The physical and emotional damage immediately after a car accident means that you may have to make tough decisions at the worst possible time. At the Ezequiel Reyna, Jr. Law Office, we understand what you may be feeling, which is why we do our best to make the process following an auto accident easier for you. You’ll need an experienced personal injury attorney to help you get the medical treatment needed and to fight against insurance companies that do not have your best interest at heart.
Car Accident Statistics
In Texas, car accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the state. The Texas Department of Transportation reported that one person is killed every two and a half hours in the state, while one person is injured every two minutes. These high rates of injury and death are terrifying. With nearly 440,000 car accidents statewide in 2019, it is likely that a wreck may happen to you or your family. Being prepared and knowing what to do in case of a car crash is essential.
While no two car crashes are the same, there are many common causes of Texas car accidents to be aware of, including:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Failing to yield
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Illegal lane changes
- Breaching traffic safety laws
If you see a driver performing any of these actions, try to give them as much space as possible to ensure they do not hit your vehicle. These actions can lead to serious car accidents that injure or kill all involved.
What to Do if You Are in a Car Accident
While no one wants to be in a car accident, it is important to know what to do just in case one happens. The first step is to call 911 or emergency services, if you are physically able to, to alert the authorities that a car accident has happened and that there may be people who are injured. If you have been injured and are unable to safely move, wait for emergency services to arrive and help you. Seeking medical treatment right away is critical to ensuring your injuries are properly treated and documented by a medical professional. If you are not transported to the hospital after the car accident, seek care from your doctor as soon as possible. While you may not feel as though you have been injured the day of the collision, injuries can start to present 24 to 48 hours afterward. This is when the adrenaline and shock from the auto accident have worn off and your body starts to feel the true impact of the crash.
After the car accident, take pictures and video of the scene, the damage to your vehicle, surrounding conditions, and your injuries, if you can. Exchange information with all involved parties, including any witnesses that saw the crash. Make sure to speak to police about everything you can remember before, during, and after the accident so they have an accurate police report. Alert your insurance company about the accident and what happened. If the other driver’s insurance company calls you to talk about the accident, be cautious about what information you give. They may try to get a recorded statement of you downplaying the seriousness of the accident and/or your injuries. Decline to speak with them until you have proper legal representation.
Contact a Texas car accident attorney who can help you navigate the process of obtaining compensation for damages resulting from the crash. The sooner a reliable, experienced injury attorney gets involved in the case, the easier it is to preserve evidence and speak to witnesses while the incident is still fresh in their minds. It is a good idea to write down all of the accident details you can within 24 hours of the occurrence so you do not miss any critical information when speaking to your attorney.
Car Accident Damages
Determining what types of damages you have suffered after a car accident can be daunting, but an experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help. Your lawyer will not only calculate how much you have suffered financially due to the auto accident, but also who should pay for these losses and who you should file a claim against. Texas has an at-fault system of liability following a car crash, meaning drivers who cause an accident are responsible for paying for the damages they cause.
Common types of car accident damages include:
Property Damage Costs: Your vehicle may be severely damaged or totaled in an car accident. This can mean thousands of dollars in repairs or having to buy a new vehicle entirely.
Expensive Medical Bills: All types of injuries resulting from car accidents can be expensive to treat under the country’s current healthcare system. Recovery from serious injuries may require surgery, physical therapy, medication, and more. These treatments may cost tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars.
Lost Wages and Future Income: If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, you may worry about not being able to return to work now or in the near future. If you have been permanently disabled, you may not be able to return at all. This means losing wages and benefits that supported your loved ones, including your family. This financial pressure can put a strain on your family and raise questions as to how you will be able to support yourself as you recover.
Pain and Suffering: Not all damages suffered in a car accident are financial in nature. Non-economic damages – including pain, suffering, post-traumatic stress, and diminished quality of life – must be considered when determining total financial compensation.
Weslaco, Texas Car Accident Attorneys
If you have been in a car accident, you may be scared, frustrated, and not know what to do. By selecting knowledgeable legal representation, you won’t have to worry as much about your next steps. Contact the South Texas car accident lawyers at Ezequiel Reyna, Jr. Law Office today to discuss your case in a free consultation. There is limited time to act following a motor vehicle accident in Texas, so don’t delay.
