An unidentified woman was killed while another person was injured after a major head-on collision in southeast Houston on Tuesday night, August 3.
The fatal accident transpired at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the 9400 block of Winkler Drive in southeast Houston. A sedan was initially traveling eastbound when, for unclear reasons, it suddenly drifted into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a black pickup truck.
A passenger in the sedan was fatally injured in the mishap. Both the sedan driver and his female passenger were rushed to an area hospital. Unfortunately, the female passenger later succumbed to her injuries and died at the hospital.
Meanwhile, the sedan driver sustained minor injuries and is expected to recover. Authorities suspect that intoxication may have played a role in the collision. Alcohol bottles were found inside the sedan.
Occupants inside the pickup truck were also injured in the accident. An infant was reportedly taken to an area hospital for treatment. Local authorities are further investigating the accident.
Fatal DUI Head-On Collision Statistics
Everyone deserves to travel on safe roads. Intoxicated drivers put innocent people — and themselves — in grave danger. While Texas and the United States as a whole have made significant progress in terms of reducing drinking and driving, there is still a long way to go.
Unfortunately, despite the strict implementation of DUI laws, DUI accidents in the United States continue to rise. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 30 people are killed in drunk driving accidents in the United States every day. Drunk driving is responsible for approximately 29 percent of all motor vehicle accident fatalities in the United States.
In this case, a head-on collision took place. In a head-on collision, the collision force is increased by both involved vehicles’ speed and weight. There is a lot of energy generated by head-on collisions. In turn, this increased energy means that injuries are more likely to be fatal in this type of crash.
Although head-on collisions only represent 2 percent of accidents, they account for 10 percent of fatalities on U.S. roadways. Head-on collisions commonly occur in a traffic light, stop sign, or blind intersections and on freeways. Head-on crashes at intersections happen when drivers disregard traffic laws and signals, such as red lights, stop signs, or yield signs.
Harris County Wrongful Death Attorney for Victims of Fatal DUI Head-On Collisions
The death of a loved one in a fatal DUI accident can be devastating and stressful for the victim’s family. The trauma and grief they have experienced can have a long-term impact on their lives. Although they cannot bring their loved ones back to life, they can seek compensation and justice due to the accident.
While waiting for the official investigation results, the victim’s family is encouraged to file a wrongful death claim with the assistance of an attorney. The victim’s family can seek financial compensation for damages such as funeral costs, loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma caused by the fatal accident through a wrongful death claim.
The sudden unexpected death of a loved one can be quite confusing, among other things. You shouldn’t have to be confused or overwhelmed with wrongful death laws during this emotionally difficult time. A fatal car accident attorney from our office can handle the legal issues for you. Call (888) 398-4017 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation. The sooner you have an experienced Texas wrongful death lawyer fighting on your side, the better protected your legal rights will be.