation!
Steve was just great! Very easy to work with, communicates really well and most importantly sets realistic expectations. He is very straightforward and promptly responds to all your questions. I would definitely recommend Steve and would not hesitate to hire him in the future.
Anonymous Former Client
Very Accommodating and Caring
Steve and his assistant Kristina takes care of all my requests right away. Steve personally calls on issues and keeps me updated on the developments of the case. Got me a great settlement! Would highly recommend!
Mila G. Former Client
Rear End Case
Mr. Hollingsworth was an excellent lawyer in my case. He kept me up to date and informed through the whole process. He was always honest and fought hard in my case. He comes highly recommend.
Anonymous Former Client
Awesome!!!!!
I have no complaints; Steve did a very good job on explaining the details on everything that I was going through with my case. Steve got my case settled in no time, I will sure spread the word about Steve he is a very great lawyer.
Sara Former Client
Review
I liked how Steve explained everything, so I knew what I was getting in to. Steve got me what I deserved in no time. I would recommend him to anyone.
Andrew Former Client
Steven and I attended law school together and I have known him since 2000. He was stellar in representing a close friend with a personal injury matter. I have been very impressed with his communication, dedication and thoroughness in representation.
Pamela V. Attorney from Cypress, TX
Steve is the real deal! He is an extremely invaluable resource on all things Litigation for me as a younger attorney. He is not only great a securing the bigger verdicts, but actually cares about the clients and still sticks by his tried and true method of meeting, in person, with his clients to go over facts .
overall, a solid attorney, with a wealth of knowledge!
Crystal H. Attorney from Houston, TX
Steve and I were colleagues, where we worked on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. What I observed in the years we worked together is that Steve is not only extremely skillful in his profession, but he is a tireless student of the law, constantly working to perfect the art of practicing law.
He genuinely cares about his clients and their cases and it shows. He has excellent work ethic. He is not only a terrific lawyer but also a great person. As a fellow member of the State Bar of Texas, I would recommend Steve to anyone needing a zealous advocate in a personal injury case.
Vivian E. Attorney from San Antonio, TX
After working with Steve for a couple of years, I found Steve to be an outstanding, aggressive and highly skilled lawyer in the courtroom. His confidence and knowledge of the courtroom and what it takes to succeed there, I believe will ensure his long term prosperity.
Robin T. Attorney from College Station, TX
I had the pleasure of working on a trial with Steven last August. His background as an ADA is clearly evident in the courtroom. Steven’s presentation of the evidence throughout trial is that of a seasoned attorney who has spent many hours in front of a jury.
His opening/closings were excellent, as well as his strategic litigating throughout the trial. Steven is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with, and watch in the courtroom.
James H. From Miami, FL
When I met Steve, I was a legal assistant at a Plaintiff’s firm and he was working as an attorney for AIG. We connected there and then. Steve is a likable guy and an outstanding trial lawyer. He is charismatic and jurors like him.
He is a Plaintiff’s lawyer now and he has the right skill set to represent injured individuals: he is compassionate, honest, and sincere and will go the extra mile for his clients. I’ve known Steve for almost 8 years now and I’m excited to see his career evolve.
Alice L. Attorney in Houston, TX
Professional and Thorough
I used Steve Hollingsworth for a personal injury case following a car accident. He was very easy to work with and managed my expectations regarding costs, time commitment/duration, filing suit etc. Steve kept me informed during the process and always made sure I understand what everything meant.
My case took about 18 months to resolve, ending in mediation after filing suit and he pushed hard to make sure my best interest was represented and to ensure that I had the best possible (and fair) outcome.
I hope I never have a personal injury claim again but if I do, I would absolutely consult with Steve. He exceeded my expectations and made the process as painless as possible. I would high recommend him.
Jessie Former Client
About Hollingsworth Law Firm
Our aggressive personal injury trial attorneys at the Hollingsworth Law Firm are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you are the victim of an automobile accident, airplane accident, workplace injury or other catastrophic injury, you need legal advice from a personal injury attorney with proven results you can trust. Our dedicated legal team is proud to represent clients across the state of Texas. WE WILL START FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS TODAY!
Why Houston’s Industrial Workforce Faces Higher Risks of Serious Injury
Comments:
Houston is home to one of the largest industrial sectors in the country, with industries ranging from oil and gas to chemical plants, shipping, and large-scale construction. These industries fuel…
Premises Liability in Texas: How Laws Differ Between Private, Public, and Government Property
Comments:
Premises liability laws in Texas hold property owners responsible when unsafe conditions cause injuries. These cases can involve anything from slips and falls in grocery stores to accidents on government…
Offshore Accidents vs. Onshore Oilfield Accidents: Key Legal Differences
Comments:
Texas has long been at the center of the energy industry, and with that comes significant risks for the workers who power it. From offshore oil rigs in the Gulf…
