Car Accident Lawyer in Keller, TX

What Should I Do After a Motor Vehicle Collision?

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, evoking a wave of stress and fear. However, it’s important to remain calm and composed. By taking methodical steps after a wreck, you can effectively manage the situation and lay the groundwork for a smoother recovery process:

1. Ensure safety and check for injuries; call emergency services if necessary.
2. Move to a safe location to avoid further accidents if possible.
3. Take photos of vehicles, road conditions, and injuries.
4. Exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers.
5. Seek out witnesses for additional details.
6. Report the accident to the police for an official report.
7. Avoid making admissions of fault at the scene.
8. Notify your insurance company about the accident promptly.
9. Consider contacting a car accident lawyer in Keller at Thompson Law for legal guidance and to protect your rights.

Why Should I Hire an Attorney For a Car Wreck Claim?

Navigating the aftermath of a car wreck can be overwhelming, with numerous legal intricacies and financial concerns to consider. Hiring an attorney can greatly benefit those seeking compensation and clarity. Here are several reasons why engaging an experienced lawyer is crucial for your car wreck claim:

• Expertise in the Claims Process: Our attorneys specialize in understanding the complex legal frameworks and procedures involved in car wreck claims, ensuring that no aspect of your case is overlooked.
• Negotiation Skills: Our experienced lawyers possess the skills to negotiate effectively with insurance companies, aiming to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
• Evidence Gathering: Your legal team can efficiently collect and preserve crucial evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, strengthening your claim.
• Accurate Valuation of Damages: Our attorneys can accurately assess the full extent of your personal injury damages, including economic and non-economic impacts, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
• Legal Representation in Court: If your case proceeds to trial, having one of our seasoned lawyers to represent your interests can significantly influence the outcome in your favor.

Hiring an attorney for your car wreck claim can offer peace of mind and bolster your chances of receiving fair compensation. Allow a car accident lawyer in Keller at Thompson Law to handle the complexities, so you can concentrate on healing and moving forward confidently.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Car Accident Injury Claim?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have up to two years to initiate a lawsuit to recover damages for injuries sustained in a car accident. Failing to file within this time frame typically results in losing your right to seek legal recourse. This is a general rule, and there may be exceptions or special circumstances that could alter this timeframe, such as cases involving minors or governmental entities.

Keep in mind that statutes of limitations can vary from state to state. Some states may allow a longer period, while others have shorter deadlines. For instance, in Tennessee, you may only have one year to file, whereas in Maine, the period extends to six years. The statute of limitations is specific to the jurisdiction where the injury occurred, meaning that if you were involved in an accident in Texas, Texas law will govern your filing deadline, even if you reside in another state.

Common Car Accident Injuries We Handle

At Thompson Law, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of car accident injuries. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to ensure you receive the care and compensation you deserve. Some of the common car accident injuries we handle include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden movements caused by a collision can lead to whiplash and other neck injuries, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Car accidents can cause significant trauma to the back and spine, including herniated discs, spinal fractures, and paralysis.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions are serious conditions that can arise from the impact of a crash, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a collision often results in broken bones, which can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, joints, and tendons is common following an accident and can take time to heal fully.
• Internal Injuries: Crashes can result in internal bleeding and damage to organs, necessitating immediate medical attention.
• Emotional and Psychological Injuries: Beyond physical harm, the trauma of an accident can cause emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

Your experienced car accident lawyer in Keller is equipped to handle these and other types of injuries, ensuring you have the support and representation needed for a successful recovery and fair compensation.

How Can I Prove the Other Driver's Fault in a Car Accident?

Proving fault in a car accident is crucial for ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Ideally, the other driver will be honest about their role in the collision, avoiding a scenario where it becomes a “he said, she said” disputed liability situation. However, having solid evidence is essential regardless.

Here are key pieces of evidence you can collect to establish the other driver’s fault:

• Police Reports: Obtain a copy of the official police report from the accident, which often contains an officer’s assessment of fault based on the situation and statements made at the scene.
• Photographic Evidence: Take clear photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any relevant skid marks or debris.
• Witness Statements: Gather contact information and statements from any witnesses present at the scene, as their unbiased accounts can support your version of events.
• Surveillance Footage: Check for any nearby surveillance cameras or dashcams that might have captured the accident, providing visual evidence of the events leading to the collision.
• Driver Statements: Document any admissions of fault made by the other driver after the accident, either to you, witnesses, or the police.
• Accident Reconstruction: Your car accident lawyer in Keller may consider working with an accident reconstruction expert to provide a professional analysis of the crash that can demonstrate fault.
• Medical Records: Keep detailed records of your injuries and treatments, linking them directly to the accident and proving the impact of the collision on your health.
• Weather and Road Conditions: Document and report on any adverse weather, road constructions, or hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the accident.

By diligently collecting and presenting this evidence, you strengthen your case and improve your chances of proving the other driver’s liability in the accident.

Can I File an Injury Claim in Texas if I Am Partly At-Fault for the Collision?

Yes, you can file an injury claim in Texas even if you are partly at fault for the collision, thanks to the state’s comparative negligence laws. Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, which allows you to recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. Under this rule, your compensation is reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.

For example, let’s say you are involved in a car accident where it is determined that the other driver was 70% at fault, but you were also responsible for 30% of the fault because you were slightly exceeding the speed limit. If your total damages amount to $100,000, you would still be eligible to recover compensation, but it would be reduced by your 30% share of the fault. As a result, you would receive $70,000. However, if you were found to be more than 50% at fault, you would not be eligible to receive any compensation for your injuries.

What if My Accident Occurred Out-of-State?

Negligence laws vary widely from state to state in the United States, with each state adopting its own approach to determining fault and liability in personal injury cases. The state in which an accident occurs dictates the applicable law, making it crucial for parties involved in a collision to understand the local legal framework to navigate their claims effectively.

Broadly, these approaches can be categorized into three main frameworks: pure contributory negligence, pure comparative negligence, and modified comparative negligence.

• Pure Contributory Negligence: States such as North Carolina and Virginia follow pure contributory negligence, where a plaintiff who is found even slightly at fault for an accident is barred from recovering any damages.
• Pure Comparative Negligence: In states like California and New York, a plaintiff is allowed to recover damages lessened only by their percentage of fault, meaning even if they are 99% at fault, they can still recover 1% of the damages.
• Modified Comparative Negligence: Most states adhere to a modified comparative negligence system, where a plaintiff can recover damages provided they are not more than 50% or 51% at fault (depending on the state’s specific law).

What Do I Need to Have to Prove My Damages and Get Compensated?

When pursuing a compensation claim for a car accident, having sufficient and organized documentation is essential to substantiate your damages. These documents serve as the backbone of your case, highlighting the extent of your injuries and financial losses.

Below is a list of crucial documents you should gather:

• Medical Bills and Records: Comprehensive documentation of all medical treatments, diagnoses, and expenses linked to the accident.
• Police Reports: Official accident reports detailing the incident, which often include important observations and witness statements.
• Photographic Evidence: Photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, and any visible injuries sustained.
• Witness Statements: Written or recorded statements from anyone who witnessed the accident.
• Insurance Correspondence: Copies of all communication with insurance companies regarding claims and settlements.
• Proof of Income: Documentation such as pay stubs or tax records evidencing lost wages due to accident-related injuries.
• Repair Estimates: Detailed cost estimates for vehicle repairs or replacement if applicable.
• Receipts for Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Proof of any additional costs incurred due to the accident, such as transportation or medication expenses.

What is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

Understanding the factors that impact the value of a car accident injury claim is crucial for assessing potential compensation. Key elements include:

• Extent and Severity of Your Injuries: More severe injuries typically lead to higher compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical, emotional, and mental distress.
• Property Damage Costs: Covers repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property, and also provides evidence of a mechanism of injury.
• Degree of Fault: Compensation may be reduced if you share responsibility for the accident, as determined by negligence laws.
• Punitive Damages: May increase the claim’s value if the other party’s conduct was particularly reckless or egregious.

Car Accident Statistics in Keller, TX

What Will Your Keller Car Accident Lawyer Do?

When you choose Thompson Law as your car accident lawyer in Keller, TX, you can expect a diligent and comprehensive approach to managing your case. Our team will handle every aspect of your claim to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible. Here’s what we will do for you:

• Collect Evidence: Collect and analyze evidence to determine the party at fault for the collision.
• Establish Liability: Identify all parties that may be held responsible in the accident.
• Communication: Manage all communications with the insurance provider of the at-fault driver.
• Documentation: Monitor and document your medical bills and any out-of-pocket expenditures.
• Estimate Future Costs: Project potential future medical costs and financial losses resulting from the accident.
• Medical Care: Find medical providers to eliminate or limit out-of-pocket costs, and coordinate with your healthcare providers to secure comprehensive medical documentation of your injuries and treatment.
• Compensation: Seek compensation for lost wages due to job disruption.
• Legal Proceedings: Represent you during depositions, hearings, and courtroom proceedings.
• Negotiate Bills: Negotiate with lien holders and manage interactions with debt collectors on your behalf, and work to reduce your medical bills, recognizing the high costs of treatments like surgeries and physical therapy.

Our goal is to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve while you concentrate on your recovery.

Call a Car Accident Lawyer in Keller at Our Firm Today

At Thompson Law, we are dedicated to providing personalized representation to help you navigate the complexity of your case. Your car accident lawyer in Keller is here to ensure you receive the maximum compensation and support for your recovery.

If you’re in need of experienced legal counsel, don’t hesitate. Call our firm today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing the justice and compensation you deserve.