Car Accidents

Car accidents can be traumatic events that have a profound impact on individuals physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether you're a driver, passenger, or pedestrian involved in a collision, knowing how to navigate the aftermath is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various aspects of dealing with a car accident, from immediate steps to long-term considerations.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Texas

Car accidents are a frequent occurrence on roads worldwide, often resulting from a multitude of factors. Understanding the common causes of car accidents is essential for promoting road safety and preventing future collisions.

Distracted Driving: Activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using navigation systems divert the driver's attention from the road, leading to accidents.

Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limits or too fast for road conditions reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.

Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and disregarding traffic signals contribute to accidents.

Weather Conditions: Texas' unpredictable weather, including rain, snow, and fog, can create hazardous driving conditions and result in accidents.

Mechanical Failures: Vehicle defects or poor maintenance can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other issues that result in accidents.

What To Do After A Car Wreck

Experiencing a car wreck can be a frightening and disorienting experience. However, it's crucial to stay calm and take certain steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here are some tips on what to do after a car wreck:

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911 if needed.
2. Move vehicles to a Safe Location.
3. Call Law Enforcement.
4. Exchange Contact and Insurance Information.
5. Document the Scene with Photos.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company.
7. Seek Medical Attention, even for minor injuries.
8. Keep Records of Expenses.
9. Consider Consulting with an Attorney.
10. Follow Medical Advice and Keep Your Attorney Updated.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor bruises to severe, life-altering conditions. Understanding the common types of injuries that can occur in car accidents is essential for recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate medical care. Here are some common types of car accident injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Back and neck injuries 
• Permanent disabilities 
• Scarring and disfigurement 
• Bone fractures 
• Major lacerations 
• Soft-tissue injuries 
• Burns 
• Fatal injuries 
• Wrongful death 

We also help clients fight for compensation for nonphysical injuries. Texas law allows plaintiffs to demand compensation for their emotional, mental, and psychological suffering as well as their physical pain and economic losses. Our firm may be able to help you seek a fair amount for your pain and suffering,  emotional damages, anguish, grief, distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder after a bad accident.

Types of Car Accident Compensation

In the aftermath of a car accident, victims may be entitled to various types of compensation to cover their losses and damages. The specific types of compensation available depend on the circumstances of the accident, the extent of the injuries, and the applicable laws in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. Here are some common types of car accident compensation:

1. Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for all medical costs associated with the accident, such as hospital bills, surgery expenses, doctor's visits, medication costs, rehabilitation, and therapy.

2. Lost Wages: If the accident results in the victim being unable to work, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can include wages lost during the recovery period as well as any future earning capacity affected by the injuries.

3. Property Damage: Victims can seek compensation for damage to their vehicle or other personal property as a result of the accident. This typically covers the cost of repairs or replacement of the damaged property.

4. Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be awarded for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish experienced as a result of the accident and the resulting injuries. This type of compensation is often more subjective and may vary depending on the severity of the injuries and their impact on the victim's life.

5. Wrongful Death Damages: In cases where the accident results in a fatality, the surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship and support.

6. Punitive Damages: In cases where the at-fault party's actions were particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Statute of Limitations for Filing A Claim in Texas

Typically, in Texas, the statute of limitations for car accident claims involves a two-year timeframe from the accident date for filing a personal injury lawsuit, and three years for property damage claims. However, if a government entity is involved, the window shrinks to just six months for filing a claim. Failing to adhere to these timeframes could result in the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation.

Therefore, it's crucial to reach out to proficient car accident lawyers, such as those at Malone Legal Group, promptly after the accident. This proactive step is essential to ensure the preservation of your legal rights and the pursuit of the rightful compensation you are entitled to.

Building A Strong Claim In Car Accidents

Building a strong claim in a car accident case is crucial to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. Here are steps you can take to strengthen your claim:

1. Seek Medical Attention: After a car accident, your health and safety should be the top priority. Even if you don't believe you were seriously injured, it's essential to undergo a thorough medical evaluation. Prompt medical attention not only ensures that you receive necessary treatment but also creates a documented record of your injuries, which can be crucial evidence in your claim.

2. Document the Accident Scene: If you are physically able to do so, gather evidence at the accident scene. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, the damage sustained, any visible injuries, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs or signals, and the surrounding area. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident occur.

3. File a Police Report: Contact law enforcement and report the accident. When the police arrive, provide them with accurate information about the accident. The police report will document key details of the accident, including the date, time, location, parties involved, and any citations issued. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records.

4. Keep Detailed Records: Keep thorough records of all expenses and losses related to the accident, including medical bills, receipts for medication and medical supplies, vehicle repair estimates or invoices, rental car expenses, and any other out-of-pocket expenses. Also, keep track of any missed work days and the impact of the accident on your daily life and activities.

5. Follow Medical Advice: Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare providers and follow their recommended treatment plans. Failure to comply with medical advice could be used by the insurance company to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed.

Our experienced attorneys, Matthew & Valeri Malone are dedicated to establishing the negligence of the other driver and securing the compensation you're entitled to. It's crucial not to accept any settlements offered by insurance companies before consulting a reputable attorney. Seeking guidance from an experienced car accident attorney is paramount following an accident. Insurance companies are more focused on safeguarding their interests than ensuring you receive proper compensation for medical expenses and related trauma. They may attempt to provide minimal payments or evade payouts entirely. Agreeing to settlements without legal consultation could result in inadequate offers that omit rightful damages such as future medical costs, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.