After a car accident caused by another person in the Fort Worth area, you may face medical bills, property damage, and other collateral expenses. You understand that there may be an insurance claims process or even the possibility of a car accident lawsuit. However, you don’t know where to start. You need an experienced car accident lawyer to help you understand your rights and value your claim.
Finding knowledgeable car accident lawyers in the Fort Worth area may prove overwhelming. Fortunately, the Hartley Law Firm is here to help you hold the at-fault party accountable. We know that you deserve adequate compensation for your losses. We will aggressively fight against our client’s adversaries, whether their adversary is an insurance company, business, or at-fault party. Plus, our firm’s focus is always on our clients, allowing us to establish long-term trusting relationships with our clients. Contact us today to speak with a Fort Worth car accident lawyer.
Common Injuries Associated with Car Accidents
After an accident, you should see a doctor even if you feel your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not show up immediately, yet they may be significant nonetheless. Below are some of the common injuries sustained in car accidents.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries are some of the most common car accident injuries and also some of the most dangerous. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are impact injuries that occur when the skull or face suffers a strong impact. On the mild end, TBIs are temporary. On the more serious end, they can cause permanent nerve damage. Permanent nerve damage can cause:
- Paralysis,
- Numbness,
- Tingling, and
- Cognitive changes.
TBIs can cause lasting effects depending on the severity.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries are also common injuries after a car accident. These can be very dangerous because of the neck’s proximity to the spinal cord. A neck injury can include:
- Whiplash,
- Muscle damage, or
- Ligament damage.
Depending on the severity of the head or neck injury, an injured person may require ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation services to keep their pain at bay.
Spinal Injuries
Some victims experience injuries involving the spinal cord. The spinal cord is one of the major nerve centers in your body, affecting mobility and control of your limbs. Spinal cord injuries can cause permanent changes in strength and paralysis, potentially requiring months to years of rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Can I Be Compensated for My Car Accident?
Under Texas law, car accident victims could receive compensation equal to the value of their losses. In a car accident claim, the victim must prove that the negligence of another party caused the accident.
Negligence
Proving negligence requires showing that the responsible party:
- Had a duty to other vehicles on the road, like to operate their vehicle safely;
- Breached this duty by engaging in unsafe or illegal behavior;
- This breach caused the accident; and
- You suffered damages as a result of the accident.
It is crucial to a car accident case that you prove a clear connection between your accident and the negligent driver’s unsafe behavior. These elements come into play after the injured person files a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver or a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company.
Comparative Fault
The other party may claim you were partially at fault for the accident. Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the at-fault driver pays the car accident injury claim. Texas is also a modified comparative fault state with a 51% bar. This means you can recover compensation only if you aren’t more responsible for the accident than the other party. So if you are 30% at fault, you can recover, but your recovery is reduced by 30%. On the contrary, if you are 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover compensation at all.
Multiple Parties Liable
When an accident involves multiple parties, compensation will be divided between the at-fault parties in proportion to their percentage of fault. For example, if two other motorists were each 70% and 30% responsible for your accident, you would get 70% of your compensation from the first and 30% from the second.
What Is the Value of My Car Accident Claim?
The value of each car accident case varies depending on the circumstances. However, adding up some common damages can give you a rough estimate of the value of your case. Some types of damages used to estimate the value of car accident claims include:
- The cost of emergency transport and treatment,
- Hospital expenses,
- Medication costs,
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Lost benefits,
- Personal property damage costs, and
- Pain and suffering.
Your claim can also include future lost income and medical treatment you might need. In most cases, settlement amounts are calculated based on the value of your actual damages. Reach out to a car accident lawyer who can help you calculate the value of your case.
Car Accident Attorney in Fort Worth
If you want a proficient, aggressive, and client-centered advocate for your car accident case, look no further than the Hartley Law Firm. Our experienced attorneys have received numerous awards and are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We can help you understand your legal options after a Texas car accident. Contact Hartley Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
