Driving is a part of most people’s everyday lives. It is a means to our livelihoods as well as our social lives. It enables us to get to and from work, see our family and friends, and visit places we love. However, since driving is a part of our everyday life, it is more than likely that most of us will experience at least one car accident in our lifetime. While most car accidents are probably considered minor fender benders, some can result in severe injuries and extensive damage. If you live or work in the Garland area and are involved in a car accident, you should seek the immediate representation of an auto accident lawyer. Our Garland car accident attorneys at the Hartley Law Firm are ready to take your call 24/7. Contact us today.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents occur for a multitude of reasons. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Failure to observe traffic signals (e.g., red lights and stop signs),
- Distracted driving (e.g., using your phone while driving, putting on makeup, adjusting the radio),
- Speeding, and
- Following too closely.
If you were in a car accident caused by someone else, the reason for the accident might not be immediately apparent. It is unlikely the other driver will openly admit they were texting and driving or following too closely behind you. You will probably need to hire an experienced auto accident attorney soon after the accident. Your attorney will immediately start investigating what transpired.
What to Do After a Car Accident
There is no doubt that the moments following a car accident are frightening and overwhelming. Being prepared and knowing what steps to take can ease your initial anxiety in the event of a collision. If you are in a car accident, there are several steps you should immediately take.
Call 911
First and most importantly, you should call 911 right away to receive medical attention, even if you think you aren’t seriously injured. Even if you feel that you escaped the accident without injury, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional. Your injuries may not be apparent, and having a record of a medical evaluation may be very helpful in later proving your compensation case.
By contacting the police, the responding officer will also create an accident report, which will be helpful as you pursue compensation for the damages you sustained in the accident.
Gather Information
Following a car wreck, you should try and gather as much information as possible, including:
- Taking pictures of the scene,
- Obtaining the other driver’s information, and
- Getting the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
It is also a good idea to write down everything you can remember before, during, and immediately following the crash. Include in your notes weather conditions and lighting. This information can come in handy later on.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You must notify your insurance carrier if you have been involved in a car accident. It is best to do this as soon as possible. But be careful in speaking with any insurance company—including your own—to not say anything that may indicate you were partially at fault for the accident. Anything you say may later be used against you. That’s why it’s best to let your lawyer do the talking.
Speak with an Auto Accident Attorney
You might be entitled to compensation if someone else’s negligence caused the car accident and your resulting injuries. Even if the car accident seems minor, injuries can manifest over time. Speaking with an attorney sooner rather than later is best to preserve your claims. A car accident attorney knows what to say and when to say it. Attorneys understand how car accident claims are handled by insurance companies. Letting someone who knows the ropes fight for you is the best way to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Car Accident Injuries
There are an infinite number of possible injuries that can result from a car accident. However, we see a handful of common injuries after an accident:
- Whiplash,
- Broken bones,
- Head injuries,
- Lacerations,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Paralysis,
- Soft tissue injuries, and
- Burns.
The above injuries and descriptions are broad and can encompass many specific injuries. You may be entitled to damages, no matter what type of injuries you have or their severity.
What Can I Recover?
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to financial recovery, including compensatory and punitive damages.
As the name suggests, compensatory damages are intended to compensate an accident victim for their losses, including:
- Medical bills,
- Lost wages, and
- Pain and suffering
The exact amount you may be entitled to will depend on the circumstances of your case.
If the other driver acted recklessly or especially negligently, the court might also award you punitive damages to punish the defendant for their egregious behavior.
To learn more about what types of damages you may be able to recover, contact an auto accident attorney at Hartley Law Firm.
Garland Car Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you love were involved in a car crash in or around Garland, Texas, you need to seek knowledgeable and compassionate counsel. You should not have not to have to suffer the repercussions of someone else’s negligence. Let our caring, dedicated, and skilled personal injury attorneys help you. At the Hartley Law Firm, we pride ourselves on providing individualized attention to each client. Contact us by phone, email, or through our website to schedule an initial consultation. We don’t get paid unless you win.
