Finding the right personal injury lawyer can be tricky with so many options available to you. Depending on the nature of the injury, your claim may require a certain amount of attention that isn’t easily garnered at larger firms. Moreover, if you are looking to develop a working relationship with your personal injury lawyer as you navigate your case, a larger firm may not be able to offer that.

This is one of the reasons that many people opt for a boutique or smaller personal injury law firm like Dale R. Rose. A boutique personal injury law firm can reduce challenges you might face with a larger firm, and help ensure that you realize the outcome you desire for your claim.

3 Benefits of Hiring a Boutique Personal Injury Law Firm

There are many benefits to hiring a boutique personal injury law firm, aside from the fact that you are more likely to develop a better working relationship with the lawyer representing your interests in the case.

Boutique Firms Are Typically Smaller—Which Means More Attention for You

One of the main reasons to pursue your personal injury claim through a boutique law firm is the attention you will receive from a smaller firm. Larger firms often mean it is easier for you to get lost in the massive caseloads. A smaller, boutique-style firm means that you will likely get plenty of facetime with your personal injury lawyer and the kind of individualized attention that helps ensure an ideal case outcome. You’ll get to know the lawyers working for the firm. This means more focus on your case and more involvement in strategizing to ensure the best possible outcome for you.

Knowledge and Dedication from Your Legal Team

Boutique personal injury law firms typically specialize in a few practice areas, which means that they end up excelling in this area of law. A boutique law firm handling your personal injury claim benefits you because it is highly likely that your legal team knows personal injury law very well. Moreover, boutique firms tend to be more dedicated to your case because they are not carrying a heavy caseload as their larger counterparts.

Fewer Financial Surprises

Hiring a boutique personal injury firm gets you more personalized service when it comes to pursuing your case and means more transparency when it comes to the administrative aspects of your case. Larger law firms may be more likely to hit you with surprise costs and hidden fees. Boutique personal injury law firms are less likely to do so, which means that you will have fewer, if any, financial surprises as you pursue your claim.

Learn More about Ways a Boutique Texas Personal Injury Law Firm Can Serve Your Needs

If you are looking for a boutique personal injury law firm that will prioritize your best interests and aggressively pursue an ideal outcome in your situation, look no further than Dale R. Rose.

We have helped hundreds of clients with their personal injury claims, and we may be able to help you as well.

Allow us to conduct a free case review so we can apprise you of your options and give you an idea of how to garner the best possible outcome. Call us today at (972) 634-7673 or contact us online to learn more.

Establishing fault in a personal injury incident is trickier than it may initially seem. While Texas is a “fault” state regarding personal injury claims, determining the responsible party in a personal injury incident is more than just assigning blame at the scene of the incident in question. There is a process in place to come to this determination, which is why you should think twice before deciding to forgo filing a claim if you assume the incident is your fault.

Dale R. Rose has an extensive background in Texas personal injury law and has worked with countless clients to navigate their cases, even when they thought they didn’t have one.

Establishing Fault in a Texas Personal Injury Case

Establishing fault prematurely is one of the most common mistakes people make in Texas personal injury cases. While you cannot seek compensation if a personal injury is entirely your fault, you can do so if the incident was only partially your fault and partially the fault of the other party. Therefore, the goal of a Texas personal injury lawyer is to determine what percentage of the fault for the incident lies with the other party.

For example, if the other party is 51% responsible for the incident, this may be enough to make a claim for compensation in your case. This is one of the reasons we caution you against making any assumptions about fault before pursuing a personal injury claim.

Process to Help Establish Fault after a Personal Injury

Once we review the facts of your case and determine that there may be more to it than what it appears to be on the surface, we may begin to collect evidence to prove your claim. This includes getting a copy of the police report and any healthcare records if you had to seek medical attention. We will also solicit eyewitness testimony of the incident and any surveillance footage that might have captured exactly what happened.

We will take a comprehensive approach to help establish fault to collect any compensation you might be due from the incident. It is imperative that you seek the counsel of a qualified Texas personal injury lawyer before you admit fault to your insurance company, the other party or anyone else. You might be going off of what you see in front of you without considering what other extenuating circumstances may have contributed to the incident.

Consult with a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer to Learn More

A reputable Texas personal injury lawyer can help you determine the viability of your claim with a case review. The team at Dale R. Rose is well-versed in processing claims where establishing fault is challenging. Don’t make the mistake of believing that you don’t have a case just because you’ve assumed the fault in the incident was yours. This may not be the case.

We will work diligently to garner the outcome you desire for your personal injury case. Call us today at (972) 634-7673 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.

When you get hurt on the job in Texas, you might expect that your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance will kick in to cover any expenses relating to your injury. However, depending on the employer type and situation, this might not always be an option. The team at Dale R. Rose, PLLC has extensive experience helping employees that find themselves in this very situation. As a premier Texas workers’ compensation lawyer, we know how important it is to have someone on your side when you get hurt at work and don’t have access to the resources you need to recover fully.

Our knowledge of Texas employment law, especially where workers’ compensation is concerned, has helped many people in your position. We know the ins and outs of Texas workers’ compensation law and can help you hold those responsible for your injury accountable.

Texas Workers’ Compensation Laws

Texas does not require most private employers to maintain workers’ compensation insurance, though one notable exception is any company contracting with a government entity. Texas law stipulates that companies who opt not to maintain a workers’ compensation policy relinquish their rights to protection from litigation for those injured at work. State law also stipulates that employers without this kind of insurance cannot argue in court that employee negligence caused the injury, nor can the company argue that the employee knew of the dangers and engaged in the task anyway.

Texas employers that opt to forgo workers’ compensation insurance must also post notices to this effect in the workplace, tell new employees in writing that the company does not offer workers’ compensation protections, and file an annual notice with the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation.

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Workplace That Does Not Offer Workers’ Compensation

If you have been injured in the workplace of an employer that does not offer workers’ compensation, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention and document everything. Your next step is calling a Texas workers’ compensation lawyer that can guide you through the process of filing a claim against your employer to cover the expenses associated with your injury.

At Dale R. Rose, PLLC, we believe that you should not be punished for the lack of workers’ compensation protections in your workplace. The expenses associated with your injury in addition to any pain and suffering that you may have experienced are the negligent party’s responsibility in this situation.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Reputable Texas Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

When dealing with a workers’ compensation claim, it can be hard to know who to trust. This is one of the reasons our clients choose us. With 30 years of experience, we’ve more than proven ourselves with a strong history of successful outcomes and clients who can rely on our expertise. If you are dealing with a workers’ compensation issue and an employer who does not necessarily have your best interests at heart, look no further than the top Texas workers’ compensation lawyers at Dale R. Rose, PLLC.

Schedule a free consultation to talk through your case and to provide you with sound legal guidance. Call (972) 634-7673 or visit us online to learn more.

Your life can be impacted in many ways if you’ve been in a car accident. From damages to your vehicle to injuries to your person, these effects can be long-lasting, and even permanent in some instances. One of the ways that these issues may be addressed is through compensation for your pain and suffering. A skilled Texas car accident lawyer can help you receive compensation for the extent to which you’ve experienced pain and suffering as a result of your car accident.

Dale R. Rose, PLLC has worked with countless car accident victims to get them the justice they deserve after being injured in a crash. As a result, we have honed in on a proven strategy to characterize your pain and suffering in a more feasible way to help get you a desirable case outcome.

What Is Pain and Suffering?

This is something of an umbrella term that refers to the injuries you may have suffered in an accident. It addresses any physical pain you may be encountering as well as emotional and mental anguish from the accident. This includes grief, anxiety, fear, stress, insomnia, depression, inconvenience and worry.

Given the traumatic nature of a car accident, most people deal with at least some degree of pain and suffering. The more severe the accident, the more extensive the pain and suffering.

How Is Pain and Suffering Determined in Texas?

As is the case with all states, there are several ways to estimate the value of pain and suffering in a Texas car accident case. However, there is no hard and fast formula or rule to know the amount.

There are just general guidelines that some insurance companies might opt to follow when determining the value of your pain and suffering following a Texas car accident. Some might use computer programs to determine an amount, while others compare similar accidents and look at the compensation in those cases.

Put Your Trust in a Reputable Texas Car Accident Lawyer

Dealing with the ramifications of a car accident is challenging enough; the unexpected expenses that may continue to come up only make things worse. We understand that your pain and suffering is worth something, which is why we will aggressively fight to get you the compensation you deserve after a car accident.

We leave no stone unturned in pursuing compensation for every aspect of your life that has been impacted by a Texas car accident. From obtaining complete copies of your medical records to copies of paystubs showing lost wages, we have a thorough approach that maximizes your chances of getting what you deserve for your pain and suffering. When you need a Texas car accident lawyer on which you can rely, Dale R. Rose, PLLC will be there. Our experience speaks for itself, and our clients have been putting their trust in us for 30 years.

Give us a call today at (972) 634-7673 to schedule a free consultation or contact us online to learn more.

Car accidents can be life-altering due to the injuries you may have sustained and the lifestyle changes you may have to make as a result. This is one of the reasons that those responsible for the incident must be held accountable. Dale R. Rose, PLLC has a wealth of experience in helping our clients win settlements that can help cover the unexpected expenses of an accident to get their lives back on track.

Learning more about the average car accident settlement in Texas can provide critical insights into what you might expect if you have been injured due to the carelessness or negligence of another driver.

What Is a Car Accident Settlement?

A car accident settlement is a legal agreement that stipulates payment to an injured party from the individual or entity at fault in the incident. The purpose of a settlement is to avoid further legal action between the two parties.

A car accident settlement is different from damages that may be awarded to a car accident victim if a claim ends up being litigated in a court of law. The purpose of the settlement is to avoid a more involved legal process, which is one of the reasons that settlements have the stipulation that the injured party cannot file suit after receiving the settlement monies.

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Texas?

Because every case is different, there is no true average amount as each case entirely based on the individual and crash specifics. Each settlement depends on the severity of injuries, the extent of medical care and other considerations, such as pain and suffering.

This is one of the reasons that working with a skilled Texas car accident attorney is so crucial. A legal team well-versed in Texas law and skilled in negotiating auto accident settlements can make the difference between a settlement that can help and one that does little to ease the financial burden of a car accident.

What Factors into Settlement Considerations?

Some of the things that factor into settlement amounts in Texas include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Acute and ongoing medical expenses
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Lost wages and loss of future earnings potential
• Lifestyle changes

Money from a Texas car accident settlement can essentially help with any expense relating to the accident’s aftermath that you did not anticipate. This money can help you rebound from the devastation of the accident and better figure out what your new normal might be.

Reach Out to an Experienced Texas Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you have suffered injuries in a car accident, reach out to a Texas car accident lawyer you can trust. The team at Dale R. Rose, PLLC has an extensive background in personal injury law and can help you get the compensation you deserve to get your life back on track. Our experience stretches over 30 years, representing countless clients for which we have won substantial settlements. We may be able to do the same for you.

Give us a call today at (972) 634-7673 to schedule a free consultation or visit us online to learn more.

Driving a motorcycle is one of the most exhilarating experiences out there. The sense of freedom and adventure that accompany riding a motorcycle can be hard to beat. Still, you need to be aware of the dangers that come with riding a motorcycle. As a motorcyclist in Texas, you are at risk for collisions that may cause serious injuries or death. One way to avoid these risks is to keep your eyes on the road, stay alert at all times, and always wear protective gear.

4 Tips for Circumventing Blind Spots as a Motorcyclist in Texas

One of the most dangerous aspects of riding a motorcycle is that other drivers have trouble seeing you. Often, a driver will hit a motorcyclist because the motorcyclist was in the driver’s blind spot. The following are four tips for avoiding blind spots as a Texas motorcyclist:

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

The most effective way to avoid a collision is to keep your eyes on the road. You should always pay attention to what is going on around you. Don’t forget to scan the road and watch out for other vehicles. You must be able to anticipate when a vehicle might move into your lane or decide to turn sharply in front of you. Keeping your eyes on the road can help you avoid collisions and other situations that could lead to an accident.

Stay Alert at All Times

Driving a motorcycle is not for the careless. The best way to avoid accidents is to stay alert at all times. This means always keeping your eyes open, scanning the road, and looking ahead. You need to be aware of what’s going on around you, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

When you are riding a motorcycle, it is important to avoid the blind spots of large vehicles so that you can see what they cannot. When driving a motorcycle, make sure that you are not directly behind or in front of large vehicles, such as trucks and buses. This will help you avoid collisions and visibility issues with large vehicles.

Avoid Riding in the Rain

Rainfall often leads to roads becoming slick. Drivers may make risky decisions when they are behind you in the rain. Be sure to stay off the road during rainstorms and other times when conditions may be wet. Take extra caution when it rains. Where there is low visibility due to rain, It can be tricky to tell what is a puddle and what is a vehicle that will not slow down for you.

Rainfall isn’t the only thing that can make riding difficult. Wind and blizzards also lead to dangerous conditions for motorcycle riders. Be sure to dress appropriately and bring along a rain suit and other forms of protection. Such protection includes goggles that cover your eyes, a helmet, and other gear. These items will keep you safe and comfortable while you’re out riding.

Invest in Reflective Equipment

It is important to wear reflective apparel whenever you are riding your motorcycle. Riding in the dark is dangerous. Use your bike’s rear-view mirrors and headlights to help you see what is going on behind you at night. Reflective strips on your clothing and protective gear will help you stay visible to others while riding at night or in low-light conditions. Always use your bike lights after it gets dark for an added bonus of visibility.

Consult with Skilled Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorney Dale R. Rose Today

Despite your best efforts to stay safe, accidents still can happen. When they do, make sure that you get the medical care that you need. Then, contact a skilled Texas motorcycle accident attorney to see if you can take legal action. Even if you are unsure if you can take legal action, consult with an accident attorney for advice about your specific situation.

Every accident is different, and you need legal advice tailored to your specific situation. Dale R. Rose has helped clients with their motorcycle accident lawsuits in Texas since 1992. To set up a free consultation, you can fill out our contact form or call (972) 634-7673.

If you were injured on the job, you may be entitled to worker’s compensation benefits. These benefits can help offset the costs of lost wages and medical bills. There are, however, some mistakes that you should avoid when filing a workplace injury claim. If you fail to file a claim properly, for example, your employer could deny the claim. If you have been injured at work, you should contact an experienced attorney who can help you file your worker’s compensation claim.

3 Common Mistakes People Make When Filing a Worker’s Compensation Claim

You have enough on your plate after you suffer a workplace injury. Filing a worker’s compensation claim on your own can be a source of stress for you when you should be trying to heal. The following are three common mistakes people make when filing a worker’s compensation claim after an injury:

Waiting Too Long to File a Worker’s Compensation Claim

If you have been injured on the job, you should file a claim as soon as possible. The faster you do so, the faster your case can be processed. If a claim is not filed within a certain amount of time after the accident, it might be denied; therefore, you need to file a claim as soon as an accident happens. Filing a claim too late could result in your worker’s compensation benefits being reduced or denied altogether. You should also avoid waiting too long to file a claim because of the statute of limitations.

In Texas, the statute of limitations for a worker’s compensation claim is one year from the date of the injury. If you fail to file a claim by this date, it will be denied. A year may seem like a long period of time, but it goes by quickly when you are trying to recover from an injury. It is important to be mindful of this date and file a claim before the deadline.

Trying to Handle the Worker’s Compensation Claim Process Alone

The worker’s compensation claim process can be complicated, but you should never try to handle it alone. This type of legal matter is too complex to tackle when you are busy trying to recover. A worker’s compensation attorney will help you file your claim properly and pursue all of the compensation that you are entitled to receive.

There are many benefits to hiring a lawyer after you are injured on the job. First of all, you will obtain the legal advice that you need regarding how to proceed with your claim. An attorney will also guide you every step of the way and make sure that your claim is filed properly. You might be able to file your claim successfully without an attorney’s help, but it is probably not worth the risk.

Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention for a Workplace Injury

If you are injured on the job, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. If you wait too long to get treatment, your injuries may have more difficulty healing and you may not recover as quickly. Additionally, your medical records can be used as evidence to document your injuries. If you fail to seek immediate help after an injury, your employer could later claim that your injuries were not as severe as they actually were.

Your employer is also legally required to provide you with immediate medical treatment after you are injured on the job. If they do not do this, they may be liable for any damages that are caused by the delay. The best way to protect yourself is to treat your injury quickly after the accident occurs.

Contact Skilled Texas Workers Compensation Attorney Dale R. Rose Today

A workplace injury can put your life on hold, and the law is on your side when it comes to obtaining help with your recovery. Consult with a skilled Texas worker’s compensation attorney to pursue the benefits and compensation that you need in order to have a full recovery.

You can start by contacting a qualified attorney that will give you advice about your specific case. Dale R. Rose has helped resolve worker’s compensation claims in Texas since 1992. You can fill out our online contact form or call (972) 634-7673 to set up a free consultation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Texas

According to the Texas DOT, 3,896 people have lost their lives and more than 205,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes in Texas in 2020. Distraction, drunkenness or use of drugs, fatigue, speeding, tailgating, and failure to yield are a few of the most common causes of car accidents in Texas.

The extreme force behind an auto collision can result in a victim suffering from various injuries that range in severity. Many car accident victims find they are unable to return to work and go about their daily lives after an injury. Medical treatment has the most significant financial effect on auto accident victims and their families.

When you choose Dale R. Rose as your McKinney car accident attorney, you ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Dale will help you make an informed decision when you file a personal injury claim due to negligence on the part of wrongdoers.

Six Causes of Car Accidents in Texas

The overwhelming cause of car accidents nationwide is due to driver error or negligence. We could blame 94% of the traffic deaths on the driver rather than road conditions or a problem with the car’s equipment. Here are top six causes of driver error:

Distracted Driving

Roughly 96,000 car crashes in Texas are caused by distracted driving. Drivers are texting, FaceTiming, posing for selfies, and checking Facebook instead of keeping their eyes on the road. Phone conversations, even with hands-free technology, can still be highly distracting. Many states have laws prohibiting handheld cellphone use, but no states ban all cell phone use.

Driving Under the Influence

The Texas Department of Transportation reports someone is killed or injured in a crash involving alcohol approximately every 20 minutes in Texas. Nearly 25% of all traffic-related deaths in Texas involve an alcohol-impaired driver. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advise that drugs and alcohol affect:

• Judgment: Judgment is the knowledge and experience you draw on quickly when you face a problem. Alcohol and other drugs dull the areas of your brain that control judgment.
• Vision: Vision helps you determine distance. Alcohol reduces your ability to gauge distance, speed, and movement of other vehicles.
• Reaction time: Drugs and alcohol slow down your ability to process information, leaving you unable to respond appropriately or in time. Alcohol is a depressant, which makes you tired and less alert to your surroundings.

Drowsy Driving

Driving drowsy can be every bit as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  According to the CDC, any driver who has been awake for 18 hours suffers similar cognitive, visual, and motor impairments as a driver with a 0.05 BAC. Drowsy drivers can nod off behind the wheel for just a second or two, which is enough time for a car to crash. Drivers who do not fall asleep behind the wheel still suffer from slower reaction times, and confused decision-making leading to crashes.

Driving Above the Speed Limit

The increase in average speed is directly related to the likelihood of a crash occurring and its severity. Speed is a contributing factor in 31% percent of all fatal crashes. Speeding limits maneuverability, reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to an emergency or change in traffic, and increases the severity of a collision by creating a greater force of impact.

Tailgating

Drivers who follow too close shorten their reaction times and put other motorists at risk of rear-end collision. The NHTSA has determined that tailgating and unsafe passing are responsible for 26.5 percent of all rear-end collisions in the U.S.

Failure To Yield

Drivers often cause sideswipe and side-impact accidents when they fail to recognize that they must yield to other motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians. According to the NHTSA, 7.3% of fatal crashes are due to failure to yield right of way. Crashes often occur when drivers merge onto freeways, make left turns at intersections, go through pedestrian crosswalks, and fail to notice yield signs.

Our aim at Dale R. Rose Law will be to prove your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. Dale Rose is one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 personal injury lawyers. Dale’s goal is to get you the best personal injury claim outcome in the shortest time possible.

Difficulties Dealing with Insurance Companies

Texas is a “comparative fault” state. This means that each person’s negligence will be compared against the other. In some cases, just one driver is at fault. Even in these cases, the insurance company may attempt to reduce the settlement by using the following tactics:

• Denying the claim because they assert that their customer was not responsible for the car accident
• The offer of a settlement is far below the victim’s injury-related costs
• Delaying the payout on the claim for months or years

Dale R. Rose is very familiar with the tactics employed by insurance companies to avoid paying fair settlements to the victims injured in auto collisions. He has devoted a significant part of his practice to aggressively fighting for the rights of injury victims and helping them secure the maximum settlement they deserve.

Speak to an Experienced McKinney, Texas Car Accident Lawyer

Dale R. Rose has 26 years of experience representing victims injured due to someone else’s carelessness or negligence. Dale Rose has the experience to recognize what costs can be considered and assess acceptable monetary value to non-physical injuries such as pain and suffering.

When you hire Dale R. Rose, you can be confident that he will perform the necessary legwork, paperwork, and groundwork to build a strong case for compensation while you focus on recuperating from your injuries. Dale Rose works on contingency, meaning you won’t owe any money until your case is over. If Dale Rose does not win the lawsuit, you won’t owe any money.

Call us at (972) 634-7673 or contact us to schedule your free consultation.

No one ever expects to get in a car accident, but if you’re faced with an unfortunate situation, it’s crucial to avoid some of the most common mistakes that befall many victims after a Texas car accident. How you react to the accident can significantly influence whether you can get the compensation and justice you deserve.

After a personal injury occurs, it is the legal right of the injured person to file a personal injury claim. A claim for personal injury allows a victim to pursue damages for any losses they may have suffered. While it is your right to file a lawsuit, understand that this right does not go on indefinitely. In Texas, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date the injury occurred. Neglecting to file a lawsuit within two years of the injury could cost you your right to file.

Don’t let mistakes in filing and missteps after a Texas car accident prevent you from receiving the compensation to which you are entitled. With 26 years of experience in Texas law, Dale R. Rose is committed to helping you get the compensation and justice you deserve. After a car accident, avoid these common missteps to protect yourself and your legal rights.

Don’t Leave the Scene of the Accident

Always stay at the accident scene until the police come to make a report of the accident. You are breaking the law if you drive off following the crash.

Under Texas code 550.021, the driver must remain at the scene of the accident and share their driver’s license and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. If there is injury or death, the driver must give notice of the accident and stay at the scene. It is illegal under Texas law to flee the location of the accident.

Go to a safe area where you are both not obstructing traffic and not endangering yourself around traffic. Exchange all relevant information. Collect the following information:

• Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Driver’s License
• Vehicle Registration Number
• Their Auto Insurance Company and Policy Number

Do Not Forget to Call 911

Not reporting a car accident to police can be punishable by law in some states. Even if the accident is minor, you should call the police and document it. Dial 911 and wait for further instructions.

The police will file the accident report, which is an essential document that can help you with your injury case. Without a police report, the insurance companies can easily deny your claim due to the lack of substantial evidence.

In some cases, an officer might not show up for a minor accident. You should still try to get the other driver’s information, take photos of the scene and property damage, and try to get a photo of the other driver’s insurance card and driver’s license.

Don’t Wait to Seek Medical Treatment.

After a car accident, it’s normal to be in shock. When you are in an emotional situation, like a car crash, your adrenaline starts pumping, which can mask the severity of any injuries you may or may not have. Getting medical treatment after a car accident is critical.

An injury from a car accident could take days or weeks to manifest. However, you shouldn’t wait until the pain emerges to be evaluated. See a physician or go to the ER for a checkup as soon as possible after the accident. Medical personnel will treat you and document the extent of your injuries. A medical professional must verify and document your injuries to increase your chances of winning your case.

An experienced Texas personal injury lawyer will help you deal with the consequences and aftermath of a car accident.

Don’t Neglect Documenting the Scene of the Accident.

One of the most important steps to take after an accident occurs is to document the scene of the accident. If you have your phone or camera, take as much footage as possible to be used as evidence. Collect the contact information of eyewitnesses and write down your account of what happened at the scene. If police respond to write an accident report, get the officer’s contact information. Record all party’s license plates, the time of day, and the exact location of the accident.

Never Say You’re Sorry or Admit Fault

If you apologize to the other driver, this can actually be interpreted as admitting fault for the accident. An apology could mean that you’re denied coverage or made responsible for damage to the car. Commercial drivers are taught to not speak with you or say anything to you about the accident.

Texas has at-fault insurance, meaning damages are paid by the amount of fault both parties are found to have. Suppose it is determined that the first driver is 60 percent at fault and the second driver is 40 percent at fault. Then, each driver will pay based on the percentage they are at fault. Admitting guilt at the scene can ultimately be used against you and cost you a lot of money.

Before making any statement, contact a personal injury lawyer experienced in handling car accident injury cases. A lawyer can assess your situation and guide you in preparing a statement based on the details of your case.

Don’t Speak to the Other Party’s Insurance Company Without a Lawyer

While the other driver’s insurance adjuster may contact you for a statement, it’s essential to understand that you are not obligated to and should not give them a statement before you’ve spoken with experienced legal counsel. Insurance adjusters are not working for your interests. They represent the insurance company’s interests and seek to pay you as little money as possible. Anything you may say to an insurance company representative might be used against you later in court.

A Texas car accident lawyer will help you with the insurance company or speak to them for you. Talk to a lawyer about the best way to protect your rights and avoid having to dispute a denied or undervalued claim.

Never Enter in a Settlement Agreement Without a Lawyer

Some insurance companies will try to talk people into signing a release within days of an accident. The insurance company does this by offering some amount of money, plus the payment of “reasonable medical bills.” The offer might seem like a good deal at the time. However, what if your injuries are worse than you think after a few days? Your injuries could take months to heal or cause long-term problems. In addition, the insurance company may later contest medical bills and claim they are not “reasonable” because the release only obligates them to pay “reasonable medical bills.”

It’s worth your while to ask a personal injury lawyer to evaluate your claim. They can give you the confidence to know that you’re getting a fair deal, or they can explain why you should continue to fight for justice.

Never Try to File a Lawsuit Without a Lawyer

Some individuals may be tempted to file a lawsuit by themselves, unaware of the risks involved. By going at your case alone, it’s much more likely that you will make mistakes that will cost you in the long run. Not only could the case be thrown out of court and you end up blamed for the accident that wasn’t your fault, but it could end up costing you more out-of-pocket expenses by not being adequately represented.

A personal injury attorney can not only provide you with legal guidance, but they can determine if you have cause to file a lawsuit against the other driver for personal injury.

Do Not Neglect to Hire a Texas Car Accident Lawyer

One of the most significant mistakes you can make after an auto accident that has caused injury to yourself or others is not contacting a personal injury attorney.

A car accident lawyer may be able to help you:

• Talk to your insurance company representative and that of the other driver on your behalf
• File an auto accident claim with your auto insurance company
• Determine if you have cause for file a personal injury lawsuit
• Help you collect evidence to support your case
• Consult legal and auto experts
• Fight for the best settlement that covers the damages you have incurred.

Making common mistakes after sustaining injuries in an auto accident can lower your chances of getting the compensation you need to recover fully. By hiring Dale R. Rose as your attorney, you’ll be doing everything you can to maximize your recovery and rebuild your life.

Speak to a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Dale R. Rose has experience and integrity and will represent you in your personal injury case. He has spent 26 years protecting the rights of injured individuals and their families throughout Collin County and all of North Texas. You deserve an experienced attorney proven to deliver winning verdicts and high-dollar settlements.

Dale Rose will answer your questions, provide advice critical to your claim, help you identify your next steps, and develop a plan for legal action. He won’t accept a fee unless he secures compensation for you.

Call us at (972) 634-7673 or contact us today for a free consultation at our McKinney, TX office.

The moments following a car accident may be the most frightening and stress-inducing moments for a victim. With the shock of the situation clouding one’s mind after an accident, mistakes are easily made and may cost a victim when it comes to their personal injury claim. 

Dale R. Rose is an award-winning car accident injury attorney with experience helping victims in Texas. If you plan to file an injury claim, avoid mistakes when pursuing a car accident claim in Texas. 

6 Mistakes to Avoid Making After a Texas Car Accident

The Texas Department of Transportation reported nearly 13,000 serious car accidents in 2019 alone. Texas is known for its dangerous roadways, meaning that getting into a car accident is far more likely than you would think. After an accident occurs, here are mistakes you should avoid making if you plan to file a car accident claim in Texas. 

Leaving the Scene of the Accident

Regardless of who is at fault, it is prohibited for anyone involved in the accident to leave the scene. You will want your version of events listed on the accident report when emergency services arrive, as this report is a crucial piece of evidence for an injury claim. You may also get the contact information of any witnesses who approach you and the other driver’s information. If you flee the accident scene, you may be unable to execute these important steps to building a solid injury claim and you could be charged with a criminal offense. 

Not Calling Emergency Services

It is likely that the at-fault driver may not want to involve police or other emergency personnel, especially if they are an uninsured driver. However, calling emergency services is vital after an accident. Not only is it beneficial to your health and well-being, but it is also important that the officer at the scene takes an accident report. 

Admitting Fault

Even if you believe you were the driver at fault for an accident, you should never admit to being at fault at the scene of the accident. Even saying “I am sorry” may be considered an admission of guilt later and should be avoided. The matter of who was at fault should be avoided altogether and should be a topic saved for a discussion with your trusted car accident injury lawyer. 

Not Documenting the Scene of the Accident

While the police will file an accident report with a detailed description of the accident scene, you should still take matters into your own hands. To help build a strong claim, collect as much evidence as you can. You may take photos or videos of the accident scene, any damage to your vehicle, any visible injuries, and any skid marks on the road or other indicators of a collision. 

Not Seeking Medical Attention

After a car accident for even the slightest injury, you should see a doctor or emergency care clinic. If you do not seek medical attention, this may be used against you in your personal injury claim. Additionally, some injuries may not be noticeable at first due to shock after an accident. Still, a medical professional may be able to identify them and help you begin your healing process sooner. 

Not Documenting Expenses

When filing a car accident injury claim, you may seek compensation for the losses you have suffered due to your injuries. Those damages may include costs like medical expenses and lost wages. You should always document these expenses to help with the validity of your claim. 

Partner With a Skilled Texas Car Accident Injury Attorney

Being in a car accident is stressful, and avoiding common mistakes may be the difference between how much compensation you can receive from your injury claim. For help building a car accident injury claim, you may want to partner with a Texas car accident lawyer. 

Dale R. Rose has been helping victims of car accidents in Texas since 1992. Offering his clients the unique and personalized care they deserve, Attorney Rose has the knowledge and skills to help with your claim. Set up a free consultation here or call (972) 634-7673.