Abilene Car Accident Lawyer

Serious Car Accident Injury in Abilene, Texas?

If you have been seriously injured, you need serious legal representation.  You need an Abilene car accident lawyer with the experience and proven results to navigate the complex legal landscape, a firm who handles all types of insurance claims, negotiates the best settlement possible, and if necessary, is fully prepared to take your case to court and fight to win.

Our attorneys are adept at determining liability, quantifying damages, and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Hiring our Abilene car accident lawyers to deal with insurance companies is a wise decision for numerous reasons. They have a team of attorneys and adjusters whose primary goal is to dispute your claim, pay you the lowest amount possible or even deny your claim.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious car accident or any personal injury accident at the negligence of someone else, contact our experienced Abilene car accident lawyers to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a FREE CASE EVALUATION with no obligation to hire us to represent you.

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Abilene Car Accident Statistics

Car accident statistics in Abilene, Texas paint a concerning picture. According the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) there were a total of 2,924 accidents in Abilene, Texas. TxDOT collects an aggregated list of all motor vehicle accidents in the state of Texas by city and by county including a breakdown of their level of severity from no injuries to fatalities. Below are those 2022 accident numbers broken down by accident severity:

  • Fatality crashes:  19 fatality accidents resulting in the deaths of 24 individuals
  • Serious injury crashes:  65 serious injury crashes resulting in serious injuries to 74 individuals
  • Minor injury crashes:  403 minor injury crashes resulting in minor injuries to 543 individuals
  • Possible injury crashes:  533 possible injury crashes resulting in possible injuries to 939 individuals
  • No injury crashes:  1,823 crashes in which 5,947 individuals were not injured
  • Unknown severity crashes:  81 unknown severity crashes resulting in unknown injuries to 292 individuals

Taylor County Car Accidents Statistics

Abilene, Texas is the largest city or town inside Taylor County There are a total of 8 cities or towns that comprise the county with a population of just over 143,000 and Abilene resides 92% of those citizens. According to TxDOT, there were 3,307 car accidents in the entire county in 2022. Below is a list of those and the level of severity of those inside the county:

  • Fatality crashes:  25 fatality accidents resulting in the deaths of 30 individuals
  • Serious injury crashes:  81 serious injury crashes resulting in serious injuries to 95 individuals
  • Minor injury crashes:  460 minor injury crashes resulting in minor injuries to 618 individuals
  • Possible injury crashes:  575 possible injury crashes resulting in possible injuries to 1,001 individuals
  • No injury crashes:  2,077 crashes in which 6,600 individuals were not injured
  • Unknown severity crashes:  89 unknown severity crashes resulting in unknown injuries to 312 individuals

Source: Crashes and Injuries by Cities and Towns; Crashes and Injuries by County.

Major Causes of Car Accidents in Abilene, TX

Abilene is experiencing growth and development which means numerous construction projects underway across the city ultimately increasing the risk of more car accidents in our city. Infrastructure improvements and commercial developments are among the projects contributing to the city’s growth. This burgeoning development, however, necessitates additional caution for drivers navigating through construction zones, where changes to traffic patterns and additional hazards may present increased risk.

According to the Abilene Police Department these are the rankings of the singular causes for accidents in our city in 2022:

  1. Speeding:  Speeding accounted for 486 crashes in Abilene, representing 16% of the total.
  2. Ran a stop sign or red light:  Failure to stop accounted for 352 crashes, representing 12% of the total.
  3. Making a left turn:  Turning left before it is safe accounted for 267 crashes, representing 9% of the total.
  4. Driver Inattention:  Not focused on driving and getting distracted accounted for 209 crashes, representing 7% of the total.
  5. Failure to yield:  Failure to slow down accounted for 189 crashes, representing 6% of the total.
  6. Unsafe lane changing:  Not paying attention or not checking blind spots while changing lanes 186 crashes, representing 6% of the total.
  7. Ignoring a stop and go signal:  Not paying attention or ignoring a flashing light accounted for 155 crashes, representing 5% of the total.

There are several overarching reasons for accidents occurring in our city and many times it can be a combination of more than one of the top factors causing these wrecks. In Abilene during 2022, the leading causes of car accidents have been identified as a combination of distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving. Distracted driving, primarily due to mobile phone usage, tops the list, as it takes the driver’s attention away from the road. Speeding is another significant factor, as it reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway.

Lastly, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol remains a prevalent issue, impairing the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. It is crucial for all drivers to recognize these risks and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and that of others on the road. However, if you become a victim to one of these crashes, call our Abilene car accident lawyers as soon as possible and receive a FREE CASE REVIEW and peace of mind knowing you have the legal team that will fight for you.

Most Treacherous Intersections and Roadways to Travel in Abilene, TX

A closer look at Abilene reveals that a handful of roadways stand out for their high accident rates. The intersection of South 1st Street and Pioneer Drive, along with the stretch of South Treadway Boulevard, are notorious for their high traffic and accident counts.

Similarly, Judge Ely Boulevard and North 1st Street have also been identified as accident-prone zones. Furthermore, the Winters Freeway (US 83/84) is frequently cited as a hotspot for collisions, given its high speed limits and heavy traffic. It is essential that drivers exercise extra caution when navigating these areas.

Below is a ranking of the three most dangerous roads or highways being traveled on in Abilene and causing the most car accidents:

  1. Buffalo Gap Road: This street also known as US 89 accounted for more than 160 of our city’s total accidents in 2022.
  2. US 83/84:  This roadway accounted for more than 100 of our city’s total accidents.
  3. Southwest Drive:  This street accounted for more than 75 of our city’s total accidents.

When traveling on these roads or through these intersections, take extra precaution and always practice defensive driving. If you or a loved one find yourself the victim of one of these accidents on these roads or any others inside Abilene, contact our Abilene car accident lawyers right away a no obligation, FREE CASE ASSESSMENT.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Abilene, TX

Immediately following a car accident in Abilene, Texas, there are several critical steps you should take to protect yourself and your interests.

  1. Prioritize Safety:  First and foremost, ensure the safety of all involved parties. If possible, move your vehicle away from the flow of traffic to a safe location.
  2. Call 911:  Report the incident to the authorities, even if the accident appears minor. This ensures an official record of the incident and the immediate dispatch of any necessary medical assistance.
  3. Document the Scene:  Take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, their positions, and any visible damage.
  4. Exchange Information:  Gather and exchange relevant information with all parties involved in the accident, including names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle descriptions.
  5. Seek Medical Attention:  Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, it is so important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be noticeable until a few hours or even days after the accident.
  6. Report to Insurance:  Notify your insurance company about the accident and initiate the claim process.
  7. Call Thompson Law:  Consult with our knowledgeable Abilene car accident lawyers as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Keep in mind that any direct communication with insurance companies or anyone at the accident scene should be minimal until you have legal representation.

Knowing all the steps to take after an accident can not only help protect your health and safety but also your rights.  This will also go a long way in avoiding the most common mistakes made when you find yourself the victim of a car accident due to someone else’s negligence.

DOs and DON’Ts After a Car Accident in Abilene

See the infographic from our Abilene car accident lawyers below for more detailed info on what to do after a car accident.

What-Should-I-Do-After-a-Car-Accident-Dos-and-Donts

 

At Thompson Law

We provide car accident victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring that you get fair value for your claim. Our Abilene car accident lawyers will build a solid case with supporting evidence so that you recover the money that you deserve for any and all of your pain and suffering.

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Most Potentially Fatal Car Accident Injuries

Certain injuries sustained in car accidents have the potential to be fatal. These include:

  • Head and Brain Injuries:  Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. These injuries can lead to long-term complications or death, especially if not treated promptly and adequately.
  • Chest Injuries:  These can include traumatic cardiac arrest, collapsed lungs, or damage to vital organs such as the heart or lungs, which can be life-threatening.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries:  Damage to one’s spinal cord can be lethal or lead to permanent disability, such as paralysis.
  • Internal Bleeding:  Internal injuries can cause internal bleeding, which can be difficult to diagnose immediately after an accident. If not treated promptly, internal bleeding can be fatal.
  • Severe Burns:  In instances where a collision results in a vehicle fire, occupants can sustain severe burns leading to significant complications and, in severe cases, death.

Always seek immediate medical attention following a car accident, no matter how minor the injuries may seem at first. Some symptoms might not appear immediately but can be serious, if not fatal, when left untreated.

While some car accident injuries can be severe or life-threatening, others are more common injuries and less immediately dangerous, although still requiring medical attention.

  • Whiplash:  This is one of the most common injuries, often resulting from rear-end collisions. The force of impact can cause the head and neck to jerk forward and back, leading to soft tissue injuries in the neck.
  • Scrapes and Cuts:  Loose objects in the car can become projectiles during a crash, leading to cuts or scrapes. Though often minor, these injuries can sometimes be severe and require stitches.
  • Broken Ribs:  The ribs are exceptionally fragile and can easily break under impact. Even the force exerted by a seat belt can cause rib fractures in a serious collision.
  • Broken Bones:  Arms, wrists, and legs are commonly broken in car accidents, often from bracing for impact or being thrown against the car’s interior.
  • Internal Injuries:  The force of a car accident can cause damage to internal organs, blood vessels, or the torso’s bones, which can be life-threatening.
  • Psychological Injuries:  Aside from physical injuries, car accidents can also result in significant psychological stress, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It is vital to get immediate medical attention following a car accident, as some injuries might not be immediately apparent and produce delayed pain. Moreover, early documentation of your medical condition can be vital if you later decide to seek compensation for your injuries.

What Will My Abilene Car Accident Attorney Do for Me?

Our qualified Abilene car accident lawyers can provide essential assistance in the aftermath of an accident. They can help you navigate the complexities of your case, making sure your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation you deserve. Here are just a few things our car accident lawyers will do for you:

  1. Provide Legal Advice:  Our attorneys will offer you legal advice regarding your rights and options in the aftermath of a car accident. They can guide you through the process, helping you understand what steps to take, the potential outcomes, and the best strategies for your case.
  2. Manage Insurance Claims:  Dealing with insurance companies can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from an accident. Our accident attorneys will handle the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that your claim is accurately represented and aggressively pursued.
  3. Investigate the Accident:  A thorough investigation of the accident is crucial for building a strong case. Your attorneys can conduct this investigation, gathering necessary evidence like police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
  4. Calculate Damages:  It’s important to accurately calculate all damages related to the accident, including medical costs, property damages, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Our accident lawyers can help ensure you’re seeking appropriate compensation.
  5. Represent You in Court:  If your case goes to trial, our lawyers will represent your interests in court. Our Abilene car accident lawyers present your case to the jury, cross-examine witnesses, and strive to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Remember, every car accident and every personal injury case is unique so you need a legal expert who understands the personal injury claims process.  The role of a lawyer can be crucial in securing fair compensation and ensuring your recovery process is as smooth as possible.

How Quickly Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

It is highly advisable to hire a car accident attorney as soon as possible following an accident. The immediate aftermath of an accident can be a whirlwind of medical treatments, police reports, and insurance claims. An attorney can help navigate these complexities, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken promptly and correctly.

Additionally, there are often legal time limits, known as “statutes of limitations“, which dictate how long you have to file a lawsuit after an accident. These statutes of limitations are different for all 50 states, and for different injury accident types. Waiting too long could jeopardize your right to compensation. Therefore, reaching out to a lawyer in the initial stages following an accident is highly recommended

Do your homework to ensure you are getting the best legal representation for you with a proven track record of results for their clients. Call our accident attorneys in Abilene today for a FREE, NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

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Our Abilene Car Accident Lawyers Charge No Upfront Fees

Let Our Abilene Car Accident Lawyers Help!

Our Abilene car accident lawyers at Thompson Law only work on a contingency fee basis. We offer no upfront cost representation, which means we NEVER receive any payment unless you do. Instead, we earn a percentage of the compensation that you are awarded.

We want to help you get back on your feet, and our bilingual staff is always on hand ready to help. We offer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and are ready to represent you from the minute you are injured until the minute you have a settlement in hand.

Man drawing a "No Win No Fee" sign in yellow and black - Car Accident Lawyers in Abilene Texas

If you need a Abilene car accident lawyer, give us a call today and let us do the fighting. Hopefully, you never need lawyers for a car wreck in Abilene, but it never hurts to have one saved in your phone so you are not searching for “car accident lawyer in Abilene tx” when you most need one.

It does not matter whether you live in Abilene or were just visiting Abilene when your accident happened – we can help.

Car Accident FAQs

More Auto Accident FAQs

Auto Accident

If you are injured in any type of accident, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical attention, even if you are not certain that you are injured. Seeking immediate medical treatment does two things: 1) it ensures injuries you sustained are diagnosed and treated; and, 2) it helps eliminate any doubt by the insurance company that your injuries were caused by the accident.

Often, the shock and adrenaline of an accident can mask symptoms of injuries, so making the mistake of skipping a medical examination can have profound consequences. By seeking prompt medical treatment, you protect both your health and your ability to seek compensation for your injuries with the help of your attorney.

If you were in a motor vehicle accident we have also detailed here what to do after a car accident.

A skilled personal injury lawyer is necessary to get full and fair compensation for injuries you sustained in an accident. Most defendants, whether individual drivers or commercial vehicle operators, are covered by liability insurance. Those insurance companies are not obligated to protect or take care of you. Insurance companies exist to protect the defendant (their customer) who caused the wreck. 

A personal injury attorney can help you obtain compensation for every category of damages to which you are legally entitled. These damages can include things like: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain & suffering, punitive damages, loss of limb, diminished mental function, physical impairment, scarring or disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims). Further, you may be entitled to future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, and other damages in severe injury cases.

The largest factor affecting your claim’s value is the severity or magnitude of your injuries. More severe injuries typically require more medical treatment. So it is essential to have all your injuries documented properly by seeking immediate treatment with doctors or hospitals, and continuing under the care and direction of your doctors as long as necessary to heal. Without prompt and consistent medical treatment and documentation, an injury claim becomes very difficult to pursue, let alone win. 

Of course, other factors an also have an impact, and each and every case is different. Were you injured in a commercial vehicle wreck or truck wreck that totaled your car, or was it a fender bender that did very little damage? Was the other driver intoxicated or drunk, or speeding? A multitude of factors may play into your claim’s overall likely value. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to visit with you and talk to you more specifically about factors which may affect your particular claim.  

In Texas, you usually have two (2) years from the date of incident to file a personal injury claim before it is barred by the statute of limitations. There are exceptions to this 2-year time limit in Texas, for minors and others. Further, other states have different time limits, and the limit that applies is typically for the state in which the accident occurred.

The safest course of action for someone injured in a car wreck, truck wreck, slip and fall, or any other type of accident is to consult with a personal injury attorney. This will help ensure that you do not miss the applicable limitations period. Moreover, it will ensure the right investigations are conducted, and the proper steps are taken to preserve the evidence, photos, witness statements, and records needed to successfully pursue your claim. 

If you are injured in a hit-and-run wreck (and are unable to locate the driver) or are hurt in a collision where the other driver does not have insurance, you are not necessarily out of options in terms of financial recovery. You may still be able to recover for your personal injuries if your own policy has Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to confirm what types of coverage you have on your policy before an accident, but if you have been hit be sure to ask these questions before finalizing your claim request. Even if you do not have UM or PIP, the attorneys and investigators at Thompson Law can work to track down the other driver in a hit-and-run accident. To do this, we rely on witnesses who may have captured a photo of the car or license plate and/or available surveillance camera footage that might have captured the wreck.  

Typical damages you can recover in a personal injury claim include: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases even punitive damages. In severe injury cases, other damages may be recoverable, such as: future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, loss of body member or mental function, physical impairment, disfigurement, emotional or mental trauma, and loss of consortium (in wrongful death claims).

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage can help save the day if you are hit by an uninsured driver or if you are the victim in a hit-and-run collision. In short, UM coverage is an add-on coverage that drivers can add to their auto insurance policies that will protect them in the event that they are in an auto accident with a driver who either does not have insurance or cannot be located. You can contact your insurance provider to confirm whether your policy includes UM. If you do not have this coverage, the personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law recommend that you consider adding UM to your auto insurance policy today. 

Knowing how comparative negligence works is vital if you live in a state that uses it. In simple terms, comparative negligence implies both drivers can share fault for an accident, but one driver can be more at fault than the other. For example, you are texting while driving when another driver runs a stop sign and hits your car.

A jury finds that the driver who ran the stop sign is 80 percent at fault, but they believe you would have had a better chance of avoiding the accident if you were not texting at the time. They find you 20 percent at fault. You can only collect enough compensation to cover the other driver’s fault. In this case, you would get $8,000 if the jury thinks your case is worth $10,000.

Having the police respond to the accident scene is of paramount importance. Make sure that YOU call them and insist that they come and investigate the accident. When the police arrive, they will separate the drivers and witnesses from one another and take statements from everyone involved. Be cooperative, detailed, and firm in describing the accident. The investigating officer will usually determine fault based upon these statements, and it is essential that your version of the events is heard and believed. If you think that you may be injured, make that clear to the officer. If an ambulance or other medical professionals arrive on scene, get checked out. If not, make plans to visit an emergency room or doctor soon after you leave the scene. Before you do leave for this care, the officer will provide you with a report number and their contact information. Make sure this information is safely saved, as it will be very important in any auto accident injury claim you may have.  

Call an attorney. Your first instinct might be to call your insurance company, but it’s best to seek legal council first so you don’t accidentally admit guilt or take responsibility for the accident. In many cases your attorney will call the insurance company for you to prevent that from happening.

Absolutely not. It’s important to leave the investigation to the professionals. They know exactly how to work a case to determine all of the facts and details.

In insurance terms, “totaled” or a “total loss” means that the cost to repair your vehicle to its pre-accident condition is more than the vehicle is worth. Each insurance company has a different threshold for determining if a vehicle is totaled, but generally, if it’s close, you want the insurance company to “total” your car. Following the determination that your car is a total loss, the insurance company will provide you with their assessment of the value of your car.

An experienced auto accident attorney should review this estimate to make sure that you are truly receiving fair market value for your loss.  You absolutely have the right to challenge their assessment, and a skilled attorney knows the best way to do so to maximize your recovery.  

Typically, yes. If a family member is seriously injured or killed in an accident, or if the injured party is a minor child, then it may be appropriate under the law for a parent, spouse, relative, or legal guardian to file a claim or lawsuit on behalf of the injured or deceased party.  These types of claims are complex, and usually depend on the type of relationship involved, as well as the individual facts and circumstances of the injury. Calling the experienced personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law is step one to explore filing an injury claim on behalf of your loved one

In Texas, even if you are partially to blame for a car accident, you may be able to recover some of your damages from the other party. Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility system (also known as comparative negligence), unless you as the claimant/plaintiff are determined more than 51% at fault, you may recover legal damages that are reduced by the percentage you are determined at fault.

For example, if you are determined to be 30% at fault, you can recover 70% of your damages from the other responsible party (you can’t recover the other 30% because that was the amount of liability that was determined to lie with you). The personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law can help you navigate this proportionate responsibility system, or can explain negligence laws by state if your accident occurred outside of Texas.     

If you or a family member are injured in an automobile accident, you cannot afford NOT to hire the very best attorney available. Thompson Law works on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that you only pay legal fees IF we win for you and AFTER your case is settled.

We understand that legal fees upfront are simply too much to deal with after a serious accident where you are dealing with property damage repairs, medical bills, missed work and lost wages. The fact that you owe $0 upfront is an added bonus when you hire great legal representation at Thompson Law.  

If you were injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, there is a good chance we can help you out. We will look at the facts of your accident, whether a car wreck, truck wreck, motorcycle accident, or on-the-job-injury and examine whatever reports or records are available. If we believe that you were injured and it was someone else’s fault, it is likely to be a case we can take. The more information and documentation you can give us about your accident and your injuries, the quicker we can evaluate your case and let you know. Give us a call or reach out online anytime! 

The best personal injury attorney has three major characteristics: Excellent customer service, cutting edge technology, and a willingness to take cases and win at trial. Ask your potential attorney about the client experience they offer, what kind of technology they use to make your life easier, and when was the last time they took a case to jury trial. Asking these types of questions will give you guidance on what kind of experience you can expect as a client and what kind of results you can expect at the end of your case.

Thompson Law has high ratings from clients for its emphasis on customer service, and its attorneys have achieved significant results on small, large, and complex cases alike. No matter if you have been involved in a minor car wreck or are dealing with catastrophic injuries from a rarer and more devastating event like a terrible workplace accident, dog bite, or an 18 wheeler wreck, Thompson Law can assist you.  

Yes! Thompson Law is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free consultations. If you have been injured in a truck wreck or car accident, hurt in a slip and fall incident, or otherwise injured from the negligence of another person or party, give us a call any time at 1-800-LION-LAW. We can speak to you over the phone, chat online through our website or social media outlets, or arrange an in-person meeting at your convenience. Our team is ready to help! 

Thompson Law is available 24/7 to provide free consultations and to sign up new clients. We can sign you up over the phone or we can send one of our experienced licensed investigators to meet you at the hospital or at your home if you prefer. Whether you live in Arlington, Fort Worth, El Paso, San Antonio, or even outside of the state of Texas, we are always here to assist you and provide the resources you need at a difficult time. We do the hard work for you so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.  

Being in a wreck, especially on the highway, can be a terrifying experience. Remember these 6 steps to make sure you are safe and to help preserve your legal case right from the start: 

  1. GET SAFE. Stop your vehicle/move it to a safe place if you are able. Stay close to the scene without obstructing traffic. Activate your emergency flashing lights to prevent other cars from striking you. 
  2. CALL 9-1-1. If you are seriously injured, be sure you request an ambulance when you call. A police report may become critical evidence in determining liability in your case. The police will respond to wrecks involving injuries but may not send a unit for cases involving property damage only.  
  3. TAKE PHOTOS. If you are able to safely do so, take photos of your vehicle, the other vehicle (including the license plate), and the surrounding scene of the accident. You will also want to photograph the other driver’s license and insurance card.  
  4. GATHER INFO. After making sure you and passengers are okay, exchange contact information and insurance information with the other driver.  
  5. FIND WITNESSES. If there are witnesses to the accident, take down their names and contact information. Their statements may help resolve any liability disputes.  
  6. CALL THOMPSON LAW. The experienced team of attorneys, investigators and paralegals are ready to assist you right away. You can even call us to meet you at the scene of an accident.  

Yes! Passengers in auto accidents are entitled to make claims for their damages and injuries too.  As a negligence-free passenger, who you make a claim against (one or both drivers and their insurance companies), and what coverages are available (e.g., third-party and/or first-party coverages, personal injury protection, MedPay), depends on the specific facts and circumstances of the car wreck.  Injured passengers should call the personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law to assist in navigating these complex issues so that they may receive the fair compensation they deserve.

Under Texas law, “bicycles are entitled to all rights of the road that apply to a motor vehicle, including access.” Unfortunately, drivers often don’t respect the rights of cyclists, and bike accidents are increasingly common, causing severe injuries to the cyclist.   

First, stay at the scene.  As soon as it is safe, assess the situation and call 9-1-1 to report the incident.  

Second, when help arrives, receive emergency medical attention.  Get “checked out” even if you think you are okay—the trauma and shock of the collision can cause your body to block out pain and injury, and internal injuries often produce non-specific symptoms. Follow the medical advice of the emergency response team. 

Third, with assistance from the police, exchange and obtain information, such as insurance information as well as the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses, passengers, and drivers.  DO NOT discuss the facts and circumstances of the bike accident with anyone other than the investigating officer.   

Fourth, document the scene.  Make notes on paper or using your cell phone about the time of day; weather conditions; road or traffic conditions; lighting; location of the vehicles and involved parties; and any relevant road signs, traffic control devices (lights, stop signs, yield signs) etc.  Also, make sure to get photographs of your bike, the driver’s car, and the scene.  

Last, a lawyer to discuss your rights.  The experienced personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law will help you investigate all applicable insurance coverages and fight to get the compensation to which you are entitled.   

An insurance company will not pay medical expenses or other damages as they come due; rather, after they have accepted liability, the insurance company will make a one-time, lump-sum final payment only at the end of your case.  Dealing with medical expenses, and obtaining the proper medical care, after an accident can be tricky. But it does not have to be! Call the personal injury attorneys at Thompson Law, who can explain how to deal with the “day-of” hospital bills, how to continue to receive the care you need, and ultimately how to recover an appropriate settlement that takes care of your bills from the incident as well as fair and just compensation for you.

Let’s be honest: this isn’t a legal show on TV and your case will not settle in the next hour – or even tomorrow.  The true answer is: it depends.  We find that most cases settle within 6-12 months from date of incident; but the timeline in your case could be shorter or longer depending on: the facts and circumstances of the accident; the length of time it takes you to complete medical treatment; and the character of the insurance company, or companies, involved in your case.  In the event that your case cannot settle pre-litigation and it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit, the litigation process alone can take 1 to 2 years due to the court system and legal process necessary to prepare for trial.  But because so much of the timeline depends on the facts and circumstances of your unique case, call Thompson Law today to discuss the personal injury claims process

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Thompson Law charges NO FEES unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We have put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements into our clients’ pockets.

Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get answers to your questions, and understand your legal options. State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.