Car Accident Lawyers in Harlingen, TX

Injury Car Wreck in Harlingen, TX?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, our team of experienced Harlingen car accident lawyers is here to help you through this challenging time. We understand the immense financial, physical, and emotional stress that a crash can impose on injury victims, so we offer FREE CONSULTATIONS to discuss your case with no obligation. Moreover, we charge NO FEE unless we win your case.

Our dedicated attorneys have a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in dealing with insurance companies and boast a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. Trust in our expertise to advocate for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call our Harlingen car accident lawyers today to review your case, answer any questions you have, and help you understand your legal options.

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What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Crash

Being involved in a car accident can be a disorienting and stressful experience, but taking the right steps immediately after a wreck can be crucial for your safety, health, and any subsequent legal actions. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Ensure Safety: First, check if you or any passengers are injured. Move to a safe location if possible without exacerbating any injuries.
  2. Call 911: It’s important to report the accident to the police, even if the damage seems minor. A crash report from the Harlingen Police Department or other law enforcement can be invaluable later on.
  3. Exchange Information: Obtain the name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information from the other driver(s) involved.
  4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damage, and any relevant street signs or markers.
  5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries might not be immediately apparent. Getting checked by a medical professional is crucial.
  6. Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident, but be mindful of what you say. Stick to the facts without admitting fault.
  7. Consult Our Harlingen Car Accident Lawyers: Get a FREE, NO OBLIGATION CASE REVIEW with our dedicated accident lawyers who can explain the legal process and protect your rights.

By following these steps, you can safeguard your well-being and strengthen your position should you need to seek compensation or defend yourself legally.

 

At Thompson Law

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

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Why Choose Our Harlingen Car Accident Lawyers?

Choosing Thompson Law means partnering with a team that stands out for its dedication, expertise, and proven results. Our Harlingen car accident lawyers are not only well-versed in the complexities of car accident law but are also deeply committed to the wellbeing of our clients. We take a personalized approach to every case, ensuring that you feel heard, supported, and informed throughout the legal process.

With our Harlingen car accident lawyers, you benefit from:

  • Proven Expertise: Our attorneys have years of experience and a track record of success in car accident cases, providing you with the skilled representation you need.
  • Personalized Care: We understand that each case is unique and offer tailored legal strategies designed to meet your specific needs and goals.
  • Aggressive Advocacy: We are relentless in our pursuit of justice, negotiating vigorously on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
  • No Financial Risk: With our no-fee promise, you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case, ensuring our services are accessible to all.

At Thompson Law, you’re not just a case number – you’re a valued individual who deserves justice. Trust us to be your advocate for compensation.

What Our Car Accident Lawyers Will Do For You

Our Harlingen car accident lawyers at Thompson Law are dedicated to advocating for the rights of accident victims and ensuring they receive the compensation they are due. With a deep understanding of the complexities of car accident claims, our team will:

  • Provide a FREE CONSULATION: We begin by offering a free, no-obligation consultation to understand the specifics of your case and evaluate the best course of action.
  • Investigate the Accident: Our lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence from the scene, reviewing police and medical reports, and interviewing witnesses to build a strong case.
  • Handle All Communications: We take over all communications with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident to protect your rights and interests.
  • Negotiate Settlements: Leveraging our extensive experience, we negotiate with insurance companies to secure the highest possible settlement that covers all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Litigate if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our skilled litigators are prepared to take your case to court, where we will fight tirelessly for a just verdict.
  • Support You Through the Process: Throughout the entire process, our team provides compassionate support and guidance, ensuring you feel informed and confident in how your case is being handled.

At Thompson Law, our goal is to remove the burden of legal proceedings from your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we work diligently on your behalf to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

When Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

Deciding when to engage an accident attorney after a wreck can significantly impact the outcome of your case. You should consider consulting our Harlingen car accident lawyers immediately under the following circumstances:

  • Injuries Are Involved: If you or anyone else involved in the accident has sustained injuries, especially those that are severe or may result in long-term impairment or disability.
  • Dispute Over Fault: If there is any dispute regarding who is at fault for the accident, having legal representation can be crucial in defending your rights and ensuring a fair evaluation of the incident.
  • Insurance Company Pressure: If you’re facing pressure from insurance companies to accept a quick settlement, or if you feel the compensation offered does not adequately cover your losses and injuries.
  • Legal Complexities: Sometimes accidents involve complex legal questions, such as those concerning multiple parties, commercial vehicles, or out-of-state elements. A lawyer can help navigate these complexities.
  • Statute of Limitations: There are legal time limits for filing a claim, and missing these deadlines can forfeit your right to compensation. A lawyer can ensure all necessary legal actions are taken promptly.

Engaging our Harlingen car accident lawyers early on can offer you the legal expertise necessary to protect your interests, providing you with the guidance to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

How Much is My Accident Claim Worth?

The value of a car accident claim can vary significantly based on the specifics of the case, including the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the impact on the victim’s life. Generally, compensation in personal injury claims can be categorized into three main types of damages:

  • Economic Damages: These are tangible losses that can be directly quantified in monetary terms. Examples include medical expenses for treatments and surgeries, rehabilitation costs, lost wages due to time off work, and the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property. Future economic losses, such as ongoing medical care and lost earning capacity, can also be included.
  • Non-Economic Damages: Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that aren’t easily quantified. They include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium (the impact on the plaintiff’s relationship with their spouse or partner), and physical disfigurement or impairment. The severity of the injury and its long-term effect on the individual’s life largely determine the amount awarded for non-economic damages.
  • Punitive Damages: While economic and non-economic damages are compensatory (i.e., intended to make the victim whole), punitive damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and act as a deterrent against similar future conduct. These are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions are found to be especially harmful, showing malice, fraud, or gross negligence. For example, a court might award punitive damages in a car accident case where the responsible party was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Common Causes of Auto Collisions in Harlingen, TX

Auto accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are due to human error or negligence. Understanding these common causes can help drivers be more mindful and potentially prevent future incidents.

Top 4 Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Harlingen

Only four negligent actions taken by drivers led to 5% or more of wrecks in Harlingen, TX in 2022. The following actions were cited as the top 4 causes of auto accidents in 2022:

  1. Speeding or Unsafe Speed: Speeding or traveling at an unsafe speed caused 777 auto accidents. This is a significant factor that not only increases the risk of a crash but also the severity of injuries sustained during an accident.
  2. Ran or Ignored Stop Sign or Red Light: Disregarding traffic signals led to 303 collisions. This reckless behavior poses a high risk to not only the driver but also to pedestrians and other motorists, underscoring the critical necessity of obeying traffic lights and signs.
  3. Changed lanes when unsafe: Changing lanes without ensuring it is safe to do so resulted in 226 wrecks. This type of error can lead to side-swipe accidents and multi-vehicle pile-ups, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and caution when changing lanes.
  4. Failure to Yield at a Private Drive: A total of 149 crashes occurred because drivers failed to yield at private drives. This issue is often a result of inattention or misjudgment of another driver’s speed and distance, stressing the need for increased awareness and caution in such situations.

If you have been injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, call our Harlingen car accident lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Harlingen Auto Accident Statistics

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) collects and aggregates crash reports for every accident that is reported, and compiles them into a report on these accidents. There were 1,942 total crashes in Harlingen, TX in 2022. Broken down into accident severity, these crashes included:

  • Fatality Crashes: 7 fatality accidents resulting in the deaths of 7 individuals
  • Serious Injury Crashes: 22 serious injury crashes resulting in serious injuries to 24 individuals
  • Minor Injury Crashes: 155 minor injury crashes resulting in minor injuries to 208 individuals
  • Possible Injury Crashes: 449 possible injury crashes resulting in possible injuries to 697 individuals
  • No Injury Crashes: 1,218 crashes in which 4,163 individuals were not injured
  • Unknown Severity Crashes: 91 unknown severity crashes resulting in unknown injuries to 283 individuals

Cameron County Car Accidents Statistics

There were 7,903 total crashes across all of Cameron County in 2022. Broken down into accident severity, these crashes included:

  • Fatality Crashes: 34 fatality accidents resulting in the deaths of 38 individuals
  • Serious Injury Crashes: 157 serious injury crashes resulting in serious injuries to 185 individuals
  • Minor Injury Crashes: 785 minor injury crashes resulting in minor injuries to 1,096 individuals
  • Possible Injury Crashes: 1,494 possible injury crashes resulting in possible injuries to 2,317 individuals
  • No Injury Crashes: 5,113 crashes in which 17,767 individuals were not injured
  • Unknown Severity Crashes: 320 unknown severity crashes resulting in unknown injuries to 1,125 individuals

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

Common Auto Accident Injuries

Auto accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions. Regardless of the severity, each injury requires attention and care to ensure a proper recovery. Common injuries experienced by car accident victims include:

  • Whiplash: Often occurring during rear-end collisions, this neck injury results from the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head.
  • Concussions: A type of traumatic brain injury that can occur when the head makes a strong impact with an object, or from the forceful shaking of the head.
  • Spinal Column Injuries: These injuries involve any damage to the spinal column and can include minor strains, facet joint injuries, herniated discs, and severe spinal cord damage.
  • Broken Bones: The force of a car accident can easily break bones, particularly those in the arms, legs, and ribs.
  • Lacerations: Sharp objects, broken glass, and metal fragments can cause deep cuts or lacerations.
  • Internal Injuries: A high-impact collision can cause internal bleeding or damage to internal organs, which may not be immediately evident but are particularly dangerous.
  • Joint Injuries: Car accidents can cause severe strain or trauma to joints, including shoulders, knees, and hips. These injuries can range from sprains and dislocations to more complex injuries like torn ligaments and cartilage.

Understanding these common injuries underscores the importance of seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident, even if no injuries are immediately apparent. A thorough medical examination can identify hidden injuries and prevent long-term complications. Additionally, documenting these injuries can be crucial for legal claims.

What Happens if I am Partly to Blame for the Collision?

In Texas, the doctrine of modified comparative negligence, also known as proportionate responsibility, applies when determining fault and compensation in car accidents where more than one party is to blame. This legal principle allows for the possibility of both parties being found partially at fault for an accident. The amount of compensation you can receive is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 51% at fault for the accident, you are barred from recovering any compensation from the other parties involved.

For example, if you were involved in a collision where you were found to be 30% at fault for not yielding at an intersection, and the other driver was 70% at fault for speeding, you could still recover compensation for your damages. If the total damages were calculated to be $100,000, your ability to claim would be reduced by your percentage of fault, which is 30%. Therefore, you could potentially recover 70% of the total damages, amounting to $70,000. This system ensures that each party is held accountable for their contribution to the accident, allowing for a fairer distribution of responsibility and compensation.

However, if your accident happened outside of Texas, you should understand that negligence laws vary by state. Thompson Law can help you understand the negligence laws that apply where you accident occurred, and offer guidance toward your next steps.

How Much Time Do I Have to File an Injury Lawsuit?

In the state of Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from car accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. This legal timeframe means that you have a two-year window in which to file a lawsuit against the party or parties responsible for your injuries.

Failing to take legal action within this period typically results in losing the right to seek compensation for your damages. It is important to note that this statute of limitations applies to most personal injury cases, but there can be exceptions depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.

Given the complexity and varying nature of these exceptions, consulting with our experienced car accident lawyers as soon as possible after the accident can help ensure that all legal requirements are met and that your rights to compensation are fully protected. Also, if your accident happened outside of Texas, you should understand that the statue of limitations for personal injury claims vary by state.

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Our Harlingen Car Accident Lawyers Charge Nothing Upfront

Let Our Harlingen Car Accident Lawyers Help!

At Thompson Law, we understand that the aftermath of a car accident can be a period filled with uncertainty and financial strain. That’s why our Harlingen car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case. Our commitment to you is simple: to provide top-tier legal representation without any upfront costs.

From the moment you entrust us with your case, our priority is to alleviate the burden of legal fees during your recovery process. We invest our resources, time, and expertise into advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Allow us to take on the financial risk, so you can focus on what matters most – your health and recovery.

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If you need a Harlingen car accident lawyer, give us a call today and let us do the fighting. Hopefully, you never need lawyers for a car wreck in Harlingen, but it never hurts to have one saved in your phone so you are not searching for “car accident lawyer harlingen tx” when you most need one. It does not matter whether you live in Harlingen or were just visiting Harlingen when your accident happened – we can help.

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. 

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.