What can I get compensated for after a car accident?

Your compensation after a car accident should be based upon your injuries, medical care received, and any future damages. Because the amount of your compensation is based upon these things, they should all be completed and known by you and your McKinney car accident lawyer before asking for adequate compensation. Do not try to hurry and settle your case without knowing all of these factors. Texas allows for many elements of damages, but some of the most common ones are medical bills past/future, physical pain, mental anguish, loss of income, and disfigurement. Your car accident attorney can review your case and determine if other types of recovery are available to you.

When should I call a McKinney car accident lawyer?

One of the biggest mistakes made by people injured in a car accident is not contacting an attorney soon after the wreck. In cases where the other driver is at fault, the insurance company for the other driver will be trying to talk to you to get you to settle your case quickly. You should call a car accident lawyer in McKinney, TX before you speak with the other driver’s insurance company to avoid harming your potential for recovery.

What should I do if the insurance company contacts me after the accident?

If the other driver’s insurance company attempts to contact you, you should speak with your own attorney first. One tactic of the insurance adjuster is to get a “recorded statement” from you and ask you questions that will help them not pay your claim or not pay you a fair amount for your claim later. And experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through this process.

McKinney Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can happen in an instant and have a lasting effect on all involved. In the aftermath of an accident, it may not be clear what the ramifications are in terms of fault and lasting effects. However, even if you are partially to blame, you may be able to pursue financial compensation for your losses.

From the moment the accident is reported, the other driver’s insurance company is working to avoid paying you, or at the very least, paying out as little as possible. It is imperative to quickly take action and hire a skilled McKinney car accident lawyer like the team at Dale R. Rose, as time is a factor in this situation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in McKinney, TX

Texas is one of the most well-traveled states, which means the roadways are often full of vehicles. With so many drivers on the road, accidents are more likely to occur. Texas saw 12,107 serious injury crashes in 2020.

Unfortunately, 90% of all vehicle crashes result from driver error. Examples of driver error might include:

Distracted driving: Anytime a driver takes their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel, it creates a hazardous condition for everyone on the road. Distracted drivers may drift into adjacent traffic or crash into the back of a stopped vehicle.
Speeding: When drivers travel over the speed limit, they have less time to react to other vehicles, road hazards, and weather conditions. Additionally, speeding increases the time it takes for a vehicle to stop safely.
Tailgating: Texas Transportation Code Section 545.062 states that all drivers should keep and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them. When a driver tailgates, it reduces their reaction time to what is in front of them and increases the chances of causing a crash.

Ultimately, it is important to be fully alert at all times when operating a motor vehicle. You should always drive defensively and remain prepared to react to another driver’s errors while on the road.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Understanding what type of car accident you were in is essential so that you can adequately explain the crash to police officers, doctors, and your McKinney car accident lawyer. Examples of common car accident cases include:

Rear-End Collisions

When drivers follow too closely behind another vehicle, the chances of a rear-end collision increase. Since all drivers must maintain a safe following distance per Texas law, you may be able to prove that the following driver is liable because he was driving too closely behind you.

Side-Impact Accidents

Also known as a T-bone crash because the vehicles at the point of impact resemble a T shape, a side-impact accident occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another.

Head-On Crashes

The most dangerous type of car accident is a head-on crash. These accidents occur when two vehicles going in opposite directions hit each other head-on. Additionally, head-on crashes mainly occur on two-way streets or multi-lane roads with no divider separating traffic lanes.

Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident in Texas?

You should always consult with a medical professional after a car accident in McKinney.

Remember, not all injuries will immediately manifest in the moments following a car accident. As the adrenaline wears off, you may find that you were more injured than you initially realized in the moments after the collision. Seeing a doctor right after an accident is beneficial to your health and your claim. Insurance companies may interpret not seeing a doctor as not having suffered any injuries. Similarly, an insurer may argue that your injuries resulted from a different accident if you wait until symptoms appear to see a medical professional.

Additionally, your McKinney car accident lawyer may need to call your doctor to testify during the trial. While most cases settle outside of court, there are various reasons why your case may end up in front of a judge. Thus, having a doctor testify to your injuries and their extent may benefit you.

What Compensation May I Receive for My Injuries?

Texas is a comparative negligence state, meaning that you must prove the other party’s negligent actions were a direct cause of the accident and their injuries. Proving negligence without an attorney can be challenging, so we always recommend contacting one.

A successful claim may garner you compensation for:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Vehicle repairs
Pain and suffering

However, please do not delay. Car accident victims only have two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit in Texas. During this time, the insurance company might try to persuade you that you should settle your car wreck claim without the help of an experienced McKinney car accident lawyer. This is because insurance companies know that an experienced legal professional will understand how to properly value a claim and understand the expenses you could face in the future. You have only one chance to receive total and fair compensation, so make sure you are guided by an experienced car accident attorney looking out for your interests, not someone else’s.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a McKinney Car Accident Lawyer Today

Located in Collin County, Texas, the McKinney car accident lawyers at Dale R. Rose, PLLC represents car wreck victims and their families throughout North Texas. Our car accident attorneys provide quality representation to those seriously injured in an auto wreck.

We have more than 26 years of combined experience, and our approach gives you the benefit of that knowledge and experience. Call (972) 634-7673 or complete our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.

DALE R. ROSE