Were you injured in a car crash in the Rio Grande Valley? If so, you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for your medical bills, repairs to your vehicle, and other expenses if someone else caused the crash. Let Richard Gonzales, an experienced Rio Grande Valley car accident lawyer, help you hold the at-fault party accountable and seek the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Getting help after an injury accident is as simple as picking up the phone or filling out a contact form online. Once you do, Richard will be there to discuss the specifics of your crash, answer your questions, and help you understand your rights and options. You could be owed significant money after a car accident, so don’t wait until it is too late to seek justice. Call the Law Office of Richard Gonzales, P.C., or contact us online for a 100% free and confidential case evaluation now.

What Are Common Reasons for Auto Accidents in Rio Grande Valley?

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, close to 20,000 Texans suffered injuries in auto wrecks in 2021. Because the Rio Grande Valley is a fast-growing metropolitan area with heavy traffic in cities like Brownsville, McAllen, Harlingen, and Edinburg, collisions frequently occur across the area.

Traffic tends to be more congested in the larger cities and near international border crossings, such as the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge and the Gateway International Bridge. If motorists fail to exercise caution and drive responsibly, they could cause a severe or fatal injury accident.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in the Rio Grande Valley include the following:

  • Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is a leading cause of auto accidents nationwide, particularly now that seemingly everyone has a smartphone. Drivers who are scrolling through social media, texting, talking to passengers, grooming, eating, drinking, rubbernecking, or daydreaming could cause a severe or fatal injury crash.
  • Speeding – Speed limits exist to optimize the flow of traffic and ensure that motorists get to their destinations safely. Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions could make it challenging to adjust to changing road conditions, make evasive maneuvers, or stop in time to avoid a crash.
  • Reckless Driving – Drivers engaging in reckless behaviors like sudden lane changes, weaving between traffic, or tailgating put themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the road in danger. Some motorists may drive recklessly due to road rage, pressure to get to their destination, or inexperience.
  • Driver Fatigue – A tired or drowsy driver will often have trouble concentrating on the road or might experience slower reaction times, making them more likely to cause an accident than a well-rested motorist.
  • Failure to Obey Traffic Signs or Lights – Running a red light, failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, failing to yield, or disregarding other traffic signs could result in a serious injury accident.
  • Following Too Closely (Tailgating) – Drivers should always remember to maintain a safe distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them. A tailgating driver might not have time to stop if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly.
  • Illegal or Improper Turns – Drivers who make illegal turns or turn into traffic increase their risk of causing an accident.
  • Failure to Adjust Speed for Inclement Weather – Rain, snow, and ice can reduce visibility and traction. Drivers must slow down and take other precautions to avoid a collision when driving in these conditions.
  • Failure to Maintain Vehicle – Proper vehicle maintenance is crucial to the safety of the driver, passengers, and others on the road. Failure to maintain a car’s tires, brakes, and other crucial parts and systems could lead to a devastating accident.
  • Defective Highways – Poorly designed or maintained roads can cause crashes in the RGV. When they happen, a government entity responsible for inspecting and maintaining the road could be held accountable if people were injured.
  • Defective Vehicle Parts – Faulty tires, brakes, steering, or other defectively designed or manufactured vehicle parts could easily cause a serious or catastrophic crash. The manufacturer and other entities could be liable for compensating those injured in crashes caused by defective parts.

What Injuries Do People Usually Suffer in a Rio Grande Valley Auto Wreck?

Injuries from a car accident range from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious or even life-threatening ones. Some of the most commonly reported car accident-related injuries are:

  • Whiplash
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Sprains, strains, and other soft-tissue injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Spine and spinal cord damage, including partial or total paralysis
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Internal organ injuries

In addition to the physical injuries suffered in a crash, those involved might suffer from severe emotional and mental anguish. This could include emotional anguish, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other non-physical trauma.