Texas Car Accident Attorneys Provide Aggressive Legal Representation to Help You Recover Maximum Compensation
Texas is one of the largest states with over 79,000 miles of roadway within its borders. With the massive amount of traffic traveling on our interstates and local roads each year, there is a high chance of a Texas driver being involved in a car accident, especially in our large metro areas.
Studies have shown that drivers in cities like Dallas and Houston are far more likely than motorists in other parts of the state to experience car accidents.
RTRLAW is an experienced Texas personal injury law firm dedicated to helping injured Texans get the compensation they deserve from insurance companies for injuries sustained in a Texas car accident. Insurance companies often try to minimize their degree of liability by refusing to pay or underpay claimants. RTRLAW’s skilled car accident attorneys will fight to help you receive the fair treatment and justice you deserve after being involved in a collision.
Call RTRLAW in Garland or Dallas now at (972) 478-1801 or toll-free throughout the state at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-477-3787) for a free, no-obligation case review if you’ve been injured in a car accident.
Why Do So Many Car Accidents Occur in Texas?
Because Texas is such a large state with many out-of-state drivers who pass through on their way to other destinations, car accidents are an everyday occurrence here. Although car accidents can happen for any number of reasons, several are more commonly reported than others.
Some of the most commonly reported factors leading to accidents in Texas include:
- Speeding: Speeding is the No. one cause of accidents in Texas. Many local and out-of-state drivers who drive over the speed limit are unfamiliar with Texas interstates and roads, which can quickly lead to accidents.
- Distracted driving: One of the most common factors contributing to auto accidents in Texas and across the country is texting while driving. Even if the driver only takes their eyes off the road for a split second, it can quickly lead to an accident. Other distractions include eating and drinking, adjusting the car’s entertainment system or GPS, and paying attention to passengers in the car.
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Driving under the influence can leave drivers unable to use good judgment to make decisions and it endangers all other motorists they may encounter on the road.
- Failure to obey traffic laws: Many automobile accidents occur on side streets when drivers fail to obey traffic laws, such as stopping completely at a stop sign, using turn signals, or passing in no-passing zones.
- Adverse weather conditions: Texas is known for experiencing a wide variety of weather conditions, such as excessive heat, torrential rain and hail, or brutal ice storms, depending on the region. Many drivers find themselves involved in auto accidents when these weather conditions are present.
- Poorly maintained roadways: Because of the various changes in Texas weather conditions and the sheer volume of traffic, the roads and interstates take a beating. Often drivers experience accidents due to potholes, standing water, or cracked pavement.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, contact RTRLAW to learn more about your legal rights and what options may be available. Our highly trained investigative team and attorneys can examine the accident reports and other evidence to determine liability and what damages you may be entitled to recover.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Texas Car Accident Victims Suffer?
Car accident injuries in Texas can range from minor to catastrophic. Regardless of the severity of the injuries, being involved in a car accident can cause victims to lose time at work and incur expensive medical bills and other health-related costs.
The type and severity of injuries depend on the accident type. Therefore, it is essential to understand the correlation between the accident and a victim’s injuries.
Single and multi-vehicle accidents often result in the following injuries:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns (if colliding with other vehicles)
- Abrasions and bruising
- Musculoskeletal injuries
Side impact collisions (T-bone accidents) occur when the front or rear end of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. Common injuries include:
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Abdominal and pelvic injuries
- Cuts from shattered glass
Head-on collisions cause some of the deadliest motor vehicle collisions and often involve high rates of speed. Some of the most commonly reported injuries reported with head-on collisions include:
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Chest injuries
- Facial injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputation and disfigurement
- Death
Rollover accidents are typically the result of an SUV traveling at a high rate of speed and overcorrecting. Some of the most common injuries that rollover accident victims suffer include:
- Upper and lower limb injuries
- Abdominal injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated or slipped disc injuries
Rear-end collisions are typically the result of speeding or distracted driving. Some common injuries suffered in rear-end collisions include:
- Back pain or strains
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated or slipped discs
- Compression fracture
- Whiplash
If you have injuries from a car accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. The next step is to contact an experienced car accident attorney who can evaluate your case and help you determine the best legal action for you.
RTRLAW’s auto accident attorneys have extensive experience helping car accident victims file claims to recover maximum compensation for their injuries. If you have been injured in an accident, contact RTRLAW and ask to schedule a meeting with a qualified legal team member who will gladly review your case and discuss your legal options.
What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a Car Accident in Texas?
Car accidents happen suddenly and without warning, and often injury victims are unsure of what they need to do to protect themselves. RTRLAW is dedicated to educating car accident victims to understand their rights and responsibilities after being involved in a collision.
The following is a checklist of the steps individuals should take when involved in a motor vehicle accident:
- Remain at the accident scene. If possible, move damaged vehicles to the side of the road from oncoming traffic.
- Check on the condition of other passengers or others, such as pedestrians, who also may have been injured.
- Call 911 to report the accident. If there are injuries, be sure to request that emergency medical personnel be dispatched to the scene.
- Exchange information with the other party, including driver’s license and insurance information. Texas law requires that motorists exchange information on their own. To expedite the process take pictures of the other driver’s information, including their license plate number.
- Gather evidence at the accident scene. Take plenty of pictures and videos with your cell phone, documenting road conditions, lighting, skid marks, airbag deployment, and any other information you feel is relevant to the accident. If you are physically able to do so, also gather contact information from bystanders who may have witnessed the accident.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do not think you are injured, you still need to be examined by a medical professional. In many instances, an insurance company will refuse to pay a claimant if they have not seen a doctor.
- Contact your insurance company to inform them you have been involved in an accident. However, it is in your best interests to never speak with the other party’s insurance provider without having legal representation.
- Consult with a qualified car accident attorney like those of RTRLAW. If we agree to take your case, we can help you handle the details of your claim and help you focus on recovering from your injuries or recover money for property damage to your vehicle.
Is Texas a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
Unlike many other states, Texas is NOT a no-fault state. Instead, Texas has a modified form of “comparative fault”, which means the individual who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages to the other driver if they are found 51% or more at fault for the accident.
If the other driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to cover expenses and other accident-related damage, you can file a lawsuit to try to recover the difference.
Texas law requires that all drivers carry a minimum amount of insurance. In Texas, this is often referred to as 30/60/25 coverage. In easy-to-understand terms, this means drivers must have the following:
- $30,000 in bodily injury coverage (per person)
- $60,000 in coverage per accident
- $25,000 in coverage for property damage and repairs
What Happens if the Damages Exceed the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Coverage?
Under Texas law, if the at-fault driver’s insurance does not cover the damages, the other driver has the legal right to file a claim or lawsuit to collect the difference.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, this can obviously complicate matters. However, if you have uninsured or underinsured motor insurance (UM/UIM insurance), the car accident attorneys at RTRLAW can assist you with filing a claim with your own insurer.
Texas car accident laws can be challenging to navigate on your own. Instead, you need the help of an experienced car accident attorney with a working knowledge of Texas laws and what it takes to obtain compensation for your injuries.
Nobody has time to spin their wheels and waste precious time and energy chasing after the insurance company to get fair compensation after being involved in an accident. Let RTRLAW take care of all the hassles and legal aspects of the case for you and get you the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on the future and get on with your life.
If you’ve been involved in an accident, don’t delay. Contact RTRLAW in Garland or Dallas at (972) 478-1801 or toll-free at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787) for a free, no-obligation case review to find out what steps you should take with your case.
What Type of Compensation Can I Recover After Being Involved in a Car Accident?
Texas law allows car accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. These damages, also called compensatory damages, are awarded to reimburse accident victims for damages they’ve suffered from the collision.
However, insurance companies often try to undervalue or deny claims. For this reason, obtaining legal representation is in your best interest to receive maximum compensation. RTRLAW’s qualified auto accident attorneys will review your case and determine what damages are appropriate for your case.
What Are Economic Damages?
Economic damages are awarded to car accident victims to reimburse them for money they have paid or may have to pay in the future as a result of being injured. Likewise, an accident victim may receive financial compensation to repair or replace their vehicle.
Some of the most frequently awarded damages in Texas include:
- Past, current, and future medical bills, including prescription drugs and co-pays
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
One of the most critical questions car accident victims ask is whether they can receive compensation for medical expenses associated with their injuries. Injury victims often require ongoing medical care that can quickly become cost-prohibitive for them and their families. Additionally, they may also need expensive physical therapy and rehabilitation services.
If you’ve been injured and require specialized care, RTRLAW car accident attorneys will fight to recover the money you need to pay your expenses.
How Do Non-Economic Damages Help Those Injured in Car Accidents?
Non-economic damages are designed to compensate accident victims for intangible losses they have suffered. It is crucial to keep in mind that every car accident is different, and the settlement awarded will vary with each case.
Some of the most common damages that car accident victims recover in Texas include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Permanent disfigurement and scarring
Are Car Accident Victims Eligible to Collect Punitive Damages in Texas?
Texas law does allow car accident victims to try to recover punitive damages, however, punitive damages are harder to recover than compensatory damages. To collect punitive damages, your case must meet specific legal criteria.
For example, you must have suffered “actual damages,” meaning that your injuries must have resulted in you paying out money or suffering an intangible loss. Even so, a hiring a skilled car accident attorney is essential to help you prove that the liable party’s actions resulted from gross negligence, malice, or fraud.
Unlike compensatory damages that are meant to make the victim “whole,” punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and send a warning to others not to repeat the same type of behavior.
Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of $200,000 or two times the amount of economic damages plus the amount equal to non-economic damages up to $750,000.
RTRLAW’s car injury attorneys will evaluate your case and determine appropriate punitive damages. If it’s determined the liable party acted in a manner that qualifies you to receive punitive damages, our law firm will do everything we can to ensure you get the financial recovery you deserve.
What if I Am Partially to Blame for Causing the Accident?
Texas follows a modified form of “comparative negligence.” In simple terms, this means that even if you’re partially at fault for causing a car accident, you can still recover compensation. However, if it’s determined that you were at least 51% at fault for causing the accident, you will not be entitled to recover compensation.
For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault for causing an accident, and your initial settlement is $100,000, the final amount you would take home would be $75,000.
Insurance companies often try to assign blame to the other party to avoid large payouts. Most insurance companies put their stockholders’ needs before those of their customers or individuals who make claims against them. For this reason, you want to be sure that you hire an attorney who is not afraid to stand up to insurance companies and their legal teams to obtain the compensation that will adequately compensate you for the damages you’ve suffered due to an auto accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Texas?
In most cases, people who have been involved in car accidents in Texas have 30 days to file a claim with their insurance company. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company first, so you have an understanding of their rules and procedures for filing an accident claim. Then contact a qualified auto accident attorney.
If you miss the filing deadline, your claim could be denied. Claims also may be denied if the paperwork is incomplete or if documents are missing. RTRLAW’s dedicated car accident attorneys can assist you with completing the paperwork correctly and turning it in before the deadline.
You should also be advised that an insurance adjuster may contact you almost immediately after the accident has occurred. In many instances, the insurance adjuster may attempt to offer you a quick settlement. However, even though the offer of a quick settlement may seem tempting, especially if you’ve been unable to work, the settlement amount the adjuster offers most likely will not account for pain and suffering and other damages you may have suffered. Most, if not all insurance adjusters will offer you an amount that is most likely a fraction of what your potential case could be worth.
The adjuster may ask you to consent to make a recorded statement detailing the facts of the accident. You should know the insurance company has the legal right to use your statement against you to undervalue or deny your claim. Never give a recorded statement if you intend to hire an attorney to represent you.
That being the case, you should only sign paperwork or make an agreement with the insurance company if you have allowed your legal representative to look over the agreement first. A well-trained attorney can determine if the settlement offer will sufficiently meet your needs.
RTRLAW’s car accident attorneys are familiar with the deceitful tactics that insurers often use to try to get out of paying total and fair compensation to accident victims. We urge you to consult with RTRLAW or another comparable law firm that can act as your legal advocate with the insurance company to ensure your claim is handled correctly.
Why Should I Hire RTRLAW After I Have Been Involved in a Car Accident?
RTRLAW understands that being involved in a car accident can be an extremely traumatic experience. Often the other party’s insurance company will try various tactics to avoid or delay paying your claim. As stated previously, an insurer may try to assign some degree of blame to you to minimize your final settlement.
Nevertheless, with an experienced attorney on your side, you can potentially obtain a more significant settlement than if you did not have an attorney.
Our attorneys and investigators are available to discuss your case 24/7 and can come to you, even if you’re in the hospital or confined to home due to your injuries. If we choose to take your case, you will not pay anything upfront. RTRLAW works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay NOTHING unless we win your case and recover money for you.
Since our founding in 1988, RTRLAW has represented tens of thousands of clients and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Our attorneys fight hard to protect our clients’ legal rights and get them the fair compensation they deserve.
For more information or to schedule a free, no-obligation case review, CHAT WITH US NOW, contact us, call our Texas number at (972) 478-1801, call or text us toll-free at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787), or email [email protected].