Car Crashes
Car Crash Attorney Serving the Houston, TX Area
Houston drivers are involved in 40,000 to 70,000 car crashes each year. Long work commutes, high-speed freeways, distracted drivers and road rage all contribute making our community one of the most dangerous places in America to drive.
A car accident can be a frightening experience, and when it leaves you with serious injuries, the event can be life-altering. If you have been injured in a car crash or semi-truck wreck, it is normal to feel confused, frightened, and overwhelmed. In times like these, you want the advice of car accident attorneys at the Gustin Law Firm PLLC.
To get started on building your case, we welcome you to contact our office and schedule a consultation. We are proud to represent drivers all throughout Cypress, Pasadena, Spring, TX, and the surrounding communities.
What to Do After a Car Accident
The moments after a car accident can be disorienting. It might take you a few minutes to catch your breath and think clearly. The most beneficial mindset to have at the scene of a car is to be patient and maintain your calm. Doing or saying the wrong thing could hurt your chances of recovering money for your property damage and injuries.
After a car crash, you should:
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- Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and call 911 if needed
- If able, move yourself and your vehicle to a safe location (away from traffic)
- Call the authorities to report the accident
- Exchange information with any other driver(s) involved in the crash
- Do not apologize or admit any fault for the crash
- Take photos, videos and document anything you notice about the scene
- If police respond, ask them how to obtain a copy of the accident report
- Identify any potential eyewitnesses and get for their contact information
- Call your insurance company to report the accident
- Call a Gustin Law Firm car crash attorney to review your case
The best car accident lawyers in Houston, TX, understand that what you say and do in the moments immediately after a car crash can have an impact on your ability recover your damages in court. You should watch what you say and document as much as you can with photographs. By doing that, you can help yourself and your attorney.
Common Causes for Car Wrecks
Motor vehicle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. An experienced car accident attorney knows that while the circumstances of every collision are different, there are some common causes for accidents that occur more often than others.
Common car crash causes include:
If you were involved in an accident, you may have reason to suspect distracted driving was to blame. If so, you should tell the officer who is writing the accident report. Distracted driving continues to be one of the most common reasons that a car crash happens. You should not have to pay for someone else’s inattention with your health or your livelihood!
Proving Negligence in a Houston Car Accident
The foundation of a successful personal injury lawsuit rests on negligence. Negligence simply means that someone failed to exercise the ordinary care required to make sure the risk of harm to others was minimized. For example, when on the road, drivers should pay attention to the road rather than their phones. When all drivers do this, the risk of harm to others is minimized.
In a Texas courts, a car crash lawyer is expected to prove various certain elements of the case. When an attorney can prove these elements, they will have satisfied the law’s requirements for proving negligence.
The required elements are:
- An expected duty, namely safe driving
- A breach of that duty (like running a stop sign)
- An injury that directly resulted from that breach of duty
- Actual harm (damages) that can be remedied by compensation
Proving negligence can be tricky, but it is of singular importance to a successful personal injury claim. A seasoned car crash attorney will be able to look at the facts of your case to determine whether they can establish negligence.
Compensation Available for Car Crash Victims
Under Texas law, a plaintiff can be awarded damages even if they are partially to blame for the accident that caused their injuries. This law, known as “modified” comparative negligence, or proportionate responsibility, allows an injured person to collect damages in proportion to their fault. For example, if an injured driver is found to be 10% responsible for the injury-causing accident, their award would be reduced by ten percent. However, if the injured driver is found to be 51% or more at fault for the crash, they will recovery nothing under Texas law
A car crash lawyer can help their client recover damages to pay for:
- Accident-related medical expenses already incurred
- Accident-related medical expenses in the future
- Lost wages in the past
- Lost income or earning potential in the future
- Physical Pain
- Mental Anguish
- Loss of use/Loss of enjoyment
- Property damage, including towing, rental, storage
- Diminished value of the repaired vehicle
If you have been in a car accident that has left you with debilitating injuries, the car accident lawyers at Gustin Law Firm know that money cannot make your injuries disappear. But financial compensation can offer you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your needs and the needs of your family will be taken care of.
A Car Accident Attorney for Houston
At the Gustin Law Firm, we help Houston residents who have been injured in car accidents. We provide our clients with competent legal representation coupled with kindness and understanding.
If you have been injured in a Houston area car crash, call Gustin Law Firm today for a free consultant about your case!
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