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Driving is simply an everyday part of life for the vast majority of people here in Cedar Hill. As such, it is very possible that you will one day be the victim of another driver’s negligence.
When that happens, our attorneys can help hold them accountable in a lawsuit. Drivers cause car accidents in many ways, from speeding to illegal lane charges. Regardless of how they do, our team can help gather evidence to prove their liability while fighting their claims of your own negligence. Insurance companies use the state’s proportionate fault rules to save money by arguing that you were partially at fault. Even if you did, you can still recover compensation if you are not mostly responsible. We will get ahead of these arguments by gathering evidence immediately after taking your case.
Call The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797 today for a free case evaluation with our experienced car accident lawyers.
Determining Fault After a Car Accident in Cedar Hill, TX
Knowing who to sue for your injuries after a car accident in Cedar Hill is rarely a mystery. Most of the time, the other driver is responsible for your damages. However, sorting out liability in a car accident claim is another matter. Not only could other parties be involved, opening up the possibility of other defendants being added to your claim, but your own level of liability must be assessed. By getting a clear view of who contributed what to the accident, you will better understand what you are likely to recover in your case.
If the other driver is the only party involved, our investigation will likely be more straightforward. Were they speeding? Did they turn in front of you? Did the police issue them a ticket? How the other driver caused the accident, and the information in the police report will inform our strategies against them.
Our car accident attorneys can also help prove liability when multiple drivers bring about the accident. Cedar Hills is a busy commuter area outside of Dallas and Fort Worth, so accidents involving several drivers are common. The issue is determining how much each driver contributed to the accident. If multiple drivers are involved in your accident, we will likely sue all of them simultaneously.
Texas uses the “proportionate responsibility” rule under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 33.001 to assess liability, so each party is held to their share of fault in a case. During the course of the case, we will collect evidence to weigh how much each driver contributed. We can also examine your actions to see if any of the other drivers will make claims against you for contributory negligence. As long as your share of the blame is not greater than 50%, you can recover compensation. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault if you are partially liable.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Cedar Hill, TX
Car accidents in Cedar Hill are common enough that you want to be prepared for what to do if you are injured in one. The first thing is to keep calm and get to safety if you are still on the road and your injuries do not prevent you from moving. After that, contact 911 to report the accident, which Tex. Trans. Code § 550.026(a) requires drivers to do when the crash involves injury or death. The police will investigate the crash and gather evidence while emergency medical service gives you care on the scene. Be sure to accept that care since it will be noted in the police report.
While you wait for emergency personnel, speak to the other driver, but keep the conversation limited to your contact and insurance information. Do not discuss the accident or tell them anything their insurance company might use to fight your claims. Only provide details of the accident to the police for their report. Even then, keep your discussion limited to the facts without speculating or apologizing.
You should also speak to eyewitnesses before going to the hospital. Having witnesses support your claim can be decisive. However, the police should also speak to witnesses so we can use the report to identify them if you did not get their contact information.
Getting immediate medical treatment beyond EMS is the next step. This means going to the emergency room, even if you are well enough to drive yourself. You not only need to be checked out for major, life-threatening injuries but also must have the records to prove your damages. You will receive instructions in the emergency room on getting further care afterward.
During that time, we recommend contacting our firm. Our team can prepare your case while you continue your treatment plan and ensure a lawsuit is filed within the two-year time limit set by Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(a). Once your lawsuit is filed, you can take the time your injuries require to heal while we collect evidence and assess your future needs.
Evidence We Can Use to Support Your Car Accident Claim in Cedar Hill, TX
In a car accident claim, we use evidence to prove the other party’s liability and your losses. The evidence already mentioned above will be critical, but you typically need more to recover all your damages. For instance, your medical records can tell us what you have already spent and your current prognosis but not what future medical treatment you might need. We will work with your doctors and other medical experts to determine the future medical needs you will have.
We will also need as much evidence as we can get for your pain and suffering. Of course, you will testify to how your injuries have impacted you, but we can also prepare family and friends to testify and explain what they have observed.
Call Our Cedar Hill, TX Car Accident Attorneys Today for Help Covering Your Damages
For your free case review with our car accident attorneys, contact The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797.