Pasadena Car Accident Lawyer

Seriously Injured in a Car Accident in Pasadena, TX?

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One of your worst fears just became a reality. You have been in a car wreck in Pasadena, Texas. You have a damaged car and you do not know what to do next. Who do I call? What should I do first? Then, the next day after the accident, you are in pain and think you better seek medical help. Now the pain is getting worse, and you cannot go to work. You know the crash was not your fault, but you need to contact your insurance company. You do not even have a copy of the Pasadena accident police report.

Thompson Law’s Pasadena car accident lawyers are here to help. Let us relieve the pressure and handle everything for you. Our car accident lawyers can help you get the medical care you need, deal with the insurance companies, and gather all the necessary documentation for your accident injury claim. Our Pasadena car accident lawyers can handle everything from start to finish while you focus on getting better.

No one should go through this process alone. We recommend you get the legal representation you deserve as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation. Do not run the risk of having your claim denied. Call our law offices and let us talk to you about the entire process and take the burden of stress off you. The phone call and consultation is completely free, and you will have peace of mind knowing your case will be in the right hands.

Pasadena Car Accident Lawyers

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Car Accident Statistics for Pasadena, TX

It’s no news that car accidents are a common occurrence in Pasadena, TX. In 2021, there were 3,549 motor vehicle accidents reported by the Pasadena Police Department, up slightly from the 2020 total. Below our Pasadena car accident lawyers provide the results of all these accidents from the least severe to those involving fatalities:

  • Fatal crashes:  14 crashes causing 14 fatalities
  • Serious injury crashes:  72 crashes seriously injuring 82 individuals
  • Minor injury crashes:  283 crashes leaving 376 individuals with minor injuries
  • Possible injury crashes:  496 crashes leaving 751 individuals with possible injuries
  • No injury crashes:  2,598 crashes leaving 8,432 people with no injuries
  • Unknown severity crashes:  86 crashes leaving 365 individuals with unknown injuries

Harris County Car Accidents Statistics

Pasadena is in Harris County, which saw 114,674 total crashes in 2021. Pasadena accounted for about 3% of the total accidents in Harris County, which represents about the same percentage of the population of Pasadena relative to Harris County.  These accidents in Harris County consisted of:

  • Fatal crashes:  541 crashes fatally injuring 577 individuals
  • Serious injury crashes:  2,481 accidents seriously injuring 2,927 individuals
  • Minor injury crashes:  8,976 crashes leaving 12,258 individuals with minor injuries
  • Injury crashes:  19,127 crashes leaving 29,230 individuals with possible injuries
  • No injury crashes:  78,200 crashes leaving 228,591 individuals with no injuries
  • Unknown severity crashes:  5,341 crashes leaving 29,853 individuals with unknown injuries

SourcesTxDOT: Crashes and Injuries Cities and Towns; TxDOT: Crashes and Injuries by County.

Most Common Car Accident Causes in Pasadena, TX

By state law, any time there is an accident a police report must be filed even if the damage to any property is minor. Along with the help of witnesses, police officers will write up the contributing factors causing the accident. The reasons for any crash can be many but speeding, running a red light, or drunk driving are just a few examples.

In some accidents, more than one cause can be cited, but at least one of those contributing factors is documented. For example, a DWI and running a red light can both be factors causing a crash. In 2021, more than two thirds of all accidents in Pasadena, Texas were caused by just one of the 5 factors highlighted below.

Top 5 Causes of Car Accidents in Pasadena, TX

The Pasadena Police Department documents these actions as the most common causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs) in Pasadena, TX in 2021:

  1. Speeding: 847 car accidents in Pasadena, TX were the result of speeding, representing 19.9% of all car wrecks.
  2. Changed lane when unsafe:  380 accidents were from unsafe lane changing and the second highest cause of MVAs in Pasadena, representing about 8.9% of all auto accidents.
  3. Tailgating: Tailgating was the third top cause of accidents with 363 in Pasadena, representing about 8.5% of all auto wrecks.
  4. Driver inattention: Drivers just not paying attention accounted for 309 accidents, representing 7.3% of all collisions.
  5. Ran stop sign or red light: 299 MVAs in Pasadena had running a stop sign or red light cited as a contributing factor, representing 7% of crashes.

Most Dangerous Places to Drive in Pasadena, TX

The most cautious driver cannot always avoid getting in a car accident especially in Pasadena, TX, given our proximity to Houston car accidents. Both cities are part of Harris County, the largest county in Texas and bigger than the size of Dallas, Austin, Boston, Chicago, New York City and Seattle combined!

With a county this large and the traffic tied to it, there are bound to be more accidents than most counties. In fact, Harris County, sees more commercial vehicle accidents than any other county in the state.

The 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Pasadena, TX

It is no surprise that the highway that has the most accidents in Pasadena is Highway 225, a major thoroughfare coming to and from the Houston District.  In fact, of  the 300+ roads or highways in Pasadena, TX that had at least one accident on them in 2021, only 7 roads or highways accounted for over half of Pasadena’s annual car accident count in 2021.

Below are the top 6 roads or highways in Pasadena, TX with the highest incidence of car accidents in 2021:

  1. State Highway 225 – 477 auto accidents
  2. Spencer Highway – 396 vehicle accidents
  3. Red Bluff Rd. – 327 vehicle accidents
  4. Beltway 8 – 308 vehicle accidents
  5. Fairmont Parkway – 282 vehicle accidents
  6. Sam Houston Parkway – 267 vehicle accidents

The 7 Most Dangerous Intersections in Pasadena, TX

While most accidents in Pasadena occur along the major highways of the city, many intersections are also hotbeds for multiple accidents according to data collected by our Pasadena car wreck lawyers.  It also makes sense that Spencer Highway – as the roadway with the 2nd highest number of car accidents – would also be the top cross street for most of the intersection accidents.  The top intersections are ranked below in order of most to least number of accidents:

  1. Fairmont Parkway and E Sam Houston Parkway S – 34 vehicle accidents
  2. Spencer Highway and Beltway 8 – 26 vehicle accidents
  3. Spencer Highway and Preston Road – 25 vehicle accidents
  4. San Augustine Avenue and E Sam Houston Parkway S – 24 vehicle accidents
  5. Spencer Highway and Center Street – 22 vehicle accidents
  6. Spencer Highway  and Strawberry Street – 21 vehicle accidents
  7. Spencer Highway & Red Bluff Road – 18 vehicle accidents

Steps to Take After an Auto Accident in Pasadena, TX

If you are the victim of a car accident by no negligence of your own, knowing your legal rights is key and the steps you take immediately following your accident can make all the difference in your health and receiving just compensation.

  1. Get Somewhere Safe:  Get to a safe location at the scene, turn on your hazard lights and set out flares if you have them.
  2. Call 911:  They can help get necessary medical attention, help redirect traffic, take statements, and handle the initial review and record of the accident.
  3. Do Not Leave the Accident Scene:  Never drive away from the scene of the accident no matter how minor. The law requires you to report accidents involving injuries or serious property damage to the police (Texas Transportation Code § 550.022).
  4. Give an Honest Account of the Accident:  Describe what happened to the best of your recollection but never admit any fault.
  5. Share Information:  Exchange contact information including driver license and insurance information, license plate numbers, and photos of the vehicle identification number (VIN).
  6. Take Lots of Pictures:  Be sure and photograph all aspects of the accident including location, surroundings, street/intersection pictures, photos of all cars involved, and any property damage to vehicles involved. If the weather was a contributing cause at all be sure and capture that in a photograph, too.
  7. Identify Witnesses and Cameras:  If you are physically able, identify potential witnesses or any nearby cameras on businesses or homes that might have captured the accident.
  8. Seek Medical Attention Right Away:  Even if you do not think you are injured, seek medical attention after the accident to protect yourself against injuries that might be delayed. Do not run the risk of an insurance company accusing the cause of your injuries being linked to something other than the accident (e.g., sports injuries).
  9. Stay Organized:  Keep all details of the accident and paperwork throughout the process in one place, including paperwork or receipts from medical bills or lost wages. Also, make a list right after the accident of any valuables (e.g., cell phone) that were in your car that might have destroyed or damaged because of the accident.
  10. Call Our Auto Accident Attorneys in Pasadena, TX:  This step will not cost you a dime upfront, will ensure you receive the best legal representation from the beginning and will significantly increase your chances for better results. Call Thompson Law for a free consult with one of our auto accident lawyers, as we have a track record of proven results for our clients.

It does not matter if you live in Pasadena or were just passing through Pasadena on your way to Beaumont or Corpus Christi when your accident happened, Thompson Law’s injury lawyers in Pasadena are here to help.

DOs and DON’Ts After an Accident

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

 

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Benefits of Retaining a Pasadena, TX Accident Attorney

The most important call you can make after an accident is to Thompson Law for a free case review. Let the experts do everything on your behalf to ensure the best outcome for you. Our legal team is always available. Reach us any time, day or night, 24 hours a day, nights, and weekends if you have been in an accident.

Below are critical action steps our Pasadena car accident lawyers will take on your behalf:

  • Create a detailed account of the accident.
  • Gather key eyewitness statements.
  • Secure any nearby video surveillance or dash camera footage of the accident scene.
  • Collect photos of the crash scene including any property damage.
  • Obtain the crash report from the Pasadena Police.
  • Help find medical attention for you and loved ones, if needed.
  • Open a claim contacting the defendant’s insurance company.
  • Maintain all medical records and negotiate any bills on your behalf.
  • Generate and deliver appropriate demand letter to the insurance company.
  • Negotiate on your behalf and get you the best settlement possible.
  • File any a lawsuit if one is required.

The State of Texas does not place limits on your accident claim, but it is critical to hire an auto accident attorney to give you the best representation and avoid any denials of claims. Seeking legal help will also prevent an insurance company from trying to blame any injuries on a pre-existing condition or a gap in treatment.

Thompson Law’s injury lawyers in Pasadena will ensure you get a just settlement for pain and suffering, property damage for your car, lost wages from your job,  medical bills, and any other damages. Call our Pasadena car accident lawyers today for free legal advice if you have been the victim of a car accident and were not responsible for the cause or damages.

At Thompson Law

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

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Serious Injuries Commonly Sustained in Car Accidents

It is important to know the most common injuries of a car accident if you or a loved one has been hurt or seriously injured. Whether it is a broken bone or a more undetectable injury of the head, neck, or spine, it is critical to get the right medical help immediately.

Below is a list of the most common injuries and links with more information about each one. It is important to get medical attention as soon as possible after an accident to ensure a full recovery and avoid any long-term complications.

Whatever type of injuries you have sustained, we can help you understand your legal rights by calling our Pasadena car accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Forms of Compensation Car Accident Victim Can Pursue

There are three common types of compensation our Pasadena car accident lawyers typically pursue for accident victims in Texas for injuries sustained in a car accident.

  1. Punitive DamagesPunitive damages are awarded to injury victims when the cause of the accident was avoidable, and victims suffered severe injuries. They are offered when a defendant’s driving was reckless, or their behavior was reprehensible. Examples of when punitive damages might be awarded include:  when a drunk driver causes another person’s death in a car accident; or, when a commercial vehicle driver falls asleep at the wheel for not getting the federally mandated required hours of rest.
  2. General Compensatory DamagesGeneral compensatory damages are ‘non-economic’ in nature, meaning these are unrelated to money lost or spent after an accident. These damages focus on injuries related to the accident, and some of the most common types are:
    • Physical impairment
    • Disfigurement
    • Loss of quality of life
    • Enduring past or future pain and suffering
    • Loss of a loved one, such as a spouse
    • Enduring past or future mental anguish
  3. Special Compensatory DamagesSpecial compensatory damages are ‘economic’ in nature, meaning compensation is made to victims for monetary damages they have suffered. The most common types are:
    • Damaged property
    • Lost wages (past and future earnings)
    • Medical bills
    • Household expenses tied to accident
    • Expenses related to a change in travel plans because of the accident
    • Loss of an irreplaceable item like a family keepsake

Our experienced Pasadena car accident attorneys can help auto accident victims better understand what types of compensation may be available in their case. Call our Pasadena car accident lawyers today for a free case review.

Our Pasadena Car Accident Lawyers Charge No Upfront Fees

Our Pasadena Car Accident Lawyers Can Help!

Our Pasadena car accident lawyers charge NO UPFRONT COSTS. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid out of a portion of your settlement. If for any reason we are unable to help, you will not owe us a penny.

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help you with legal advice after a car accident. Our car accident lawyers in Pasadena, TX can even get you signed up with one of our attorneys over the phone before the insurance companies try to reach out to you and fight your right to compensation. Our staff is fully bilingual in Spanish and English, and are standing by ready to help you get back on your feet after your accident.

No win no fee car accident lawyer Pasadena TX

If you do not need a Pasadena car accident lawyer today, it is still a good idea to have our contact information saved in your phone so you are not searching for “injury lawyer pasadena tx” or “car accident lawyers near me” after an accident.

Be aware the Texas statute of limitations limits the time to file a claim after an accident to 2 years from the date of accident in most cases.

Call Thompson Law today for a FREE CASE EVALUATION. Protect your right to fair compensation after a car accident.

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 a legal claim on behalf of your loved one. 

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 – so reach out online or call anytime for a free consultation.     

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, Ft. Worth, El Paso, McAllen, 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 (third-party liability, first-party coverages, and/or personal injury protection), 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 7-10 months from date of incident; but the timeframe 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

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law receives an attorney fee and you pay no legal fees as our client unless we pay you. Thompson Law has 350 years of combined experience in legal representation and has won over $1.8 billion dollars in cash settlements for our clients. We master the art of managing client cases with empathy, compassion, respect and, of course, prodigious skill. Contact us today for a free, risk-free consultation to discuss your accident and your options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an auto accident. If you have been injured in an accident, call now to get the help you need.