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There were 630,931 car accidents in Texas in 2016, as reported by the Department of Transportation (DOT) from collected police reports. This was an increase of 4,548 accidents vs. 2015, and these crashes involved a total of 1,263,335 vehicles (including automobiles, motorcycles, and even bicycles). The total number of people involved in these car accidents: 1,655,667.
If you find yourself among the 1M+ Texans involved in a car accident each year, keep the Queenan Law Firm in mind. We help injured automotive accident victims in Arlington, TX as well as those living in the greater DFW area and all across Texas, and our firm has over 20 years of experience handling complex multi-vehicle accident claims.
We will directly and aggressively tackle all of the challenges your case presents. Call our law offices at (817) 476-1797 right away to start discussing your legal options in a free and confidential legal consultation.
Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Arlington, TX?
Yes, you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side if you plan to pursue monetary damages following a car accident injury. You will stand a significantly better chance of winning, you are likely to recover far more compensation, and your quality of life will improve through a long and arduous legal process.
Alleviating Mental Toll on Victims
It can be difficult to cope with injuries even under the best of circumstances, and things can be even more difficult if you have been injured because of another driver’s negligent or careless actions behind the wheel. Furthermore, auto accidents leave people feeling angry, anxious, and hopeless and even intimidated if they do not know how they are going to pay for their medical bills. You don’t want to deal with your personal life and the Texas legal system on your own.
Meeting Burden of Proof
To recover compensation for injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, you will need to clearly establish fault. This is challenging! You know what happened in an accident, but proving it can be another issue. Our experienced attorneys will gather evidence, speak with experts as needed, and form convincing arguments on your behalf. We are invested in your success, and we will perform whatever research is necessary for you.
Avoiding Deceptive Insurance Company Practices
As you already know, insurance companies do not exist in an altruistic sense. They are not trying to help you, per se. They will give you a lowball offer for your medical expenses and vehicle damage, and in worst case scenarios, another insurance company may claim that you are at fault. Our law firm will protect you from the various tactics used by insurance companies, and we’ll make sure you receive a fair settlement offer.
How Many Car Accidents are There Per Day in Arlington, TX?
Arlington, TX has approximately 19 accidents per day, while Texas as a whole has an average of about 1,448 accidents per day. The DFW area accounts for roughly 25% of the state’s overall population.
2016’s car accidents in Arlington accounted for only about 1.2% of all car accidents in Texas. There were 7,996 total accidents in 2016, up 984 from 2015’s 7,012 accidents. In 2016, these accidents affected 16,292 vehicles and 20,951 total individuals. In total from 2010-2016 (the years the DOT has statistics available for), there were a total of 123,026 people involved in accidents in Arlington.
Compared to Arlington’s 2016 population of 392,772, this means enough people to make up 1/3 of Arlington’s population were involved in an accident in those 7 years. Breaking down the average number of accidents per year into a rate, per 100,000 residents, the average car accident rate of Arlington is 1,796 crashes per 100,000 residents. Compared to Texas as a whole with a rate of 1,988 accidents per 100,000 residents, Arlington residents are slightly safer than Texans in general. Still, there is generally a 4.6% chance that you will be involved in a car accident in the average year in Arlington.
Causes of Car Accidents in Arlington, TX
The Texas Department of Transportation compiles reports and statistics on all accidents occurring throughout the state. In 2015, the Texas Department of Transportation noted that there were 13,616 serious injury crashes with 17,011 people sustaining a serious injury. While auto manufacturers continue to create safer cars with technology that is designed to protect us, they have not been able to come up with technology that can absolutely protect drivers when they are on the road.
Crowded Streets
Despite the presence of traffic meaning that people won’t be going anywhere fast, some individuals still like to attempt to get around traffic or otherwise “beat the system.” These drivers may drive on the shoulder, on the sidewalk, or across private property in an attempt to reach their destination more quickly. Such behavior is reckless and greatly increases the likelihood of the driver hitting a pedestrian, property, or otherwise causing an accident.
Poor Weather / Road Conditions
Extreme weather can reduce visibility while simultaneously increasing a vehicle’s stopping distance. Rain, snow, sleet, and fog can all adversely effect driving conditions. Drivers must modify their behavior to account for the changed conditions. The process of clearing winter snow and ice leaves the roads rife with potholes. In some cases, the pothole may seem more like a crater. Drivers who attempt to evade these roadway hazards without maintaining awareness of surrounding objects are likely to cause serious accidents.
Distracted Drivers
Distractions have always been something a driver must contend with. After all, a driver whose eyes are not on the road cannot perceive threats or react accordingly. However, the proliferation of smartphones, in-vehicle entertainment systems and other electronic distractions has greatly increased the competition for the driver’s attention.
Speeding
There are times when the traffic lightens and the roads and expressways open up for drivers to potentially drive over the speed limit in Arlington, TX. Drivers who abuse these clear highways and travel at excessive speeds increase the odds of a serious crash.
Aggressive Driving
Drivers who take their aggressiveness too far and run traffic lights, fail to obey traffic control signals, engage in erratic lane changes without signaling, and take other risky actions make the roads and highways more dangerous for everyone.
Some other common reasons for car accidents in Arlington and throughout Texas include:
- Domestic and wild animals on the road
- Using a cellular mobile device and texting
- Unsafe lane changes
- Having defective headlamps, taillights, and turn signals
In addition to these leading causes of accidents, there are also some other very dangerous activities that lead to accidents in Arlington. Driving under the influence lead to over 9,000 crashes in 2015 and is one of the leading causes of death and fatalities in a motor vehicle accident. Another interesting statistic is that drivers who were following others too closely caused over twenty-two thousand accidents last year.
Recently, an 18-wheeler shut down the southbound lanes of Interstate 35W for several hours when it was involved in an accident with three other vehicles. This accident sent four people to the hospital, one of whom was seriously injured and another who had to be forcibly withdrawn from the vehicle because they were pinned.
The Most Common Injuries Suffered in a Car Accident
Car accidents involve a lot of force, a lot of speed, twisted metal, and inevitably injuries. While many people are lucky and walk away from their car accident with little to no harm done to their bodies, others are not so lucky. If you are injured in a car accident you may find that you are no longer able to work, or you are not able to enjoy and do the same things that you used to. Injuries from car accidents can be very severe and often include the following:
Broken Bones
Broken and fractured bones are by far the most common injury when there is an automobile accident. An adult has over 200 bones in their body all of which have the potential of breaking or fracturing. Most breaks and fractures are caused by a sudden high force impact such as those experienced in a truck accident. Fortunately, many breaks and fractures are minor other types of bone fractures can cause severe internal and external damage, require lengthy medical care and surgery, and may require the future use of assistive devices.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Injuries to the spine and the back are no laughing matter and can leave some of the most devastating, painful, and long lasting injuries. While the spine and the 33 bones that make it up the central structure of our anatomy these bones house delicate nerves that are surrounded by tendons and powerful muscles. Even a minor pinch or tweak of these nerves can leave a person in debilitating pain or even leave them paralyzed.
Brain Injuries
The brain is a curious thing, it itself does not feel pain, but if there is any injury to this delicate structure then you are likely going to experience severe and ling lasting effects. The brain is responsible for almost all of our bodily functions and directs our thinking. While the brain can heal to a degree even a minor bump on the head can cause you to visit the doctors.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is a major medical emergency that is often overlooked immediately after an accident. That is because right after an accident most people look at someone’s exterior body to see if they are injured. They do not realize that when you are bleeding on the inside that you may sustain severe injuries or even die.
Burns
Car accidents usually involve multiple vehicles, broken glass, and gas. Burns are a very common injury after an accident but are ones that can lead to impairment, lengthy and costly hospital stays and surgery.
It is always a good idea, if not mandatory, that you receive prompt medical attention from a trained professional if you have been involved in an accident. This is because while you may think that your injuries are minor, they may be even more severe than you thought and can lead to drastic and permanent lifestyle changes if not properly and promptly addressed.
These injuries often require extensive medical procedures and prolonged hospital stays, all of which can be quite expensive. One way to help reduce injury in the event of a car accident is to utilize your car safety features.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Arlington, TX?
It can be difficult to keep your composure after a car accident. The events following an accident can be hectic and stressful. However, there are certain steps you can take to protect your ability to recover compensation. If you suffered a car accident in Arlington, it is important to remember the following advice from our Arlington car accident lawyers.
Stay at the Scene
The Texas Transportation Code requires that you stay at the scene after an accident. Drivers should immediately stop their vehicles at the scene or as close as possible to the scene of a crash. Furthermore, vehicle operators are required to stop without obstructing more traffic than is necessary. If you accidentally fled the scene of a crash, you should immediately return.
Call 911
Injuries caused by car accidents can be severe and even life-threatening. If any party to the accident requires immediate medical attention, it is important to call 911 so that a dispatcher can send an ambulance.
Additionally, a police officer should be called to the scene after a car accident. An officer’s accident report may help when establishing who was at-fault for a crash.
Exchange Information
The next step you should take after an accident is to exchange information with other drivers. This includes contact information such as their names, home addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. You should also collect the other drivers’ insurance information and license plate numbers. This information can be helpful when seeking compensation for damages stemming from an accident. You should also collect contact information for any witnesses to the crash. Witness testimony will be valuable when proving fault.
Lastly, you should avoid apologizing to other parties when exchanging information after an accident. Apologizing may be a natural response, even when you are not at fault. However, these types of statements can be construed as admissions of fault and may hurt your ability to recover damages.
Document the Scene
Next, victims should document the scene of an accident. Photos of the scene will help when proving what happened. However, photos of vehicle damage only tell some of the story. If there appears to be little damage at first, you should still hire someone to conduct a careful inspection of your vehicle after an accident to look for any hidden or deeper damage.
Furthermore, photos may be able to prove conditions surrounding an accident such as weather and road conditions. This information may help establish why a crash occurred and who was at fault.
Lastly, it can be beneficial to write down your personal recollection of an accident while the memory is still fresh. A detailed description of the moments before and after a crash can help our Arlington car accident lawyers build your case.
Seek Medical Treatment
Some accident victims may wait to see if their injuries will heal on their own after an accident. However, it is advised that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a crash. For your own well-being, it is important to not let medical conditions worsen. Furthermore, in order to recover compensation for your injuries, the injuries will need to be documented by a physician so you can prove that they happened in the car accident and not in some other accident afterwards.
Lastly, they may also send you to a doctor who will attempt to minimize the extent of your injuries. Our Arlington car accident lawyers can help you find doctors who will treat the full extent of your injuries.
Have Your Lawyer File a Third-Party Claim
Texas is an at-fault state. Damages related to an accident will be paid by an at-fault driver’s insurance company. Accordingly, you should file a third-party claim for damages with a negligent driver’s insurer. Our Arlington car accident lawyers can provide assistance when filing a claim.
Insurance adjusters may attempt to entice low settlement agreements in the aftermath of an accident. However, you should avoid talking to other drivers’ insurance companies until after you have reviewed your case with our Arlington car accident lawyers. Our team can assess your case and explain the full range of legal options available to you.
Furthermore, our attorneys can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurance companies may use various tactics shift blame and decrease the value of your case. The process of negotiation can be stressful and exhausting. Our Arlington car accident lawyers can deal with insurance companies and fight for what your case is truly worth.
Keep All Records Related to the Accident
It is also important to maintain a record of your accident. Police reports, medical bills, repair estimates, communications with your insurance company, and all other communications related to your accident should be documented.
Call an Arlington, TX Car Accident Lawyer
The best way to preserve your legal rights after an accident is to seek representation from our experienced Arlington car accident lawyers. Our lawyers can ease your stress by taking responsibility for your case. We will fight to hold the appropriate parties accountable after an accident.
Getting Compensation After an Arlington, TX Car Accident
While many car accident victims believe they are only entitled to compensation for damages you can see with the naked eye – bodily injury, property damage, etc. – that is only partly true. If you were injured in an Arlington, TX car crash, you may receive compensation for short- and long-term medical bills, personal or rental vehicle damage, lost wages, punitive damages, and emotional hardships (“pain and suffering”).
Although you may be entitled to financial compensation for the damages listed above, it is very unlikely that you will be compensated in full without a lawyer by your side. Insurance companies will tempt you to accept low compensation and attorneys with less experience might not know you could value your case higher. Set yourself up for success by hiring an experienced Arlington car accident lawyer to get the compensation you and your family deserve.
If you do take your case to court, you might be entitled to a broad array of damages. First, a car accident injury case may be able to cover medical expenses like X-Rays, MRIs, surgery, home care, and other expenses. If you suffer injuries like traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injuries, these bills may be extensive.
If you had to miss work because of your injuries, you might be entitled to recover lost wages. Even injuries like whiplash, which seems simple, could keep you out of work for a prolonged period. While insurance may cover some lost wages, it may cover them at a reduced rate.
Finally, car accident lawsuits may pay compensation to directly cover your pain and suffering. These damages are usually not available from insurance companies, but are typically the highest areas of damages in car accident injury cases. Since Texas has no legal limitations or “caps” on these damages, you might be missing out on substantial compensation. For a consultation on how much your case might be worth, talk to an attorney.
How you react and behave immediately following an auto accident can influence the payment you receive for your damages. Even if you were completely faultless, acting in an incriminating manner due to stress or adrenaline may minimize your financial compensation.
Proving Fault in Your Arlington, Texas Car Accident Claim
Our auto accident attorneys will fully investigate the circumstances of your auto accident in order to hold all accountable parties responsible, which can include:
- Automobile manufacturer, if there was a defective product
- Local government agencies, if roadway conditions were neglected
- Mechanic, if they were negligent in their responsibility to address a mechanical malfunction
- Other automobile operators
Contact An Arlington, Texas Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
To get a free and completely confidential assessment of your case, call Queenan Law at (817) 476-1797 right away. We will provide you with a clear, honest, and nuanced overview of you and your family’s potential legal options.