Beaumont Accident Lawyers

Hurt in a Car Accident in Beaumont? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’ve recently been injured in a car crash in Beaumont, you’re probably dealing with more than just physical pain. Facing mounting medical bills, insurance companies dragging their feet or even refusing claims, and the stress of missed work can feel overwhelming. Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon. Insurance providers often aim to minimize payouts, and drivers who cause accidents rarely step up fully to take responsibility.

This is where Thompson Law steps in. We fight for Beaumont crash victims who’ve been wronged by negligent drivers. We’ve seen insurance adjusters delay, deny, and attempt to shift blame. Our team digs into every detail: faulty braking systems, distracted driver behaviors, even hidden records to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

If you were hurt in a Beaumont crash through no fault of your own, don’t let insurers or careless drivers dictate your future. Call our Beaumont accident lawyers now for a free case review. We’ll handle the legal fight. You focus on healing.

Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION. Let Thompson Law help you obtain the cash you need to recover from your accident injuries so you can move on with your life.

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The Importance of an Attorney After a Car Accident

Insurance companies are not altruistic when it comes to personal injury claims. They are for-profit businesses established to make money for their shareholders, are experts in dealing with car accident claims, and will not have your best interests at heart. Having our Beaumont accident lawyers on your side will help even the playing field and ensure the best outcome for your injury claim.

Why Hire a Beaumont Car Accident Lawyer

Many people assume the insurance company will handle everything after an accident, but their priority is to pay out as little as possible. Insurance adjusters may try to shift blame, dispute medical treatment, or offer a quick but low settlement before you understand the true extent of your injuries. An experienced car accident lawyer can protect you from these tactics by handling all negotiations and building a strong case based on evidence, legal standards, and the impact the crash has had on your life.

In Texas, legal rules like comparative fault and strict filing deadlines can significantly affect your claim. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation. A lawyer can investigate the crash, gather records, consult experts, and present your case in a way that minimizes liability and maximizes value. If negotiations fail, a strong legal team with courtroom experience can take your case to trial. At Thompson Law, you pay nothing unless we win for you.

If you were injured in an accident, contact our experienced car wreck lawyers today for a FREE CASE EVALUATION. It does not matter whether you live in Beaumont, were visiting Beaumont, or were just passing through on your way to Houston or San Antonio when your accident happened,  Thompson Law’s Beaumont accident lawyers can help!

What to Expect After You Contact Us

You don’t need to prepare anything formal before reaching out. Here’s what happens once you contact our team:

  1. Free Consultation:  We’ll listen to what happened, answer your questions, and explain your rights.
  2. We Investigate:  If we take your case, we’ll begin gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and documenting your damages.
  3. You Focus on Recovery:  We handle the insurance company and legal strategy while you focus on your health.
  4. Settlement or Trial:  We negotiate for full and fair compensation. If the insurer won’t settle, we’re ready to go to court.

This process is designed to support you, not overwhelm you. We’ll guide you through every step and keep you informed along the way.

Start with a FREE CASE REVIEW from our Beaumont car accident lawyers today. Let us handle the legal stress while you focus on getting better.

What Compensation Can I Receive After a Car Accident?

The compensation available to victims of car accidents is referred to in legal terms as “damages”. The types of damages you incur can be both economic damages (i.e., financial losses with a direct monetary value), and non-economic (i.e., losses with no definitive monetary value).

Economic Damages in Personal Injury Claims

Economic damages are the types of financial losses you would be able to produce a receipt for, such as:

  • Property damage to your vehicle or other personal property
  • Medical bills, which can have past and future components
  • Lost wages, which can have past and future components
  • Money spent on replacement services, such as lawn care or a maid service

Non-Economic Damages in Personal Injury Claims

Non-economic damages have value, but that value is more difficult to quantify. Examples of non-economic damages in personal injury claims include things like:

  • Pain and suffering, which can have past and future components
  • Disfigurement, such as scarring or lost body parts
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Loss of consortium, particularly if you are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit

In cases where the defendant’s behavior was particularly egregious, such as drinking and driving accidents, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish a defendant for reckless behavior, and hopefully deter anyone from acting similarly in the future.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, call and speak to one of our Beaumont accident lawyers today. We can help you understand your rights and options, and you are under no obligation to hire our injury law firm. Call us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Car Accident Statistics for Beaumont, TX

Each year, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) compiles data from every reported traffic accident across the state. This information is published in their annual crash statistics report, which breaks down vehicle collisions by city and county. For Beaumont residents, the numbers highlight how frequently serious accidents happen in the area and provide a snapshot of local roadway risks. The most recent data available from TxDOT covers the full calendar year of 2023.

Here is a breakdown of motor vehicle crashes reported in Beaumont for 2023:

  • Fatality crashes:  20 crashes that resulted in 21 deaths
  • Serious injury crashes:  90 crashes involving 115 individuals with serious injuries
  • Minor injury crashes:  440 crashes causing 615 people to suffer minor injuries
  • Possible injury crashes:  650 crashes in which about 160 individuals may have been injured
  • No injury crashes:  2,300 crashes where 7,600 people were unharmed
  • Unknown severity crashes:  60 crashes involving around 350 people

Jefferson County Car Accidents Statistics

Because many drivers in Beaumont travel outside the city for work, school, or errands, it’s also helpful to look at countywide crash data. Jefferson County includes Beaumont and several neighboring communities, which makes its totals an important reference point. The combined data can help show how widespread the traffic safety issues are across the region. These statistics also come from TxDOT’s 2023 crash records.

  • Fatality crashes:  48 crashes resulting in 48 fatalities
  • Serious injury crashes:  160 crashes in which 210 people were seriously injured
  • Minor injury crashes:  820 crashes that caused 1,200 minor injuries
  • Possible injury crashes:  1,050 crashes with about 1,740 people potentially injured
  • No injury crashes:  4,300 crashes where 13,800 people were not physically harmed
  • Unknown severity crashes:  140 crashes involving roughly 600 individuals

The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Beaumont, TX

When a motor vehicle crash occurs and the police respond, they cite factors which they believe contributed to the accident on the crash report. Every crash report contains a minimum of one contributing factor, and some may contain multiple contributing factors to a crash.

For example, if the at-fault driver was intoxicated and ran a stop sign, the crash report would list in box 36 both “67 = Under Influence – Alcohol” and “35 = Failed to Yield ROW – Stop Sign” as contributing factors on the crash report (see Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report Code Sheet for a list of contributing factors).

The Top 4 Contributing Factors to Car Accidents in Beaumont, TX

More than two out of every three motor vehicle collisions resulted from the top four contributing factors cited on Beaumont police reports. The most common causes of car accidents reported by the Beaumont Police Department in 2022 were, in order of highest incidence:

  1. Failed to control speed (31.4% of wrecks):  1,146 motor vehicles collided due to drivers either exceeding the speed limit or driving at an unsafe speed given the road or traffic conditions (e.g., rain, pedestrians in the area).
  2. Ran or ignored stop sign or red light (14.4% of wrecks):  526 motor vehicles collided in intersections due to drivers failing to adhere to stop lights and signs.
  3. Failed to drive in single lane (11.0% of wrecks):  400 motor vehicles collided due to drivers illegally driving in multiple lanes on the roadway simultaneously.
  4. Changed lanes when unsafe (10.3% of wrecks):  374 motor vehicles collided when drivers failed to yield the right of way when changing lanes.

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Beaumont by the negligence of another driver, contact Thompson Law today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Where Do Most Car Accidents Happen in Beaumont, TX?

While it’s not always possible to avoid an accident, knowing where they are most likely to happen can help you stay alert in high-risk areas. Some parts of Beaumont see far more crashes than others due to high traffic volumes, heavy congestion, and poor road design. Intersections near freeway entrances or major commercial zones are among the most dangerous. Based on TxDOT’s geographic data, a few locations consistently rank as hotspots for accidents.

The five roadways in Beaumont with the highest number of car accidents in 2023 were:

  • Dowlen Road: 950 reported crashes
  • Eastex Freeway (US 96): 400 crashes
  • College Street (US 90): 280 crashes
  • Interstate 10 (IH-10): 225 crashes
  • Cardinal Drive (Highway 287): 125 crashes

Many of the most dangerous intersections are located where these roads meet or near on/off ramps to major highways. In 2023, the following intersections experienced the highest number of crashes:

  • Eastex Freeway and Lucas Drive: 90 accidents
  • Interstate 10 and College Street: 125 accidents
  • Eastex Freeway and Dowlen Road: 70 accidents
  • Eastex Freeway and Delaware Street: 60 accidents
  • Interstate 10 and Washington Boulevard: 90 accidents
  • Cardinal Drive and Fannett Road: 38 accidents
  • College Street and 11th Street: 43 accidents
  • Interstate 10 and Walden Road: 59 accidents
  • Delaware Street and Dowlen Road: 31 accidents
  • Cardinal Drive and 4th Street: 22 accidents

Our Beaumont accident lawyers hope that by knowing the most dangerous places to drive in the city, we can help you avoid becoming the victim of a motor vehicle accident. Please take extra precaution while driving on the roads above, and avoid them completely, if possible. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, call our Beaumont accident lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Beaumont, TX

Being involved in a car accident can be confusing and stressful, but the steps you take immediately afterward can affect both your physical recovery and any legal claim you may file. If possible, move to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance if anyone is hurt. Police will create a crash report, which can serve as valuable evidence. While waiting for help, take photos of the scene, including the vehicles, damage, and surrounding area. If witnesses are present, get their contact information as well.

Even if you feel okay, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Injuries like concussions, soft tissue damage, and internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately. Delaying care can also hurt your chances of recovering compensation. Once your condition is stable, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Beaumont before talking to any insurance adjusters. A lawyer can protect your rights, manage communication with the insurance company, and help you pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Call Our Beaumont Accident Lawyers: Injury claims handled by a personal injury attorney typically result in up to 3-times more compensation to victims of car accidents. We offer FREE CONSULTATIONS, so call us today.

At Thompson Law

We provide car crash victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring that you get fair value for your claim. Our Beaumont accident lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence so that you recover the money that you deserve.

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Common Injuries from Car Accidents in Beaumont

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may not appear until hours or days after the crash. Common injuries include whiplash, spinal injuries, herniated discs, and broken bones. Victims may also experience joint damage, nerve pain, traumatic brain injuries, or internal bleeding. Some crashes lead to permanent conditions like paralysis or require surgery and long-term rehabilitation. Even minor collisions can leave people with lasting physical pain and mobility issues.

Psychological injuries are also common after a serious crash. Many victims report symptoms of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, especially if the accident involved a fatality. If a loved one is killed in a crash, surviving family members may face financial stress, grief, and long-term emotional harm. Proper diagnosis and documentation of both physical and emotional injuries are key to building a strong claim. Our legal team works with qualified medical providers to connect your injuries directly to the crash.

Some of the most common auto accident injuries are to the spinal column, and often are not apparent until inflammation sets in days or weeks later. Thus, it is important to seek medical attention soon after any auto accident. Once a doctor has checked you out physically, contact Thompson Law and let us give you a legal check-up. We offer FREE CONSULTATION to injury victims, so call us today.

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Seek Justice with Our Beaumont Car Accident Lawyers

Our Beaumont car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we charge you nothing upfront. We only get paid if you get paid, after which we earn a percentage of the compensation you were awarded. We offer legal support 24/7, and our team is standing by ready to represent you from the minute you are injured until you receive your settlement.

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Beaumont Accident Lawyer FAQs

Can I still sue if the accident happened in Beaumont but the other driver lives out of state?

Yes. If the accident occurred in Texas, you have the right to file your claim in a Texas court—even if the at-fault driver is from another state. We frequently handle these cases and know how to deal with out-of-state insurers and legal teams.

I didn’t report the crash right away. Can I still file a claim?

Possibly. While reporting the accident immediately helps your case, it isn’t always a legal requirement, especially if you were injured or disoriented at the time. If you later sought medical care and there’s still supporting evidence (like photos, damage, or witness statements), you may still have a valid claim. We can evaluate the situation and advise you on your options.

What if I had a pre-existing condition that was aggravated by the crash?

You can still file a claim. Texas law allows accident victims to seek compensation if a collision made a prior injury worse. The key is showing that the crash directly caused the aggravation. Our team works with medical professionals to document these changes and build a strong case around them.

My injuries prevent me from going back to work. Can I recover future lost wages?

Yes. If your injuries affect your ability to work long-term, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost income. In some cases, you might also qualify for retraining costs or disability benefits. We bring in financial and vocational experts to calculate these losses accurately and support your claim.

More Car 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. 

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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 to be more than 51% at fault, you may recover legal damages that are reduced by the percentage you are determined to be 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 FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.