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.

What are the common causes of Car Accident in Texas?

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.

Drunk 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.

Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, worn-out road surfaces, and lack of proper signage can lead to loss of control and accidents.

What are the common Car Accident Injuries?

In Texas in 2022, the most recent year data is available, there were 244,092  accidents. Injury incidents, such as car accidents, commonly inflict serious,  catastrophic, and life-altering injuries on victims. We understand how these injuries impact people and how to best help them fight for appropriate compensation awards. We can help clients with all types of personal injuries during car accident claims. 

• 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.

What Actions Should Be Taken Immediately After A Car Accident?

If you're involved in a car accident, it's important to stay calm and take the following steps immediately:
• Check for Injuries
• Move to a Safe Area
• Turn on Hazard Lights
• Exchange Information
• Document the Scene
• Contact the Police
• Notify Your Insurance Company
• Seek Medical Attention
• Cooperate with Authorities
• Gather Witness Information
• Stay Calm and Avoid Blame

Remember that the specific steps might vary depending on your location and the severity of the accident. The priority is to ensure the safety of all individuals involved and to gather the necessary information for insurance and legal purposes.

Is it recommended to pursue medical treatment following a car accident, despite feeling unharmed?

Even in the absence of noticeable injuries, seeking medical attention is crucial. Certain injuries, like whiplash, might not manifest immediately. Delaying treatment could potentially impact your ability to secure compensation for any injuries sustained. With the assistance of a knowledgeable car accident lawyer, you can access necessary medical care and ensure the safeguarding of your legal rights.

What is the 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.

How Can I Determine if I Have a Valid Car Accident Claim?

If you've been involved in a car collision resulting in serious injuries or loss of life, you might have the opportunity to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. To assess the viability of your claim, you'll need to establish that the other driver or party involved acted negligently and breached their duty of care. Indications of this negligence by the other driver may encompass:

• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Operating the vehicle while distracted
• Making illegal maneuvers
• Recklessly exceeding speed limits
• Engaging in other unlawful or reckless behaviors

Our attorneys 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.

Additionally, it's important to note that car accidents might not always stem from driver negligence. Hazardous road conditions, defective vehicle parts, or even malfunctioning autonomous vehicles can lead to accidents. In such cases, responsibility may lie with vehicle or parts manufacturers, as well as government entities. Familiarizing yourself with common causes of car accidents is essential.

What Is the Value of My Car Accident Claim?

The value of your car accident claim is contingent on various factors, including the extent of your injuries, the damage sustained by your vehicle, and the liability of the other driver involved. An experienced car accident attorney is equipped to assess your unique circumstances and offer a more accurate estimation of the potential value.

The compensation you can seek for your claim hinges on aspects like your past and anticipated medical expenses, the costs of required treatments, and the impact of any pain and suffering endured. Several other factors can also influence the overall amount you might recover from your claim:

• The income lost during your incapacitation period.
• The effect of your injuries on your future earning capacity.
• The necessity for home modifications to accommodate your injury-related needs.
• The presence of permanent disfigurement, scarring, disability, or loss of bodily function resulting from your injury.

To secure the rightful compensation, it's advisable to consult our proficient lawyers at Malone Legal Group. Our dedication lies in maximizing the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Moreover, we strive to alleviate your stress during this challenging period by offering a concierge service that handles communication with insurance companies and auto body shops on your behalf.

What Texas Cities Can We Handle Your Car Accident Case?

• Lubbock
• Midland 
• Odessa