Originally published by Austin Personal Injury Blog.
Car accidents can be traumatizing, especially when they lead to severe personal injuries. When drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists use the road, they all hope to reach their destinations safely. Sadly, this is not always the case. Every year, hundreds of automobile accidents occur on Texas’ roads causing injury to persons and property and in more severe accidents, causing death.
Automobile Accidents In Texas
Let’s look at the numbers:
In 2015 there were 518,177 car accidents in the state. A staggering 246,335 Texans were injured in these accidents including 17,011 who were severely injured. 3,531 people lost their lives in these accidents.
It is estimated that a car accident takes place every minute in Texas. Road accident personal injuries occur once every two minutes eight seconds and a person dies from a road accident every two and a half hours.
Driving under the influence and speeding are the leading causes of car accidents in the state.
What Are The Common Accident Injuries Reported After Automobile Accidents?
Common road accident injuries include:
- Head injuries such as concussions and skull fractures. These can cause brain trauma and hearing and vision problems.
- Whiplash where the head and neck move suddenly causing significant ligament damage.
- Spine injuries
- Chest injuries
- Limb injuries including broken bones, fractures, ligament damage and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
What To Do After An Automobile Accident
Texas law requires drivers who have been involved in an accident that has caused injury, damage to property or death to immediately stop and offer aid. The driver is required to give his/her name, address, vehicle registration number and insurance information to the other driver. The driver is also required to offer assistance to persons injured in the accident. This assistance includes helping them get to hospital.
After exchanging contact, registration and insurance information, the driver should immediately get the names and contacts of witnesses. The witnesses will help immensely in the settlement process and in case a suit is filed. The driver should take photos of the scene and make notes on the road and weather conditions. It is important that the driver does not admit liability for the accident, even if he/she feels at fault.
Afterward, the police should be notified of the accident. A police officer will file a report detailing the extent of injury, death and damage resulting from the accident. The report must be filed within days.
Suing for personal injury
Texas is an at-fault insurance state meaning an innocent driver can claim liability insurance or file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver at fault. The plaintiff can seek compensation for injuries sustained as a result of the accident. He/she can also claim damages for:
- Medical costs of treatment, therapy and rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket expenses associated with treatment such as hospital parking fees
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of wages and earnings
- Damage to property
The Texas personal injury attorneys at The Tony Nguyen Law Firm can help you file suit for the injuries you suffered because of someone else’s negligence. Contact us today.
Curated by Texas Bar Today. Follow us on Twitter @texasbartoday.
from Texas Bar Today http://ift.tt/2ptDjWL
via Abogado Aly Website
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