Texas consistently ranks among the top states for traffic crashes. With more than 560,000 motor vehicle accidents statewide each year, understanding where these accidents occur most frequently helps drivers, policymakers, and victims recognize risks and take precautions. Unsurprisingly, the largest urban centers — Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth — see the highest crash numbers. In this guide, we’ll examine the Texas cities with the most car accidents, what factors contribute to those numbers, and why having a local personal injury lawyer matters if you’ve been involved in a crash.

Houston: Texas’s Deadliest City for Car Accidents

With sprawling freeways, heavy commuter traffic, and a rapidly growing population, Houston consistently records the most crashes in Texas. In 2023, Harris County (which includes Houston) reported 67,644 crashes, resulting in nearly 290 traffic fatalities. Houston alone accounts for more crashes than many smaller states combined.

According to reports, distracted driving and DUI play a major role. In 2023:

More than 10,000 crashes were linked to distracted driving.
Over 2,000 accidents involved drivers under the influence.
High-speed corridors like I-45, often labeled “America’s Deadliest Highway,” see frequent fatal collisions.

Houston’s size and volume of commuters make these numbers inevitable, but many accidents are preventable. Victims and families are often left with overwhelming medical bills. If you’ve been hurt in a Houston crash, learning who pays your medical bills after a car accident is the first step toward recovery.

Dallas: High Crash Numbers and Fatality Rates

Dallas trails Houston in total accidents but leads in another sobering category: fatality rate. In 2023, Dallas recorded 31,678 crashes and 205 traffic deaths. For a city with just over one million residents, this equates to a rate of 4.5 deaths per 100,000 residents, one of the highest among major U.S. cities.

Factors driving Dallas’s crash numbers include:

Heavy commuter traffic on I-35, I-30, and the I-635 loop.
Distracted drivers navigating crowded urban intersections.
High-speed collisions on suburban highways.

Rear-end crashes are especially common on Dallas freeways. Learn more in our blog on rear-end collisions and how fault is usually determined. Victims often face insurers who attempt to downplay claims. Knowing how insurance companies handle Texas car accident claims helps level the playing field.

Fort Worth: Fewer Crashes, Still Deadly

Fort Worth saw about 13,249 crashes in 2023, with more than 118 traffic deaths. While its numbers are lower than Houston and Dallas, Fort Worth has a disproportionately high fatality rate compared to its size. Major contributing factors include:

Rapid growth in population and suburban expansion increasing road congestion.
Heavy truck traffic due to Fort Worth’s central role in logistics and rail transport.
Dangerous interchanges on I-35W, I-20, and U.S. 287.

Crashes in Fort Worth often involve commercial trucks. Learn more about truck accident negligence and how liability is established in these complex cases. Victims of fatal accidents may also have claims under wrongful death law, allowing families to seek justice and financial security after a tragic loss.

San Antonio: High Traffic and Growing Risk

San Antonio, Texas’s second-largest city, consistently ranks high for accident totals. In 2023, Bexar County reported nearly 40,000 crashes, with hundreds of fatalities. Contributing factors include:

Tourism bringing unfamiliar drivers onto busy roadways.
Heavy military-related traffic near Joint Base San Antonio.
Population growth leading to congestion on I-35 and Loop 410.

As in other major cities, distracted driving and speeding are leading causes. Victims often face disputes over fault. For example, insurers may argue comparative negligence, which in Texas means recovery is barred if you’re found more than 51% responsible. Read our blog on comparative negligence in Texas to understand how percentages of fault impact claims.

Why These Cities Lead Texas in Car Accidents

Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio lead the state in car accidents for several reasons:

Population density: More people mean more vehicles and more crashes.
High-speed highways: Interstates like I-35, I-45, and I-10 are among the busiest in the nation.
Distracted driving: Texting and phone use continue to cause thousands of crashes annually.
Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug-related crashes are still significant contributors.
Weather: Rain, fog, and occasional ice create additional hazards.

For drivers across Texas, the message is clear: driving in these cities carries a higher risk of collisions. Understanding where and why crashes occur can help reduce your chances of becoming a statistic.

Why Local Representation Matters

If you’ve been involved in an accident in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, or San Antonio, having a local lawyer is invaluable. Attorneys familiar with local courts, insurance adjusters, and traffic patterns are better equipped to build strong cases. At Francis Injury, we represent victims across Texas with a focus on the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Our team investigates crashes thoroughly, works with experts, and challenges insurers who try to minimize payouts.

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FAQ: Car Accidents in Texas Cities

Which Texas city has the most car accidents?

Houston leads the state with more than 67,000 crashes annually, far exceeding other Texas cities.

Why does Dallas have such a high fatality rate?

Dallas combines dense traffic, high speeds, and major interstate congestion, resulting in one of the highest fatal crash rates in the nation.

Is Fort Worth safer than Dallas?

Fort Worth has fewer crashes overall but a high fatality rate relative to population size.

What makes San Antonio dangerous for drivers?

Tourism, military traffic, and growth-related congestion contribute to San Antonio’s high crash totals.

What is the #1 cause of crashes in these cities?

Distracted driving remains the leading cause of crashes across Texas cities.

Does weather play a role in Texas city crashes?

Yes. Rain, fog, and occasional ice create additional hazards, especially on highways.

Can comparative negligence affect claims?

Yes. In Texas, if you are more than 51% at fault, you cannot recover damages. At 50% or less, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.