Laredo Car Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Laredo, Texas

Heavy traffic and congestion on I-35 and Loop 20

Traffic congestion is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Laredo. With Interstate 35 (I-35) and Loop 20 serving as major transportation routes, the sheer volume of vehicles on the road increases the likelihood of collisions. Stop-and-go traffic conditions make rear-end accidents particularly common, as drivers may not always react in time to sudden stops. Additionally, the congestion often leads to impatient or aggressive driving, with motorists weaving between lanes or tailgating to get ahead. These risky maneuvers frequently result in side-swipe accidents and multiple vehicle pileups.

18-wheeler and commercial truck accidents

As one of the busiest trade hubs in the country, Laredo sees a large number of commercial truck accidents, particularly along Mines Road, I-35, and the Port of Laredo area. The presence of 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and other large commercial vehicles increases the risk of catastrophic crashes, as these vehicles are much larger and heavier than standard passenger cars. Driver fatigue is a major contributing factor, with truck drivers spending long hours on the road, often leading to slower reaction times and impaired judgment.

Improperly loaded cargo is another significant hazard. When a truck's cargo is not balanced correctly, it can shift unexpectedly, causing rollovers or jackknife accidents.

Distracted driving

In today's digital age, distracted driving has become a widespread issue in Laredo, just as it has across the rest of the country. Many accidents result from drivers texting, talking on the phone, adjusting GPS systems, or engaging in other activities that take their focus off the road. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to serious consequences, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as downtown Laredo, Mall del Norte, and school zones.

In addition to phone use, other distractions contribute to crashes as well. Drivers who eat, drink, apply makeup, or engage in conversations with passengers may not react quickly enough to sudden traffic changes.

Drunk driving and driving under the influence (DUI)

Drunk driving remains a persistent problem in Laredo, particularly on weekends and during major events. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely impairs a driver’s ability to judge distances, react quickly, and stay in their lane, making DUI-related crashes some of the most dangerous on the road. Many accidents occur at night when bars and clubs close, leading to an increase in wrong-way crashes, T-bone collisions at intersections, and high-speed accidents on highways like I-35 and Loop 20.

Poor road conditions and weather-related accidents

Laredo's extreme weather conditions play a significant role in car accidents. During the summer months, scorching temperatures can lead to tire blowouts and overheating engines, both of which can result in loss of vehicle control.

In the winter and early spring, fog and heavy rain become major concerns. Dense fog, sudden rain showers, flooding especially in low-lying parts of the city and roads near the Rio Grande, where standing water can cause vehicles to skid or stall.

Speeding and reckless driving

Excessive speeding is a leading cause of accidents in Laredo, particularly on major highways like I-35, Loop 20, and Highway 83. Drivers who exceed speed limits have less time to react to sudden stops, debris on the road, or unexpected lane changes by other motorists. High-speed crashes are often more severe, leading to devastating injuries or fatalities.

Reckless driving behaviors, such as street racing, tailgating, or running red lights, also contribute to dangerous road conditions.

Pedestrian and bicycle Accidents

Laredo has a growing number of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in downtown areas, school zones, and shopping centers. Unfortunately, pedestrian and bicycle accidents are becoming more common due to driver inattention, failure to yield at crosswalks, and poor visibility at night.

Hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists are also a concern, as some drivers flee the scene rather than face the legal consequences of an accident. Law enforcement continues to crack down on these cases, but pedestrian and bicycle safety remains a significant issue in the city.