Texas Attorney Accident: What You Need to Know

If you have been involved in a car accident in Texas, you may be wondering what your legal rights and options are. Whether you are the driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages caused by the negligence of another party. However, the process of filing a claim and pursuing a lawsuit can be complex and challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the Texas laws and regulations that govern car accident cases. That is why you may need the help of a qualified and experienced Texas attorney accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal system and protect your best interests.

In this article, we will explain some of the most important aspects of Texas attorney accident cases, such as:

• The common causes and types of car accidents in Texas
• The statute of limitations and comparative fault rules that apply to car accident claims in Texas
• The types and amounts of compensation that you can recover for your car accident injuries and losses
• The benefits of hiring a Texas attorney accident lawyer to represent you in your car accident case

Common Causes and Types of Car Accidents in Texas

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 3,610 traffic fatalities and 256,338 traffic injuries in Texas in 2019¹. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Texas include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Reckless driving
• Fatigued driving
• Failure to yield
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Improper lane changes or turns
• Defective vehicles or parts
• Road hazards or defects

Depending on the cause and severity of the car accident, the resulting injuries and damages can vary widely. Some of the most common types of car accidents in Texas include:

• Rear-end collisions
• Head-on collisions
• Side-impact collisions
• Rollover accidents
• Multi-vehicle accidents
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist accidents

Statute of Limitations and Comparative Fault Rules in Texas

If you have been injured or suffered damages in a car accident in Texas, you have a limited time to file a claim or a lawsuit against the responsible party. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and it varies depending on the type of claim you are pursuing. In general, the statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage claims in Texas is two years from the date of the accident². However, there may be exceptions or extensions to this rule depending on the circumstances of your case, such as:

• If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until they turn 18 years old
• If the injured party is mentally incompetent, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until they regain their mental capacity
• If the responsible party is a government entity or employee, the statute of limitations may be shorter or longer depending on the specific laws and procedures that apply to them

If you fail to file your claim or lawsuit within the statute of limitations, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your car accident injuries and damages. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a Texas attorney accident lawyer as soon as possible after your car accident to ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines.

Another important factor that can affect your car accident claim or lawsuit in Texas is the comparative fault rule. This rule states that if you are partially at fault for the car accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault³. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the car accident, and your total damages are $100,000, you will only be able to recover $80,000 ($100,000 - 20% x $100,000). However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the car accident, you will not be able to recover any compensation at all³. Therefore, it is crucial to have a strong evidence and argument to prove the liability and negligence of the other party and to minimize your own fault.

Types and Amounts of Compensation in Texas

If you have been injured or suffered damages in a car accident in Texas, you may be able to recover various types and amounts of compensation for your losses. The types of compensation that you can recover in a car accident case in Texas include:

• Economic damages: These are the tangible and quantifiable losses that you have incurred or will incur as a result of the car accident, such as medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and future care costs.
• Non-economic damages: These are the intangible and subjective losses that you have experienced or will experience as a result of the car accident, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement.
• Punitive damages: These are the additional damages that are awarded to punish the responsible party for their gross negligence or intentional misconduct, and to deter them and others from engaging in similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are not available in every car accident case, and they are subject to certain limits and conditions under Texas law⁴.

The amounts of compensation that you can recover in a car accident case in Texas depend on various factors, such as:

• The severity and extent of your injuries and damages
• The degree of fault and liability of the other party
• The availability and adequacy of insurance coverage
• The strength and credibility of your evidence and argument
• The skill and experience of your Texas attorney accident lawyer

Benefits of Hiring a Texas Attorney Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured or suffered damages in a car accident in Texas, you may be wondering whether you need to hire a Texas attorney accident lawyer to represent you in your car accident case. While you are not legally required to do so, there are many benefits of hiring a Texas attorney accident lawyer, such as:

• A Texas attorney accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, and advise you on the best course of action for your case.
• A Texas attorney accident lawyer can help you gather and preserve the necessary evidence and documentation to support your claim, such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, photos, videos, and expert opinions.
• A Texas attorney accident lawyer can help you calculate and negotiate the fair and full value of your compensation, and protect you from the lowball offers or unfair tactics of the insurance companies or the other party.
• A Texas attorney accident lawyer can help you file and handle the paperwork and procedures involved in your claim or lawsuit, and ensure that you comply with the relevant laws and regulations.
• A Texas attorney accident lawyer can help you prepare and present a strong and persuasive case in court, and advocate for your best interests and rights.

Hiring a Texas attorney accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your car accident case, and increase your chances of obtaining the maximum compensation that you deserve. Therefore, it is advisable to contact a reputable and experienced Texas attorney accident lawyer as soon as possible after your car accident, and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and your legal options.