The likelihood of getting into an Accident is an unfortunate reality Texans face far too often. In fact, in El Paso alone, the number of pedestrian fatalities has risen considerably. Being involved in any type of accident is never fun, and when someone suffers injuries due to another party’s negligence, no amount of money can take away the pain and suffering. However, seeking the advice and assistance of an El Paso personal injury lawyer can help accident victims navigate the complex requirements associated with recovering compensation for mounting medical bills or for lost wages due to a period of unemployment.
At Cesar Ornelas Injury Law, we understand the struggle accident victims face beyond trying to recover from their injuries. When you work with one of our lawyers, you’ll have peace of mind in knowing that you don’t have to cover any costs out front because we only get paid when you do. Our personal injury attorneys are prepared to negotiate with the insurance companies and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Auto Accident Statistics
Home to over 650,000 people, El Paso is the sixth-largest city in Texas and welcomes more than 2 million tourists annually. Being a popular tourist destination puts considerable strain on local infrastructure and highways. More traffic tends to lead to more accidents, and according to the Texas Department of Transportation, the number of auto accident fatalities increased by 15% from 2020 to 2021.
In 2021, in El Paso, there were over 3,000 car accidents that resulted in at least one injury or fatality. Approximately 629 of those accidents were caused by drunk drivers. In the same year, 16 deaths occurred due to fatal DUI crashes. With nearly 4,900 accidents, rear-end crashes were the most common type of collisions. Angle collisions were the most dangerous type of accident, resulting in nearly 800 severe injuries ranging from broken bones to amputations.
Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents in El Paso:
- Speeding was the most common cause of crashes in El Paso, causing over 700 car accidents.
- Failing to yield the right of way resulted in over 400 crashes in 2021.
- Anything distracting the driver from the road, including eating, drinking, cell phone use, or adjusting the radio.
The most dangerous areas in El Paso to drive through are at or near intersections. The Crash Records Information System (CRIS) reports that in 2021 over 50% of multi-vehicle collisions happened at an intersection.
Some of the most dangerous roads and highways in El Paso are:
- Interstate 10
- Intersection of 7th Ave. and Stanton St.
- Gateway Blvd West
- Interstate 35
- Pebble Hills Blvd
- U.S 59
Accidents can- and do- happen, and if you live in El Paso or visit the city often, you may be involved in a collision with another vehicle at some point. Following traffic rules and implementing strategies like slowing down, limiting distractions, and remaining cautious can reduce your chances of being involved in an accident.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
People often hold preconceived notions of the dangers of riding motorcycles, and unfortunately, there is some truth to these ideas. Motorcycles are one of the riskiest ways to travel. According to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s Motorcycle Analysis Report, El Paso ranks among the top counties in Texas for motorcycle crashes.
As of 2017, there were over 3,000 registered motorcycles in El Paso County. 313 of those accidents involved motorcycles, and 61 resulted in serious injuries or fatalities. The injuries that motorcycle accident victims sustain are typically more severe than those in car accidents. Some examples of injuries victims of motorcycle accidents sustain include broken bones, road burns, and traumatic brain and spinal injuries. Additionally, motorcycle crashes are 32 times more likely to face fatal consequences than car accident victims.
The CRIS lists three places in El Paso where motorcycle accidents are most likely to happen; these include:
- City streets with a total of 169 accidents
- U.S and State Highways with a total of 90 accidents
- Interstate roads with a total of 48 accidents
Motorcycle accident victims are at higher risk of serious injury or fatality on city roads because cars and truck drivers often fail to examine their blind spots before turning or switching lanes. Because these accidents often happen on heavily-congested city streets, speed is typically not a primary cause. Most crashes involving motorcycles, in fact, occur on streets with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour. Wearing visible, reflective clothing while operating a motorcycle, especially at night or in inclement weather, can help you avoid these accidents.
Trucking Accident Statistics
El Paso borders New Mexico and Ciudad Juarez, providing a major thoroughfare for imports and exports to and from the U.S. With a large number of commercial vehicles on the road every day, it often increases the potential for accidents. The most common areas for commercial vehicle accidents in El Paso are the Paso Del Norte Bridge, the Ysleta Bridge, and the Stanton Street Bridge.
Despite truck accidents being far less common than car accidents, they typically result in more devastating consequences. One reason for this is trucks are heavier than cars. They weigh up to 80,000 pounds on average, and it takes longer to get a truck to come to a complete stop. The intensity and impact of these collisions can cause permanent and life-threatening injuries to victims and even result in fatalities.
Some of the most common types of injuries that occur in trucking accidents include:
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
- Internal injuries
- Fractures
- Nerve damage
- Back and spinal cord injuries
While preventing truck accidents from happening altogether is impossible, there are measures that can be taken, such as implementing stricter regulations, making infrastructure improvements, and spreading awareness of their impact that can help reduce the number of crashes. If you were injured in a truck accident, you should contact an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your rights and legal options.
Workplace Injuries Statistics
The state of workplace safety before the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) opened was dire. In the 1960s alone, 14,000 workers died on the job every year. With OSHAs enforcement of safety regulations, injury rates dropped by 40% in the workplace, forever changing its landscape as we know it today.
Since 2009, however, Texas has led the nation in workplace accidents. In 2018, it was the deadliest state for workers, due in part to its large population, and accounted for over 10% of all workplace deaths nationwide. The industries with the highest number of workplace fatalities were the construction industry, with over 900 deaths annually, and the transportation industry, with 882 deaths.
Some of the most common causes of these fatal workplace injuries include:
- Asphyxiation
- Exposure to toxins
- Falls and slips
- Electrocution
- Handling heavy machinery
- Fires and explosions
- Equipment failures
- Auto collisions
The majority of workplace accidents happen due to carelessness, an unsafe working environment, and a lack of proper training. If you were hurt on the job, you shouldn’t have to settle for less compensation than you need and deserve to move forward. An El Paso workplace accident lawyer can help you explore your options for compensation.
At Cesar Ornelas Injury Law, our attorneys are prepared to assist you in building a strong case and representing your best interests in court, if necessary. We also have experience in workplace injury scenarios for accident victims who have worked on oil rigs, fields, and refineries.
Product Liability Statistics
When companies design and manufacture products, they are required to take reasonable precautions to prevent consumers from being injured. Unfortunately, although you would expect a product to function safely when you use it, this isn’t always the case. Many types of product defects pose hidden dangers to consumers. For example, everything from a defect in a product like a toaster to an elevator can cause serious injuries. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 240,000 toy-related injuries in the United States in 2016. This number doesn’t even take into account the number of injuries that occur from other defective products like tools or even medications.
In Texas, the law regarding product liability is designed to protect consumers from dangerous products or services. Products you purchase from a store in this state carry implied warranties of merchantability. This warranty means that the product, assumed by the law, should function as intended or advertised. Under The Texas Product Liability Act, manufacturers are held strictly liable for any harm their product causes. When a party is held strictly liable, it doesn’t matter if they were careless, reckless, or behaved in a dangerous way; they will remain legally responsible for injuries caused by their product.
When a dangerous or defective product injures you, you have the right to file a product liability claim for compensation. These claims can be filed against the suppliers, retailers, manufacturers, and distributors responsible for releasing the defective product on the consumer market. A Texas Department of Insurance report revealed that approximately 800 liability claims are filed annually throughout the state.
Some examples of the most common types of defective products involved in these claims include:
- Cleaning products
- Children’s toys
- Cars
- Cosmetics
- Medications
- Foods and beverages
Some types of injuries that may result from product defects include burns, electrical shocks, and deep cuts. Small children are among the most common victims of product defects and often suffer injuries such as strangulation due to cords or drawstrings or choking on small parts. If you were injured by a product with a design, warning, or manufacturing defect, you should contact a product liability lawyer who can help you navigate the complexities of filing a product liability claim.
Contact an El Paso Personal Injury Attorney Today
When you’re involved in any type of accident and sustain injuries, seeking the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in the success of your case. Our El Paso personal injury attorneys at Cesar Ornelas Injury Law will take you step by step through the process and explain your legal options and what to expect. We have experience in various practice areas, including auto accidents, workplace injuries, trucking accidents, and product liability claims.
Our attorneys are prepared to take care of every detail of your case and pride ourselves on the personalized attention we devote to all our clients. Contact a member of our team for your free, no-obligation consultation, where one of our personal injury lawyers will evaluate your case and recommend the best course of action.
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