• Steering and suspension system failures — The loss of steering control can be devastating as the driver of the affected vehicle suddenly loses control. A system failure can result in single vehicle accidents when the vehicle strikes an object or building or multi-vehicle accidents when the car travels into oncoming traffic or across multiple lanes.
• Tire and brake failures — The tires are the only part of your vehicle to touch the ground, so it is important that your tires have a firm grip on the pavement. Poorly inflated tires can lose traction and tire defects can cause the tire to blowout without notice, forcing the driver to take evasive action to avoid an accident. Maintaining your brakes is just as important, as a defect in the brake line system or over worn brake pads can inhibit your ability to stop.

There are occasions when the roads or environment become hazardous to drivers including road construction, the failure of local governments to maintain their roads, poorly designed intersections, malfunctioning traffic control devices and more. Some of the most common man-made hazards include the following.

• Poorly maintained roads — Roads riddled with potholes and uneven pavement caused by neglect can increase the potential for accidents. Many of these accidents result when the road hazard causes a vehicle mechanical failure, such as when a pothole blows out an unsuspecting driver’s tire.
• Roads with inaccurate or incorrect signage — Failing to display the correct signage for construction zones or mark one-way streets can influence driving behavior and place construction workers and travelers in perilous positions.
• Malfunctioning traffic lights — Some accidents at intersections occur when the light is out or malfunctioning. Heavy traffic traveling through a malfunctioning light only increases the risk that drivers will collide with one another.
• Heavy construction equipment — Construction zones are dangerous for passing motorists and workers repairing the roads. If machine operators back into the path of traffic, serious injuries can result.

The many hazards on our roads and the volume of traffic make car accidents inevitable for many drivers. Even the most skilled drivers can be involved in a wreck with another motorist, despite taking every recommended step to drive cautiously. Appreciating potential risks is required to help keep the roads safe.

Our Houston auto injury lawyer cannot stress how important it is for drivers to act with caution during adverse weather conditions. The weather can play a large role in car accidents by increasing stopping distances, making it more difficult to identify hazards and affecting the ability of drivers to operate vehicles safely. The most common weather hazards that influence car accidents include the following.

• Rain and flooding — One of the most common causes of accidents in this area is due to slick roads from rain storms. Many drivers don’t realize just how hazardous rain can be while driving. In addition to making roads slippery, it reduces visibility and can challenge some drivers who have difficulty seeing. Excessive rain can also flood the roads, causing vehicles to hydroplane or kick water onto others’ windshields
• Heavy fog — The presence of fog greatly reduces your visibility and many fog related accidents result from the combination of poor visibility and speeds that are excessive for conditions. When you are driving through fog, reducing your speed may just save your life.
• Ice and snow — One proven fact about ice or snows in Texas is that many Texans forget how to drive completely. In addition to increasing the stopping distance of vehicles on the road, snow and ice can impact the ability to maintain directional control. Bridges and elevated roads are more likely to be covered in ice and can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
• Morning Sun and evening glare —Glare from the sun can also be considered a weather hazard when motorists drive into the sun during their morning or evening commute. If the sun is at the right angle it can blind or distract a driver preventing them from seeing what is right in front of their vehicle.