How can a Corpus Christi Car Accident Lawyer assist you?
According to recent statistics released by the Texas Department of Transportation, there was not a single day during 2020 without a fatal car accident in Texas. This shocking statistic isn’t even the worst of it.
From 2019 to 2020, Texas experienced an 18.94% increase in highway fatalities per mile driven, with 3,896 total deaths and 14,656 serious injuries. Based on reportable crashes in Texas in 2020:
- A person was killed every two hours 15 minutes;
- A person was injured every two minutes 34 seconds; and
- A reportable crash occurred every one minute seven seconds.
If these terrifying statistics tell us anything, it is that everyone on Texas highways is at risk for being involved in a car crash. If you or a loved one have been injured in an automobile accident in the Corpus Christi area and someone else is at fault, don’t hesitate.
Contact one of the experienced Corpus Christi Car Accident lawyers at Khattar Law PC today to discuss your case.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents
Of the inordinate amount of auto accidents that occur on the highways of Texas every year, no two are the same. However, there are some common causes that continue to appear in reporting data. The most common causes of automobile accidents include:
- Distracted driving. Considering how much time we spend in our cars, it is no surprise that distracted driving is a leading cause of auto accidents.
- Speeding. Speed limits are instituted to keep drivers and passengers safe on the road. However, when those limits are ignored the likelihood and potential severity of an accident increase exponentially.
- Drunk or intoxicated driving. Although completely avoidable, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol results in a shocking number of auto accidents every year.
- Drowsy driving. Studies suggest that drowsy driving is nearly as dangerous as intoxicated driving.
- Reckless driving. Reckless or aggressive driving is a crime in Texas. It is also a major cause of auto accidents.
- Weather. Rain, ice, snow, hail, fog, and wind can all have serious negative impacts on road conditions and visibility.
- Failure to obey traffic signals. Red lights and stop signs are critical to road safety, especially in busy areas. When these traffic signals are ignored, it can lead to disastrous results.
- Inexperienced drivers. Studies show that inexperienced drivers, especially teenagers, are at a higher risk of being involved in a serious automobile accident.
- Design and manufacturing defects. Automobile accidents are not always the fault of the drivers involved. When cars or car equipment are defective, it can lead to serious accidents. Cases are brought for defective airbags, ignition switches, brakes, tires, and other flaws regularly.
- Unsafe lane changes. Whether from failing to signal or forgetting to check a blind spot, unsafe lane changes are another major cause of automobile accidents.
- Wrong-way driving. As they often result in head-on collisions, wrong-way driving accidents are extremely dangerous.
- Tailgating. While often the result of reckless or aggressive drivers, whatever the cause tailgating presents a significant risk of danger. When following too closely, drivers often overestimate their ability to react and stop.
- Road rage. Texas ranks not only as one of the worst states for road rage, but also for road rage incidents involving a firearm.
- Road conditions. Poorly maintained roads are often unsafe due to hazards such as potholes, eroded shoulders, and missing guardrails.
Even if you aren’t sure what caused your accident, you may still be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. Our Corpus Christi personal injury attorneys will conduct an in-depth investigation to discover all of the factors that went into causing your accident and who is to blame.
Common Injuries Sustained in Auto Accidents
The injuries sustained in car crashes can vary on a number of factors including whether the participants were wearing seat belts, type of cars involved, speed of the vehicles at time of impact, and whether airbags deployed. Regardless, the following injuries are common across the spectrum of auto accidents:
- Brain injuries. When the head suffers a blunt or penetrating injury, traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur.
- Neck injuries. Strain to the muscles and ligaments of the neck can result in neck injuries such as whiplash.
- Back injuries. Trauma caused by the rapid force of an auto accident can cause significant damage to the back such as slipped and herniated discs,
- Spinal cord damage. The spinal cord is a key part of the central nervous system. It is also very delicate and prone to injury.
- Burns. Whether from fire, explosion, or friction, burns are common in serious auto accidents.
- Soft tissue damage. Delicate soft tissue such as ligaments and tendons are prone to injury during car accidents.
- Broken and fractured bones. With the great amounts of force created, car crashes can easily cause breaks and fractures to bones of passengers. Commonly broken bones include legs, arms, hips, ankles, wrists, and ribs.
- Scrapes, cuts, and lacerations. When cars collide, glass, debris, metal, loose items, and other objects can be thrown at high velocity. When these strike the skin, it can result in serious lacerations and present a risk of infection.
- Emotional trauma. Car wrecks are scary and in their wake victims often suffer emotional and psychological trauma such as anxiety and trouble sleeping.
How Much Compensation Can I Expect?
Every accident is different. So is every auto accident case seeking damages. Most however are settled out of court. If you have been injured in a Corpus Christi auto accident, one of our attorneys can help you negotiate this settlement or alternatively take the other party to court. Whether your ultimate resolution is an insurance settlement, a mediation agreement, or a jury trial, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
What Steps Should I Take Following A Car Accident?
- Safely secure the scene and tend to any injured persons.
- Contact the police, and if necessary, emergency medical personnel.
- Gather evidence at the scene including witness statements, video, and photographs.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved in the accident.
- Refrain from detailed discussion about the accident at the crash scene. In the chaos following an accident you could inadvertently provide incriminating statements.
- Seek ongoing medical treatment for your injuries and save all related medical bills and documentation.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Obtain a copy of the police report from your accident.
- Discuss your case with an experienced attorney.
- If you are contacted by an opposing party’s insurance company, do not discuss your case without first talking to an attorney.
- Refrain from posting about your accident on social media. These posts could be used against you in a legal proceeding.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim in Texas?
Texas, like most states, has established a time frame within which an injured person must bring a claim for damages or forever lose the right. The Texas statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including most car accidents, is two years. While there are exceptions, such as when the defendant is a governmental entity, the rule means that generally you have two years from the date of injury to bring a claim against the person or persons at fault.
Contact a Corpus Christi Auto Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident, don’t wait. Contact one of the experienced Corpus Christi car accident attorneys at Khattar Law, PC today. To schedule a consultation call us at 210-791-0817 or fill out the online contact form.