When Should You Hire A Car Accident Attorney?

It is generally a good idea to hire a car accident lawyer if you have been involved in a car accident that has caused you to suffer injuries or damages. Jim Adler & Associates can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Here are a few specific situations when you should consider hiring an accident attorney:

  1. The accident was serious and caused significant injuries or damages.
  2. The other driver was at fault and is disputing liability.
  3. You are having trouble getting a fair settlement from the insurance company.
  4. The statute of limitations for filing a claim is approaching.
  5. You are unsure of how to proceed with your claim.

 

Remember, it is important to act quickly after a car accident. In many states, you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim, so it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. Each of our offices offers free, no-obligation, same-day case reviews, so contact us today to start your claim.

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The Ultimate Guide To Car Accidents

With one reportable crash occurring every 56 seconds in Texas, the state hasn’t had a single day without a traffic fatality in recent years. Far too often, victims are left with injuries (sometimes severe), financial losses and a ton of questions about their legal rights. Nobody understands the confusion and stress you’re dealing with better than we do.

If you or a loved one has been in a car wreck, knowing the laws in Texas and what options are available to you can make all the difference in your recovery.

This guide covers Texas car accident laws, common crash types, what to do after a wreck and how a car accident lawyer can help. If you need legal help, our team at Jim Adler & Associates can help

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?

No Fee Unless We Win.

At Jim Adler & Associates, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis for our car accident cases.

What is a Contingency Fee?

A contingency fee means you don’t pay us any attorney fees upfront or out of pocket. Instead, our fee is contingent upon the successful outcome of your case. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything.

How Does it Work?

  • No Upfront Costs: You don’t pay any attorney fees to start your case. We cover all the costs of investigation, litigation, and expert witness fees.
  • Payment Only if You Win: We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court judgment.
  • Percentage-Based Fee: Our fee is a percentage of the total amount of compensation we recover for you. This percentage is agreed upon upfront and outlined in a clear written agreement.
  • Transparency: We are completely transparent about our fees and how they are calculated. You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying and why.

Benefits of a Contingency Fee:

  • Access to Justice: Contingency fees make legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial means.
  • No Financial Risk: You don’t have to worry about paying attorney fees if your case is unsuccessful.
  • Alignment of Interests: Our interests are aligned with yours. We’re motivated to get you the best possible outcome because our fee depends on it.

Click here for a more detailed breakdown on car accident lawyer fees and costs.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE consultation.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Texas and Their Legal Implications

exas sees many types of car accidents, each with their own legal and financial implications.

  • Rear-End Collisions:
    • Often caused by distracted driving or tailgating.
    • Legal Implications: In general, the rear driver is assumed to be at fault but proving this involves showing the lead driver didn’t suddenly and unjustifiably stop.
  • Head-On Crashes:
    • This is among the most severe type of accident, often due to someone driving the wrong way or driver fatigue.
    • Legal Implications: Determining fault focuses on which driver crossed the center line. Evidence includes witness testimony and accident reconstruction.
  • T-Bone (Side-Impact) Accidents:
    • Usually seen at intersections, often due to a person running red lights or stop signs.
    • Legal Implications: Liability hinges on who had the right of way. Traffic camera footage and witness accounts are crucial.
  • Hit-and-Run Incidents:
    • Leaving the scene  of an accident you are involved in is a serious crime in Texas.
    • Legal Implications: These cases involve criminal and civil law. Even if the at-fault driver is found, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is often vital.
  • Multi-Vehicle Pileups:
    • Often seen on high-speed highways, creating a chain reaction of car wrecks.
    • Legal Implications: Determining fault can be complex, involving multiple parties and factors like visibility and following distance. Accident reconstruction is often necessary.
  • Drunk Driving Accidents:
    • Texas has a very high rate of DWI/DUI-related car crashes.
    • Legal Implications: DWI/DUI cases involve criminal charges, which can strengthen a civil claim. Punitive damages may also be awarded.
  • Truck and Commercial Vehicle Crashes:
    • Common due to the heavy transportation needs of the Texas oil and gas industry.
    • Legal Implications: These cases often involve complex regulations and multiple liable parties (i.e. trucking companies, manufacturers). Proving negligence requires expertise in federal and state trucking laws.
  • Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents:
    • Pedestrian accidents occur when a vehicle hits people walking, riding bicycles, or riding electric scooters.
    • Legal Implications: These cases can be very complex. Drivers have a duty to yield to pedestrians and cyclist. Proving driver negligence, and or Pedestrian/cyclist negligence is very important. These cases often have very severe injuries.
  • Uber & Lyft Rideshare Accidents:
    • Rideshare accidents occur when you’re the passenger in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle, and you have a collision with another driver.
    • Legal Implications: These cases can be complex and may involve multiple parties and insurance companies. Hiring an attorney is often highly advisable.

Each type of accident requires specific legal strategies to prove liability and get compensation.

Common Injuries from Texas Car Accidents

Injuries from car crashes can vary in severity. Even minor crashes can lead to chronic health issues and long-lasting effects.

Physical Injuries

  • Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries often involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. While they may not be immediately apparent, they can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and ongoing discomfort.
  • Broken Bones and Fractures: These injuries can require extensive treatment, including surgery, casts, and physical therapy. They can also result in long-term complications like arthritis or impaired mobility.
  • Spinal Cord Damage and Paralysis: These devastating injuries can cause permanent loss of sensation and movement. Victims may require lifelong medical care and assistance with daily activities.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. They can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, personality changes, and ongoing neurological problems.
  • Internal Organ Injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and require emergency surgery. Long-term complications can include organ dysfunction and chronic pain.
  • Cuts, Bruises, and Burns: While these injuries may seem less severe, they can cause significant pain, scarring, and infection risk.

Long-Term Effects and Medical Care

Many car accident injuries require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and pain management. Victims may face:

  • Chronic Pain: Persistent pain can significantly impact quality of life, limiting daily activities and causing emotional distress.
  • Disability: Severe injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, requiring assistive devices or modifications to their home or vehicle.
  • Reduced Quality of Life: Car accident injuries can affect a person’s ability to work, socialize, and enjoy hobbies, leading to a diminished quality of life.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Car accidents can take a significant emotional and psychological toll on victims. Common emotional and psychological effects include:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This condition can cause flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors related to the accident.
  • Anxiety: Victims may experience heightened anxiety, fear of driving, or difficulty concentrating.
  • Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities are common after a car accident.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping are common after a traumatic event.

It’s a good idea to seek professional help for emotional and psychological stress after a car accident. Therapy, support groups, and medication can help victims cope with the emotional aftermath of an accident.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas: Protecting Yourself

Knowing what to do immediately after an accident can protect your health, safety and legal rights.

At the scene of the accident:

  • Ensure Safety First:
    • If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic.
    • Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
  • Check for Injuries:
    • Assess yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone needs medical attention.
  • Contact the Authorities:
    • Call 911 to report the accident and request police assistance. A police report is essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
  • Exchange Information:
    • Obtain the following information from all involved drivers:
      • Full name
      • Driver’s license number
      • Contact information (phone number, address)
      • Insurance company and policy number
      • Vehicle make, model, and year
      • License plate number
  • Gather Evidence:
    • Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of:
      • The accident scene from various angles
      • Damage to all vehicles involved
      • Road conditions (skid marks, traffic signals, etc.)
      • Any visible injuries
  • Witness Statements:
    • If there are any witnesses, politely ask for their contact information and a brief account of what they saw. Their testimony can be valuable for your claim.

After leaving the scene:

  • Seek Medical Attention:
    • Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
  • Report to Your Insurance Company:
    • Notify your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about what you say. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause.
  • Consult a Texas Car Accident Lawyer:
    • Contact an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your legal options and protect your rights. A lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

What NOT to Do After an Accident:

  • Don’t Leave the Scene: Leaving the scene of an accident, especially if someone is injured, is a crime in Texas.
  • Don’t Admit Fault: Even if you think you might be partially at fault, avoid admitting fault to anyone, including the other driver or the police.
  • Don’t Sign Anything: Don’t sign any documents from insurance companies or other parties without consulting your lawyer first.
  • Don’t Give a Recorded Statement: Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without your lawyer’s guidance.
  • Don’t Settle Too Quickly: Don’t accept a settlement offer from an insurance company without fully understanding your rights and the extent of your damages.

Not following these guidelines can typically hurt your case.  Contact an attorney today if you need help.

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