Lubbock, Texas, Car Accident Laws

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Whether you’re visiting or live in the Hub City, here’s what you should know about traffic safety

Lubbock is the 10th most populous city in Texas, with a population of more than 268,000. The city is steadily continuing to grow, and the greater metro area is more than 360,000 population. Public transportation in the Lubbock metropolitan area is limited, so the infrastructure is designed for a car-dependent lifestyle. 

Reasons for this are that the city is about 136 square miles, and the population density is about 2,000 people per square mile. While Citibus has local bus services, they can be limited in coverage and frequency, so most residents prefer to use their cars for their daily commute. 

Most Lubbock households own at least one vehicle, though average commute times are typically shorter than 20 minutes, which is less than other metro areas. This is likely due to less congestion and well-maintained roads. Still, major highways I-27 and US 84 connect the city and surrounding communities. 

Residents appreciate that Lubbock has less traffic congestion than similar-sized cities and excellent city planning with a well-maintained infrastructure. But even the best-planned communities have car accidents on occasion.

Lubbock car accident statistics

In a recent year, Lubbock recorded 7,507 crashes, which was a 9% decrease from the prior year. Of those, there were 2,568 injuries, which decreased 2% from the prior year. There were 35 fatalities. 

The “hotspots” for frequent Lubbock car accidents include Loop 289, University Avenue, and parts of US 84. 

Other areas that have been identified as the most dangerous intersections in Lubbock include:

• Eastbound Frontage Road of the Marsha Sharp Freeway and the Northbound Frontage Road of I-27
• 50th Street and the Southbound Frontage Road of I-27
• 34th Street and the Southbound Frontage Road of West Loop 289
• Clovis Road and Landmark Lane
• 4th Street and Frankford Avenue

Lubbock car accident laws

A Lubbock car accident would follow the Texas state car accident laws. Car accidents fall under state regulations but could be influenced by local factors like road design or city policies. 

Here are some state-wide rules that apply locally in Lubbock:

1. At-fault insurance for car accidents. Texas follows a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning the at-fault driver is responsible for damages. A victim can file claims with their own insurance, the at-fault driver’s insurance, or pursue a lawsuit.
2. Comparative negligence. Texas uses modified comparative negligence, which allows a person to recover damages only if they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. If the victim has contributed in some way to their own injuries, their amount of damages is reduced according to their percentage of fault. If they are more than 50% at fault, they cannot claim any damages.
3. Minimum insurance requirements. The minimum auto insurance required in Texas is 30/60/25 coverage, or
   
   • $30,000 for bodily injury or death of 1 person in an accident
   • $60,000 for total bodily injury or death in an accident (in other words, for all persons harmed in 1 accident)
   • $25,000 for property damage per accident
     
     This insurance covers another party if you’re the at-fault driver. You may also opt for personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to cover your own injuries and any passenger in your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. 
4. Traffic violations and reporting requirements. Lubbock no longer uses red light cameras. These devices were implemented at 12 intersections in 2007 but were deactivated and removed in 2008 following a city council decision. The program was discontinued because of a 52% increase in accidents at intersections with cameras, financial concerns, and public opposition. The state of Texas banned red light cameras in 2019.
   
   However, the Lubbock Police Department actively monitors high-risk intersections and speeding zones in order to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
   
   An accident that results in injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage must be reported to the LPD or Texas Department of Transportation within ten days of the accident.
5. Statute of limitations. If you want to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident in Lubbock, you generally have two years to take legal action. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is crucial because failing to file within this timeframe could result in your claim being permanently barred.

What to do after a Lubbock car accident

1. Exchange information. You’re required to share your driver’s license number, name, phone number, and insurance policy information with each involved party at the scene of an accident. You’re entitled to collect the same from them.
2. Gather evidence at the scene. Photos matter. Take photos of the crash scene, including the vehicles involved, skid marks on the road, weather conditions, signs or signals, and any other aspects of the environment or surrounding area that could be relevant. Do not take photos of other people’s injuries, however.
   
   You should also collect contact information of any witnesses at the scene. Even though a person might think they have nothing relevant to add, there might be something your lawyer might find useful.
   
   Likewise, inquire at any businesses or residences nearby to determine whether there is any video footage. Most businesses have surveillance cameras in both their parking lots and surrounding areas, but they don’t maintain the footage indefinitely. Most video is erased fairly quickly (even within 24 hours) unless the business knows there is a reason to save it.
   
   Finally, get a police report. The Lubbock Police Department requires a police report if the accident results in an injury or death; property damage to government property, utilities, or hazardous materials; hit-and-run accidents; and an accident that involves another crime like DWI.
   
   However, if the accident does not include any of those factors, you can complete the LPD “blue form” (CR-2) and submit it to your insurance company for a minor incident with no injuries.
   
   Your crash report will be available at the LPD Records Center at (806) 775-2808 or by emailing [email protected].
   
   Of course, all of this evidence-gathering presumes you’re physically and emotionally able to do so at the scene. If you’ve suffered a severe injury, the first priority is getting the medical attention you need.
   
3. Notify your insurer. Regardless of whether you were the at-fault party, you must notify your insurance company that you were involved in a crash. Some insurers have strict time limits for reporting and if the time has passed, they might not cover a claim. A report is not the same as a claim—you can make a report and later decide not to file a claim.
   
4. Seek medical attention. Even if you believe you’re uninjured, it’s wise to go for an immediate exam by your primary medical provider, at an urgent care center, or in an emergency department. Some injuries don’t become apparent for days to weeks after a crash, and if you wait to get checked out, it will be harder to prove that your injuries are related to the accident.

If you’ve been involved in a Lubbock car accident or have other questions about the city’s personal injury laws and regulations, or for a list of the top ten Lubbock personal injury lawyers, you can visit https://www.enjuris.com/texas/lubbock/ for more information.