Experienced Round Rock Car Accident Lawyer Help Injury Victims In Texas
Thousands of Texans are affected by car accidents on a daily basis, and these numbers keep climbing. In fact, in 2016 alone, the Texas Department of Transportation reported over 17,000 serious injuries and 3,773 fatalities related to car crashes. In addition to the cost and inconvenience of vehicle damage, medical expenses related to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident can be astronomical and pose a significant financial burden to both accident victims and their families. This is further exacerbated if one or both parties in the accident lack insurance.
Unfortunately, many accident victims are not aware that they have certain rights under Texas law, especially if the accident was the result of someone else’s carelessness or recklessness. In complex cases, it is highly recommended that victims consult a Round Rock car accident attorney with extensive experience in handling car accident cases.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Injuries can be the most damaging and long-lasting consequences of a car crash. Common auto collision injuries include :
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head and neck injuries, including whiplash
- Injuries to the vertebral discs
- Spinal swelling or hernias
- Damage to the nerves, muscles or ligaments
- Bruised, torn or ruptured internal organs
- Fractured or broken bones
- Bruising or lacerations that may require stitches
Additionally, victims of car accidents often suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other related anxiety disorders in the immediate aftermath. Medical and insurance bills can add up to the point of being untenable, further adding to the trauma and stress an accident victim is already experiencing.
Types of Legal Compensation
Under Texas law, auto accident victims are entitled to “damages,” or compensation relating to the cost of their injuries. In calculating damages, the court will consider :
- Direct financial costs, including :
- Hospital bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property loss (including damage to a vehicle)
- Ongoing costs related to medical care and rehabilitation
- General damages, which may include :
- Pain and suffering
- Acute or ongoing emotional distress
- Loss of ability to have children as a result of accident injuries
- Loss of an extremity
Modified Comparative Negligence in Texas
Texas has adopted what is known as the ‘doctrine of modified comparative negligence.’ In essence, this legislation allows victims of car accidents to file a suit, even if they hold some degree of fault for the accident due to their own negligence.
In these types of cases, the court will reduce the number of damages awarded to the victim by the percentage of fault the court determines they hold in causing the accident. So, for example, if the court calculates damages of $100,000 in a given accident, but also determines the plaintiff to the case is 10% at fault for the accident, the court will award the plaintiff $90,000 in compensation.
The court will dismiss claims in which the plaintiff is found to have been more than 50% at fault for the accident.
Contact a Specialized Auto Accident Attorney
Although accidents can – and do – happen, in many cases, they are due to negligence, whether on the part of another driver, a government agency that has failed to safely maintain city streets or a faulty part produced by a car manufacturer. In such cases, victims are entitled to compensation for their injuries. A lawyer at Elissa I. Henry Law Firm, PLLC can help you to recover expenses related to your case in a car accident lawsuit.
There is no shortage of law firms operating in the Austin and Round Rock areas who claim to be the best at what they do. Few can claim the record of service and commitment to the accessibility of Elissa I. Henry Law Firm, however. As a small, client-oriented firm, we understand the difficulties our clients face and strive to provide compassionate and personal assistance during the difficult post-accident transition. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a consultation at (512) 766-4529. One of our car accident lawyers is standing by to evaluate your case and provide you with options for legal recourse.
