What is a Secondary Car Crash? 

A secondary crash is a car accident that occurs as a direct result of a prior incident, either at the scene of the first crash or within the line of cars created by the initial crash. Common causes include distraction, tailgating, and speeding, leading to situations like rear-end collisions or swerving to avoid a hazard. 

These crashes pose significant risks to all parties, including first responders, and can be complicated when determining liability for injuries and damages.  

Common Causes 

Distracted driving is a primary cause of secondary crashes. Drivers become distracted by the initial accident, fail to notice slowing traffic, or are on their phones, leading to a collision.  

Following too closely is another driver error that leads to secondary crashes. Failure to leave adequate room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front increases the risk of not being able to stop in time to avoid a collision when traffic slows or stops. The rule of thumb is to leave at least three seconds of space at slower speeds and four to five seconds at speeds above 50 miles per hour. 

Speeding, poor visibility, bad weather, and swerving to avoid debris are a few more common causes of secondary traffic accidents. 

Dangers 

Secondary crashes pose increased risk to motorists, first responders, and road crews. 

What You Can Do 

Stay alert, remain attentive, and avoid distractions. Avoid craning your neck to look at a crash scene as you pass by in your car.  

Gradually reduce your speed when you see a crash ahead or notice traffic slowing.  

Increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react to unexpected stops or hazard. 

If You Are In a Crash 

After a car crash in Cameron County or anywhere in Texas, you will likely have a lot of bills to pay – including both vehicle repair bills and medical bills. When your crash was someone else’s fault, you shouldn’t have to pay those expenses out of pocket. 

The experienced Texas Car Crash Attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm know how to analyze your crash and compile evidence that shows you were not at fault for your accident. We’ll demand you get fair compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurance provider. 

Since 2000, the J. Gonzalez Law Firm has been committed to securing compensation for accident and injury victims. Our compassionate and dedicated lawyers have decades of combined litigation experience, and many of them have been recognized among the state’s top attorneys. 

Call us today for a free initial consultation at 1-800-CAR-CRASH. 

Highway closed during fatal crash investigation 

By: Benjamin Treviño 

A portion of the expressway in Harlingen was closed August 6 as the Texas Department of Public Safety investigated a deadly crash, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. 

The westbound lanes of Interstate 2 and the I-2 frontage road in Harlingen between FM 800 and FM 506 were closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Westbound traffic in the area was directed north or south on FM 800, and drivers were advised to seek an alternate route to continue westbound, either via U.S. Business Highway 83 or State Highway 107. 

The freeway was closed as part of the investigation into the July 8 crash on the expressway near White Ranch Road that killed tow truck driver David Zapata. 

According to previous reports, Zapata died while securing a vehicle onto the tow truck when a white Dodge Ram hit Zapata on the shoulder lane, killing him. 

The driver of the Dodge Ram, 28-year-old Cristobal Stephan Garzez, was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid involving death, and possession of a controlled substance.  

Garzez remained in custody at this writing. 

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/expressway-in-harlingen-to-close-as-part-of-dps-crash-investigation?