Car Accident Lawyer in Round Rock, Texas

COMMON CAUSES OF CAR ACCIDENTS

Drunk Driving

Unfortunately, drunk driving continues to be a problem across the United States and Texas.  Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to cause car accidents because their coordination, eyesight, and judgment are impaired.  Although the Austin/Round Rock area implemented the Vision Zero program in 2016 to try to reduce traffic deaths, there was an unfortunate uptick in motor vehicle deaths .

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents.  Distracted driving is a broad term that encompasses several actions, such as using a cell phone, eating, rubbernecking, and applying makeup.  It is important to remember that taking your eyes off the road, even for just a moment, increases the chances of an accident occurring. 

Speeding

Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to safely maneuver the vehicle and increases the risk of injury to those around him.  To reduce the risk of being involved in a car accident due to speeding, be sure to stay vigilant of speed limits and drive accordingly.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Even the most vigilant drivers are at risk of being involved in a wreck when hazardous conditions exist.  For instance, slick roads during a snowstorm or thunderstorm increase the chances of a car accident.  Roads littered with potholes are another example.

Mechanical Failure

Physical problems with the vehicle itself may be another cause of a car accident.  For example, faulty brakes may lead one car crashing into another.  To reduce the risk of a mechanical failure occurring, be sure to follow a proper maintenance schedule by getting your vehicle routinely inspected.

COMMON INJURIES

Whiplash

Whiplash is caused by the sudden back-and-forth jerking of the head or neck.  This type of injury is particularly common in rear-end accidents when the momentum of the cars forces the passengers in the front car to rapidly jerk back and forth.  Common symptoms of whiplash include headaches, loss of range of motion in the neck, and neck pain or stiffness. 

Back Injuries

Back injuries are especially common in high-speed, high-impact car accidents.  However, back injuries may also occur even from a seemingly minor fender-bender.  It is important to remember that back pain may not manifest until hours or days after the accident.  You should seek prompt medical attention immediately after any car accident.   

Brain Injuries

Brain injuries may occur, for instance, when the sudden impact between cars causes the driver or passenger to bang his or her head against the interior of the vehicle.  Common symptoms of brain injuries include loss of consciousness, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, and impaired speech, amongst others.  Any of these symptoms should prompt the victim to seek immediate medical attention. 

Death

Unfortunately, many car accidents prove to be fatal, leading to the death of one or more individuals.  Fatal accidents are more likely to occur in high-speed collisions, or where a passenger was not wearing a seatbelt.  

WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

1. Seek Medical Attention

Seeking prompt medical attention is the first and most important step a car accident victim can take.  Even if your injuries appear to be minor, seeking medical attention from a trained professional may put you in a better position to recover as efficiently as possible.   

2. File a Police Report

If feasible, report the accident to local law enforcement.  This step is particularly important for car accidents that resulted in substantial vehicular damage or severe physical injury.  When reporting the accident, be sure to provide as many details as possible and refrain from admitting fault.  An official record of the accident may later be helpful in strengthening the value of your claim.

3. Document the Accident

A critical step to take following any car accident is to “document the accident” by creating and maintaining an organized file of every document relating to the accident.  This file should include important documents such as:

• A copy of the police report
• Copies of your medical bills
• Photographs of the damage to your car
• Photographs of your physical injuries
• Photographs of the scene of the crash
• Car repair estimates
• Copies of witness statements, if any

4. Contact a Car Accident Attorney

Because navigating and handling a car accident claim by yourself can be a difficult and frustrating task, you should consider contacting an experienced car accident attorney.  An attorney may wish to speak with you in person or over the phone to discuss the facts of your case.  From there, the attorney may be able to provide legal guidance.  If a claim is filed, the attorney may work on your behalf by negotiating with insurance claims adjusters.  If the claim proceeds to trial, an attorney may advocate on your behalf in front of a judge and jury to show why you are entitled to fair and just compensation.

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WHO CAN I SUE?

The Other Driver

If the car accident was caused by another driver, you may be able to file a claim against the other driver.  For example, if the other driver was texting while driving, or if the other driver ran a red light before causing a crash, the other driver may be subject to liability for your losses and injuries.

Read More: Round Rock Uninsured Motorist Accident Claims

Employer of the Other Driver

Under the theory of vicarious liability, an agent’s actions are the same as those of the principal who directs the agent.  This means that if you were struck by a commercial vehicle, the company that owns the vehicle or employs the driver may also face liability. 

A Pedestrian

Pedestrians can also be the cause of a car accident.  For instance, if a person walks onto the road without the right-of-way, such as by jaywalking in an unmarked area, that person may be subject to liability if his or her actions cause a car accident.

Automobile Manufacturer

An auto manufacturer or car part manufacturer may also be held liable for a car wreck under certain circumstances.  For instance, if a defective steering wheel causes a car accident, the seller of the vehicle or the company that manufactured the steering wheel may be responsible for any resulting injuries

CAR ACCIDENT COMPENSATION

A car accident victim may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained as a result of the car if the victim can establish that another person’s negligent or intentional acts caused the accident.   When calculating the amount of compensation that may be awarded following a car accident, there are two primary forms of damages: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are quantifiable costs and expenses resulting from the car accident.  In a car accident case, economic damages may include:

• Medical and pharmacy expenses
• Lost income and wages
• Future economic losses
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible losses that cannot be easily quantified.  Non-economic damages are subjectively evaluated by a jury in a car accident case.  Types of non-economic damages in a car accident case may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement and/or disability
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be awarded in the rare case where a court finds that the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless, egregious, or intentional.

LEGAL TIME LIMITS

A “statute of limitations” is a legal time limit in which a car accident victim must file a claim following an accident.  If the victim fails to timely file a claim, the victim may be effectively barred from litigating the claim in court.

In Texas, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.  This includes injuries that are caused by car accidents.  A car accident victim must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident.  For example, if you suffered whiplash and injured your neck in a car accident that occurred on May 1, 2020, you would have to file a claim by May 1, 2022. 

Because the statute of limitations is a very important consideration when evaluating your car accident claim, you should seek the advice of a car accident attorney, especially if you think the statute of limitations period is running out.  An attorney may be able to provide you with legal advice regarding the status and viability of your claim.

ZINDA’S ROUND ROCK CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS ARE READY TO HELP

Zinda Law Group’s Round Rock attorneys are ready to offer years of experience negotiating, settling, and litigating car accident claims.  Allow us to focus on protecting your rights while you focus on recovering from your injuries.  

Our firm also believes that an injury victim should never have to worry about being able to afford excellent legal representation.  That is why we offer 100% free consultations, and why you pay nothing unless we win your case.  That’s our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.

If you would like to discuss the details of your case with an experienced Round Rock car accident lawyer, or to learn more about the claim filing process, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 to receive your free case evaluation.

Meetings with attorneys are by appointment only.