Humble Car Accident Lawyer

Texas Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents are regular occurrences around the state. The Department of Transportation collects accident statistics, and the picture they paint isn’t pretty: 

• 19,448 people suffered serious injuries in car accidents in 2021
• Almost 4,500 people were killed in traffic collisions that same year
• An astounding 1,077 people were killed by a drunk driver in a crash
• Distracted driving also contributed to 433 fatalities in 2021

Texas should not be seeing these numbers of accidents. Unfortunately, the number of fatalities jumped more than 15% year over year.

Those who survive accidents suffer many difficulties returning to normal. They often need expensive medical treatment and extended rehabilitation. Their vehicles need to get fixed, and some cannot work at all until their pain subsides. Even “minor” collisions could cost someone tens of thousands of dollars.

Texas is a Fault State 

In Texas, fault matters when it comes to receiving compensation for a car accident. Fault is the legal term for determining who is responsible for a crash. In most cases, a motorist is at fault because they were careless and did one of the following:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Drifting over the center line
• Texting and driving
• Driving while distracted
• Driving while fatigued
• Failing to yield

When a person is at fault in a car accident, they should pay compensation to anyone hurt in the collision. Texas requires that motorists have liability and property damage coverage for this reason.

Fault is often debated. For example, a driver might deny they were looking at their phone while driving, or they claim they were going under the speed limit. You should hire an experienced car accident attorney who can find evidence to establish fault. At The Stano Law Firm, we can fully review all evidence and create a strong narrative explaining what happened. Many defendants find our version of events so compelling that they have no choice but to offer fair compensation.

Negotiating a Humble Car Accident Settlement

Texas requires that motorists carry insurance or at least self-insure, so you can typically make a demand for compensation following a wreck. We have sought the following damages:

• Medical bills to treat your injuries. Car accidents typically cause serious bodily injuries, and you’ll probably need diagnostic tests, surgery, prescription medication, and other medical care for weeks or possibly months.
• Lost income. Injuries are usually so serious that motorists miss some work. You should receive compensation for your lost income, even if you are self-employed or a gig worker.
• Property damage. You should request money to cover car repairs or rental costs. If your car is totaled, you should also receive money so you can buy a new one.
• Pain and suffering. Your injuries dramatically reduce the quality of your life by causing physical and emotional pain. Texas allows car accident victims to receive compensation for this pain and suffering.

Some accident victims try to negotiate their own settlements. That is a big mistake. Insurance companies rarely offer fair compensation; instead, they make you work for it. At The Stano Law Firm, our Humble car accident lawyer knows how to pull together all the evidence in a case.

Comparative Negligence & Your Car Accident

It isn’t unusual for both drivers to be negligent, which means fault is often shared. The good news is that you can still sue even if you were partially at fault. Today, the state’s proportionate responsibility law says you can sue provided you are not more than 50% to blame for the accident. If you are over, then you are barred from suing.

This law matters in another way. Even if you are less than 50% to blame, you’ll receive less compensation from the defendant if you are at all responsible for the car crash. Texas law limits a defendant’s liability to their percentage of fault. For example, your accident might be worth $100,000. But if the other driver is only 60% responsible, he will only be on the hook for $60,000 in damages.

The upshot of all this is that defendants regularly claim you contributed to your car crash. They might allege you were distracted by a cell phone or talking to a passenger. Our goal is to reduce your share of responsibility to increase the amount of compensation you take home.

Hit and Run Accidents & Your Rights

Texas has seen an epidemic of hit and runs lately. Unfortunately, motorists flee the scene of a car wreck for many reasons, including a lack of insurance or because they were intoxicated. Victims hurt in the collision are left stranded without any assistance. 

One question we receive is whether a victim can receive compensation when they can’t find the driver. The good news is that you can probably make a claim on your uninsured motorist insurance, which is offered with all insurance policies in Texas. This insurance company will step in and cover certain losses when you are hit by a driver who lacks insurance or who flees the scene.

Unfortunately, your insurance company could still deny a claim. They might allege you are solely at fault or that you drove off the road yourself. The Stano Law Firm can negotiate with your insurer to receive a favorable settlement to cover your injuries. 

In some situations, the police might find the driver who struck you, in which case you can file a lawsuit against them. We can share important information with the police about the driver who hit you and request updates on the investigation. 

Steps to Take Following a Car Accident

Collisions are traumatizing events. Many people are badly shaken in a crash, and some are in so much pain they can only hope someone calls an ambulance.

However, there are certain steps you can take after a crash that will improve your odds of a settlement. We highlight the most important:

1.       Call the police. You should report any collision to the police so an officer will come out and create a crash report. The officer might also talk to witnesses and collect other helpful evidence.

2.       Swap personal information with the other driver. You should share your name, address, license, registration, and insurance information. Get the same from any other driver involved in the crash.

3.       Talk to witnesses and ask what they saw. You should also ask for a name and phone number or email so you can reach them later.

4.       Photograph the accident scene, including the motor vehicles. You can use your phone. These pictures will show where the cars ended up and where the damage occurred. If a road defect contributed to the wreck, like a giant pothole, then get a snap of that as well.

5.       Never admit fault. Doing so will only make it harder for you to receive compensation. You can express concern for people without immediately saying, “I’m sorry” or anything else that sounds like an acceptance of responsibility.

6.       Go to the hospital. The sooner you begin receiving medical care, the better. Your medical records also help document your injuries, which might be a subject of dispute.

Deadlines for Humble Car Accidents 

Although you might be shaken following a wreck, you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. The deadline is found in the Texas statute of limitations for personal injuries. Generally, you get two years from the date of the wreck to file.  That time passes quickly.

What happens if you go over the deadline? You can expect the defendant or his insurer to ask a judge to dismiss the case—and a judge will grant the request. To protect your legal rights, give The Stano Law Firm a call. We can analyze how much time you have left on the clock and get a lawsuit filed, if necessary, to protect your rights.

If a loved one passed in a car wreck, you could sue for wrongful death. This is a special type of personal injury claim that has its own deadlines. Our firm is capable of providing reliable legal representation for grieving spouses, children, or parents.

Speak with a Humble Car Accident Attorney

The claims process is complicated, and auto accidents victims have many questions. Get the assistance you need by contacting The Stano Law Firm today. We have helped those injured in all sorts of accidents, including T-bones, rollovers, rear-end collisions, and even fatal accidents. Wether the injuries caused were traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries or any type of injury. If you reach out right now, we can answer your questions in a free, confidential meeting.