Navigating the Legal Maze: Your Comprehensive Guide to Dealing with Car Accidents

In April of 2023, Forbes reported that Dallas has the greatest number of car accidents out of every city in the U.S. It’s also the most dangerous city to drive in because it has the highest number of reported vehicle-related fatalities, too.

Since car, truck, and bike accidents happen on a daily basis in the city, you’d think the process of filing a car accident injury claim would be simple and straight-forward.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case, and it’s up to the injured individual to take all the proper steps, collect the right evidence, and file the right paperwork if they want to get the compensation they’re entitled to under the law.

If you find yourself in this situation, then hiring a Dallas car accident lawyer is in your best interests because they can help you navigate the tricky legal maze ahead. Below, we’ll help give you a broad overview of what you need to know to properly handle your car accident injury case and get the compensation you need to move forward.

Dallas Car Accidents: What to Know

Dallas car accident laws are clear – a driver that’s at fault for an accident can be held liable for the financial losses associated with the crash. In the event of an auto injury, the injured person should seek out medical treatment, evaluate their property damage, and determine the extent of their losses. When those losses are significant, the injured party can file a civil car accident lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Pursuing compensation from the other driver’s insurance can be complicated, especially when your losses are substantial. Dallas car injury lawyers can help you navigate through the process of building up your case, strengthening your evidence, negotiating with the other party, and more.

The Most Dangerous Dallas Intersections

The best way to avoid a car accident is to remain as vigilant as possible while behind the wheel, follow all the proper traffic laws, and avoid the most dangerous roads in Dallas. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most dangerous intersections in Dallas. While you may not always be able to completely avoid these areas, it is advised that you take extra precautions in these high-

traffic areas:

• I-635 and Coit Road
• I-35 and Royal Lane
• I-635 and Hillcrest Road
• I-35 and Continental Avenues
• I-35 and Walnut Hill Lane

These intersections are all dangerous due to high levels of traffic, poor visibility, and high average speeds that drivers are traveling when they drive through. Unfortunately, intersections are often a hotbed for accidents because numerous cars are trying to pass through at the same time. One driver’s failure to obey traffic signals can cause a dangerous situation for every car, pedestrian, and cyclist around them.

The Most Common Car Crash Injuries

Car crashes can be very traumatic on your body because you’re often going at high speeds before colliding and coming to a jolting stop. This violent and sudden stopping motion can cause your neck to thrust forward and backward causing whiplash, or it could cause your brain to do the same in your skull causing a traumatic brain injury.

Similarly, when you collide with something, your seat belt does its job and secures your body in place. This can save your life, but it can also cause devastating bodily harm, like organ damage or breaking your collar bone. In other situations, you could get crushed.

Here are some of the most commonly reported injuries that happen after car accidents in Dallas:

1. Spinal cord injury
2. Whiplash
3. Head and brain injuries
4. Broken bones and soft tissue damage
5. Paralysis and nerve damage
6. Amputation
7. Mental distress
8. Wrongful death

Not every type of car accident injury will necessarily lead to a personal injury lawsuit. If you only sustain minor busing and cuts, for instance, then it might not be worth it to seek compensation. If you sustain any of the serious injuries listed above, though, then you should contact a Dallas car wreck attorney to learn more about your legal options.

4 Steps to Dealing With a Car Accident in Dallas

The aftermath of an accident can be very confusing and distressing. If you’re struggling with physical injuries as well, then the situation will be even more complex and alarming. Despite these conditions, you’ll need to take specific actions to ensure that your accident gets reported properly, you get the medical care you need, and your right to file a car accident claim for compensation is preserved. Below, we’ll outline exactly what steps you should take to deal with a car accident in Dallas.

1. Go Over Your Insurance Coverage 

Before an accident even happens, it’s good to be aware of the car insurance coverage policies you have in place. In Dallas, drivers must have personal coverage of up to $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 total bodily injury coverage, and $25,000 for property damage coverage. If you experience an accident with losses that exceed those limits, then the remainder may come out of pocket.

PIP, or personal injury protection, insurance is optional in Texas but if you do have this type of policy, then you can potentially recover losses in the form of lost income and medical bills regardless of who is ultimately liable for the incident.

2. Consider How Much Your Case is Worth

If you do ultimately wind up in an accident, then you’ll need to consider how much your case may ultimately be worth. Without this information, you won’t be properly prepared to discuss your losses with your insurance provider or be able to file a car accident lawsuit. To value your claim, you need to define what you’ve lost, understand how much you may be able to sue for, and consider the factors that could impact your total overall compensation.

Defining What You’ve Lost

 
First, you need to be able to define what you’ve lost and calculate the approximate value of those losses. Consider your economic losses, which will include expenses like your medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. These costs should be easy to calculate based on the bills, repair receipts, and your average wages.

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, might be harder to value. These losses include things like emotional distress and pain and suffering. If a loved one suffered fatal injuries, then you’ll want to seek out damages for things like loss of companionship, loss of financial support, and more.

In rare cases, courts may also award punitive damages when the other party’s recklessness or negligence was extreme.

An experienced Dallas car accident lawyer can help you calculate the true value of your past losses as well as estimate your future losses.

How Much You Could Sue For

 
In general, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for an award amount equal to the losses you suffered due to the accident. There are a few factors that could impact your compensation, though, which we’ll go over in detail below.

In 2003, a new accident law was passed that impacts how much you can sue for. This Texas Tort Reform caps noneconomic damages at $250,000 or twice the amount of the economic damages awarded by a jury. For a better estimate of what your case may be worth, get in touch with a Dallas car wreck lawyer.

Factors That Can Impact Total Compensation

 
Your overall settlement award could be reduced based on your own percentage of fault in the accident. Texas courtrooms operate on a modified comparative negligence standard, which means that you can sue someone else so long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident.

If you were roughly 25% at fault for an accident, for example, then you could still seek up to 75% of your losses from the other party. Determining how your own behavior contributed to your accident is very complicated and outcomes are never guaranteed, but hiring a top car accident lawyer with positive past case results can help you better understand what type of settlement award your case may produce.

3. Know What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident 

One of the most important aspects of dealing with a car accident is knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of the crash. If you fail to take certain steps, then you might hurt your ability to seek compensation in a car accident lawsuit. Here’s a broad overview of what to do:

• Ensure an investigation begins: Gather evidence at the scene if you are able to, including taking photos of the damage to the vehicles and any visible injuries you may have. Call the police immediately after moving your vehicle to a safe area (if possible) and checking on the condition of the other drivers and passengers.
• Seek out medical care: See a doctor even if you aren’t sure you were seriously hurt as some injuries might be difficult to detect immediately after a crash. A car accident lawyer in Dallas, TX can help connect you with a medical professional who can submit proof of your injuries to your lawyer.
• Consult with a Dallas accident attorney: The sooner you contact a local car crash lawyer the sooner they can start building your case and fighting for compensation.
• Compile your evidence and build your case: A Dallas car wreck lawyer can help ensure you have the strongest case possible, including leveraging experts who can comment on how your crash may have been caused and the effects of your injuries.
• Negotiate with the other parties: A local car crash lawyer will start by negotiating with the other side’s insurance company. However, if they refuse to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer should be prepared to take them to trial.
• Court: Though most car accident lawsuits settle outside of court, sometimes a trial is necessary in order to secure the maximum amount of compensation possible.
• Appeal: In some rare instances the other side may challenge a verdict or your lawyer might do so if the outcome of the case wasn’t favorable and they believe your trial wasn’t executed in a fair manner. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process.

The right Dallas car wreck lawyer can assist you with all of these steps, and the sooner you reach out to one, the better. The best attorneys will determine if specific investigation techniques like reconstructing the accident scene, using black box evidence, or investigating a biomechanical injury can help your case.

Most cases do settle before ever reaching trial, but you want to hire a trial-ready team just in case.

4. Check How Much Time You Have to Sue

 
In Texas, you have up to one year from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. You have two years from the date of a car accident to file a car accident lawsuit.

There are a few exceptions to this rule. If your accident occurred when you were a minor or you were struggling with mental health issues, then the statute of limitations may be extended. The right car wreck attorneys can help you learn more about your legal options based on when your accident happened.

Frequently Asked Questions On Working With a Dallas Accident Lawyer

Do you have more questions about working with a car accident lawyer in Dallas, TX? Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions below.

What Type of Lawyer Handles Car Wreck Cases? 

There are many different types of lawyers. If you were injured in a car accident and another driver was at fault, you’ll want to hire a Dallas personal injury lawyer who specializes in car crashes.

A personal injury lawyer in Dallas might handle other types of cases like product liability, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, or trucking accidents. Verify that the lawyer has specific experience handling your type of accident by reviewing their past case results.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do? 

A Dallas car accident lawyer can help you make informed decisions on how to handle your crash and lawsuit from start to finish. They’ll advise you on your rights, help you build your case with evidence, secure police reports, value your losses, and negotiate with other parties to secure a fair settlement for you.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost For a Car Accident?

Most car injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This type of payment structure allows injured individuals to get the legal help they need without having to pay anything until they receive their settlement check or verdict. This type of arrangement helps avoid any undue financial strain on injured individuals who are already suffering with multiple losses.

How Do I Find the Best Dallas Personal Injury Attorney Near Me?

Finding the best car wreck lawyers to handle your case means checking out a few different attorney’s reviews, testimonials, past case results, areas of expertise, and local practice areas. The best attorney for you will meet all your qualifications, be in your local area, focus on your type of case, and have overall positive past reviews. Local lawyers are often the best choice. Here in Dallas, it can also be helpful to look for a bilingual lawyer who can speak English and Spanish.

Not Alone in the Lone Star State: Finding Dallas Car Accident Lawyer

After experiencing a car crash in the city, hiring a Dallas injury lawyer typically won’t be at the forefront of your mind. Instead, you’ll likely wonder how long it will take you to recover, how much money you’re going to lose, and how to heal and rebuild your life.

You need to focus on healing and recovering. Let a qualified Dallas car accident lawyer handle the legal aspects of recovering compensation on your behalf. Working with a lawyer can help you manage all aspects of your car accident lawsuit all while maximizing your chances at securing the best legal outcome.

This article was first published in findattorneys.org. Read the original post here.