A serious car accident can leave victims in crippling pain. The medical costs and lost income related to a crash can be substantial.
The Stafford car accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC are ready to assist you if you’ve been injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence. Our lawyers have over 30 years of combined experience. We can take care of your personal injury claim while you recover, and you won’t owe us any fees until we help you receive compensation for your injuries.
For more information, get a free initial consultation today.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Some of the most common causes of car accidents are:
- Impaired driving: Despite the efforts of government agencies and safety advocates, drivers who use alcohol or drugs before getting behind the wheel continue to be a significant safety problem. Impaired drivers have a harder time keeping control of their vehicles, recognizing potential dangers, and avoiding crashes.
- Driver fatigue: Driver fatigue is a major issue on the roads. Severely fatigued drivers will experience a range of harmful symptoms, such as decreased reaction times, impaired judgment, and a greater chance of falling asleep while driving.
- Distracted driving: As smartphones have become more popular and cars come equipped with more sophisticated technology options, distracted driving has become a growing safety hazard across the country. Drivers who don’t have their hands and eyes on the road or aren’t paying attention to what they’re doing are much more likely to be involved in a crash.
- Speeding: Speeding is one of the most common and dangerous poor driving behaviors. Drivers who speed will have a harder time stopping or maneuvering to avoid a crash in the event of a sudden hazard. Furthermore, cars hit with more force the faster they’re moving, so speeding drivers tend to inflict greater injuries in car accidents.
- Reckless or aggressive driving: Aside from speeding, many other dangerous or reckless driving behaviors can make accidents more likely. These include drivers failing to stop or yield the right-of-way when required, weaving through traffic, unsafe or aggressive lane changes and merges, failing to use a turn signal, following too closely, or making sudden stops.
- Mechanical defects: If a car’s brakes, steering system, tires, engine, transmission, or other critical components fail at the wrong moment, a driver may not be able to avoid a crash.
- Poor road conditions: Badly worn surfaces, potholes, sand or gravel on the roads, a lack of proper signage, and other examples of poor road conditions can all make it harder for drivers to avoid an accident.
- Bad weather: If there’s rain, ice, fog, wind, or other foul weather, a driver may have a more challenging time seeing a traffic hazard and slowing down or turning safely, making an accident more likely.
Types of Car Accidents
Many kinds of car accidents can happen, such as:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipe collisions
- T-bone collisions
- Failure-to-yield collisions
- Left-turn collisions
- Crashes with pedestrians
- Crashes with cyclists
- Crashes with stationary objects
- Crashes with tractor-trailers and other large trucks
What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?
Depending on the speed of the collision, the impact angle, and other factors, car accidents can leave victims with significant injuries, including:
- Severe cuts and bruises
- Broken bones
- Damage to muscles and connective tissues
- Road rash
- Burns
- Internal bleeding
- Damage to internal injuries
- Back injuries, including ruptured discs
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- External head injuries
- Disfigurement of the face or body
- Crushed or amputated limbs
- Traumatic brain injuries
Texas Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents
If you want to recover compensation for your injuries after a car accident, you need to file a lawsuit before the deadline set by Texas’ statute of limitations on personal injury claims. This law says you have two years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit against the liable party. If you miss this deadline, you’ll be unable to claim compensation for your injuries.
Proving Negligence or Fault in an Auto Accident Case
To claim any compensation for your injuries after a car accident, you’ll need to prove the other driver or another party was negligent in some way and that their negligence directly contributed to your injuries. Essentially, you’ll need to establish the liable party fell short of their legal duty to avoid hurting you.
Some evidence that’s commonly used in car accident claims includes things like:
- Information from police accident reports
- Photos or video from the accident scene
- Medical records
- Eyewitness accounts
- Analysis from accident reconstruction teams
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. However, critical evidence can disappear or deteriorate quickly after a crash, so be sure to talk to a lawyer as soon as you can.
About Stafford, TX
Stafford is situated in the southeastern part of Texas, southwest of Houston. It’s part of the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area.
The area was initially settled in the mid-1800s and was known for its agricultural and ranching activities. Stafford’s development increased in the 20th century, and it eventually became a city in 1956.
Historically, Stafford was known for its agricultural and ranching activities, but its economy has diversified over the years.
It has become a commercial and manufacturing hub with a focus on industries like technology, healthcare, and professional services.
Stafford has access to major transportation routes, including highways like US 59 and Beltway 8, facilitating easy connectivity to Houston and surrounding areas.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Stafford
If you are involved in a car accident in Stafford, TX, it’s essential to remain calm and take appropriate steps to ensure your safety, the safety of others, and the proper handling of the situation. Here are the steps to take if you find yourself in a car accident in Stafford:
- Ensure Safety: Check for injuries and call emergency services immediately if anyone is hurt. If it’s safe to do so, move vehicles to the side of the road to prevent further accidents.
- Exchange Information: Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and driver’s license details with the other party involved. Note the make, model, and color of the vehicles.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, and the surrounding area. Note any road conditions, weather conditions, and traffic signals.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Call the Stafford Police Department to report the accident. Follow the instructions of law enforcement officers on the scene.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention promptly. Keep records of medical evaluations, treatments, and expenses.
- Report to Insurance: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate details about the accident.
- Obtain a Copy of the Police Report: Request a copy of the police report from the Stafford Police Department. This report may be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Notify Your Legal Representation: If you have legal representation, inform them about the accident. Consult with an attorney if needed, especially if there are injuries or disputes.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep all documents related to the accident, including medical records, repair estimates, and communications with insurance companies.
- Follow Up: Follow up with medical appointments and insurance claims. Keep track of any ongoing issues or concerns related to the accident.
Get Help from Our Experienced Attorneys
To pursue the compensation you need after a serious crash, talk to an experienced Stafford car accident lawyer right away.
Contact Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC now for a free initial consultation.