Carrollton Car Accident Lawyers Work with Accident Victims to Get Them Back on Their Feet
One moment you’re stopped at a red light, and the next, another driver slams into you from behind. Or perhaps you’re driving through an intersection and another motorist runs a red light, T-boning your car and pushing it off the road. While these are horrific scenarios, they are also quite common. In fact, according to 2018 data from the Texas Department of Transportation, someone is seriously injured in a Texas car accident every two minutes and seven seconds.
Life changes after a car accident, and it is likely you’ll need to modify your daily routine. Maybe you missed weeks of work while you were recovering or your injuries are so severe that you can no longer work. Now you are getting medical bills on what seems like a daily basis. If you are like most, you are wondering if there is anything you can do to hold the negligent driver who caused the accident accountable.
At the Hartley Law Firm, our Carrollton car accident attorneys represent accident victims, helping them get the money they need to get their lives back on track after a serious accident. Our Carrollton injury attorneys recognize that you have a lot on your plate and may feel overwhelmed by the thought of filing a lawsuit. That’s understandable, and we are not here to change your mind. We only want to inform you of your options so you can make whatever decision best suits your family’s needs.
Causes of Carrollton Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen for many reasons. However, the vast majority of accidents are caused by one of the following types of dangerous driving behavior.
Aggressive Driving
Motorists who speed, frequently change lanes, cut other drivers off, and fail to yield the right of way are aggressive drivers. Typically, an aggressive driver thinks that they are a better-than-average driver, so they can “bend” the rules and get away with it. This arrogant attitude, however, ends up placing everyone on the road at risk.
Intoxicated Driving
Despite years of public-service campaigns clearly stating the risks of drunk driving, Texans continue to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink or consuming illegal drugs. In fact, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2018, deaths caused by drunk driving made up over a quarter of all traffic-related fatalities.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving encompasses a wide range of dangerous driving behaviors, all of which remove the driver’s attention from the road. Common examples of distracted driving include texting, talking on the phone, daydreaming, and interacting with children in the back seat. In 2018, there were more than 400 deaths caused by distracted drivers.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is a hazard most prevalent among truckers and other commercial drivers who spend long periods on the road. However, even everyday commuters can suffer from fatigue while behind the wheel. When tiredness sets in, drivers should pull over until they are safe to drive. Unfortunately, few do.
While there are many causes of car accidents, most share one thing in common: they are the result of someone else’s negligence. Drivers have an obligation to pay attention and drive responsibly, following the speed limit and other traffic laws at all times. However, the high accident rate in Carrollton suggests many drivers do not take these obligations seriously. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the Carrollton, TX car accident attorneys at the Hartley Law Firm are here to help.
Types of Car Accidents
Not all car accidents are the same. The circumstances behind each car accident case affect not only possible compensation, but also the percentage of liability attributed to every party involved. Our experienced Carrollton car accident attorneys can help with claims that have a variety of special circumstances.
Rollover Accidents
In many cases, rollover accidents lead to serious injuries due to the car flipping on its side or roof. This means it may not be possible for you to collect evidence after the accident. Our Carrollton, TX car accident lawyers have experience gathering several types of evidence for clients, including witness statements, photographs, CCTV footage, and more.
Rear-End Accidents
One of the most common causes of car accidents is following a car too closely. However, some rear-end collisions happen due to the driver behind not paying attention. This not only increases the risk of a high speed crash, but also makes it difficult to move out of the way in time.
Self-Driving Car Accidents
With technology advancing rapidly, it’s now possible for drivers to be involved in accidents with autonomous vehicles. Depending on the circumstances, the vehicle responsible may not have a driver in it at the time of the accident. In these cases, it’s important to have a Carrollton car accident lawyer find out who owns the vehicle and hold them accountable.
Accidents Involving Government Vehicles
Unlike other car accident claims, crashes involving government vehicles or employees have a different claims process. This usually includes a shorter statute of limitations and a waiting period while the government investigates the claim. Without following the government’s strict filing rules, it’s possible you may have your claim denied.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Injuries after a car accident can vary in severity. Some of the most common injuries after a car accident include:
- Burns,
- Soft tissue injuries,
- Cuts and lacerations,
- Fractured and broken bones,
- Head and neck injuries,
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
Depending on your injuries, you may need extensive medical care. The more medical care you need, the higher your expenses. Filing a claim can help ease some of your financial burdens.
Compensation Available for Car Accident Cases
Car accidents can wreak havoc on your finances, often leading to mounting medical bills and lost wages. Fortunately, you may be able to collect for your injuries. Damages for car accidents are separated into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are financial losses associated with your accident. These include:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages, and
- Property damage.
On the other hand, non-economic damages are also related to your accident, but may be more challenging to quantify. They can include things like:
- Pain and suffering,
- Mental and emotional anguish, and
- Disfigurement.
Your Carrollton car accident attorney will gather relevant information and evidence to calculate the appropriate amount of damages owed to you. We will then work tirelessly to get you the fairest possible settlement.
Texas Statute of Limitations
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, a claimant must file their personal injury claim within two years following the accident. This means that you have two years from the date of the crash. If you attempt to file a claim after the two-year deadline, chances are the court will dismiss your case.
Steps to Take After a Collision
Car accidents are scary, and you may be unaware of what to do immediately following your collision. Be sure to take careful steps to preserve your right to file a claim and build a strong case.
Call 911
Call 911 as soon as possible after your accident. Police and medical aid should quickly arrive at the scene of the collision.
Seek Medical Attention
If you receive medical help at the scene of the accident, be sure to follow up with your physician. If you do not receive medical attention after your accident, it is crucial to visit an emergency room or your primary care physician as soon as possible. Explaining the details of your accident and allowing for a full examination may shed some light on your injuries and allow you to begin treatment.
Medical records can play a significant role in your case. Therefore, it is essential you put your health first and follow the doctor’s orders.
Gather Evidence
Begin collecting evidence whenever possible. This can include:
- Photos and video,
- The other driver’s information, and
- Witness information.
Other pieces of evidence can also serve to strengthen your case, including police reports and medical records. Your attorney will gather all of the evidence and documentation needed to build your case.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies
Avoiding making a statement to the insurance company is crucial for preserving your claim. After you report your accident to your insurance company and the other driver does the same with theirs, you can expect the other party’s insurer to contact you directly. They do this in an effort to get a recorded statement from you. The insurance company will always try to use your words against you. Do not speak to them without first consulting with your legal practitioner.
Discuss Your Case with a Carrollton Car Accident Attorney
As soon as you can after your accident, contact a Carrollton car accident lawyer. Your lawyer should ask all the right questions, gather information, and ease your concerns. If you wish to file a claim, they will take care of every step. A car accident legal practitioner is your best shot at a favorable resolution.
How to Get an Accident Report
One of the major pieces of evidence in your claim is the accident report filled out by the responding officer. This includes details about the accident such as vehicle damage, injuries, and the officer’s investigative findings.
No matter where your accident happens in Texas, you may obtain a copy of your report from the Texas Department of Transportation Crash Records Information System. To find your crash report, you may need to provide some or all of the following information:
- Your legal name,
- Your driver’s license number,
- Your vehicle’s VIN number, or
- Your TxDOT Crash ID.
Reports take about 7-14 days to appear on the online system. Each uncertified copy costs $6, while a certified copy costs $8.
What If I Can’t Find My Accident Report Online?
If you have trouble finding your accident report online, you may be able to obtain a copy from the police department that filed the report. Since each department has its own procedures for getting an accident report, it may be beneficial to have one of our Carrollton car accident lawyers help request it.
Why Hire a Carrollton Car Accident Attorney for Your Case?
It’s a common question: Why should I hire a legal practitioner to represent me in my car accident claim? At the Hartley Law Firm, we will be the first to tell you that, technically, you do not need an attorney to bring a lawsuit against a negligent driver. Still, there are a few reasons why most people choose to hire an attorney:
- Lawyers understand how the law applies to the facts of your case;
- Lawyers know the court system;
- Lawyers can identify the full extent of your damages;
- Lawyers are skilled at negotiating with insurance companies; and
- Lawyers can defend against claims that you shared responsibility for the accident.
At the Hartley Law Firm, our dedicated Carrollton, TX car accident attorneys have our clients’ backs at every stage of the process. We will aggressively advocate on your behalf, so you can focus on your recovery and getting your life back to the way it was before the accident.
Reach Out to the Dedicated Carrollton Car Accident Attorney at the Hartley Law Firm Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and want to discuss your options with an experienced attorney who is not trying to “sell” the idea of bringing a case, give the attorney at Hartley Law Firm a call. Our Carrollton car accident lawyers are compassionate advocates who sees our clients as human beings first and accident victims second. We appreciate everyone who reaches out to us to learn more about the process, regardless of whether they hire us to handle their case.
We also handle other types of injury cases, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents,
- Construction site accidents,
- Trucking accidents,
- Work site accidents,
- Wrongful death claim,
- Sexual assault,
- Medical errors,
- Nursing home negligence,
If you have questions, we can help you find the answers. To learn more about the services we provide and to schedule a free consultation with our Carrollton, TX car accident lawyer, call us or connect with us through our online form.
