Car accidents are a distressing reality, and unfortunately, they are quite common in Texas. In 2016 alone, the Texas Department of Transportation (DOT) reported a staggering 630,931 car accidents across the state. This figure represents an increase from the previous year and involved over 1.2 million vehicles, impacting over 1.6 million individuals. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Arlington, TX, understanding your legal rights and options is crucial, especially when considering the complexities of personal injury claims.
Queenan Law Firm stands ready to assist car accident victims in Arlington, TX, and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. With over two decades of experience, our dedicated Accident Lawyer Arlington Tx team is well-versed in handling intricate cases, including those involving multiple vehicles and serious injuries. We are committed to aggressively pursuing your rights and tackling the challenges your case may present. For a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options, call our offices today at (817) 476-1797.
Why You Need an Arlington, TX Accident Lawyer
If you’re contemplating seeking financial compensation after a car accident injury, securing the services of an experienced accident lawyer Arlington TX is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Working with legal counsel significantly enhances your chances of a successful claim, potentially leading to greater compensation and a smoother, less stressful legal journey.
Reducing the Emotional Strain on Victims
Dealing with injuries after a car accident is challenging enough, but when those injuries are a result of another driver’s negligence, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Accident victims often grapple with anger, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness, particularly when facing mounting medical bills and financial uncertainty. Navigating the Texas legal system while managing your recovery can feel insurmountable. An accident lawyer Arlington TX can alleviate this burden, providing support and guidance during a difficult time.
Proving Your Case: Meeting the Burden of Proof
To successfully recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and other damages, you must establish fault in a car accident. This is not always straightforward. While you may know the events of the accident, proving them legally requires expertise and evidence. Our seasoned accident lawyer Arlington TX team excels at gathering crucial evidence, consulting with expert witnesses when necessary, and constructing compelling arguments on your behalf. We are dedicated to thorough investigation and committed to achieving a favorable outcome for your case.
Protecting You from Insurance Company Tactics
It’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses with a bottom line. Their primary goal is to minimize payouts, not necessarily to help you. You might receive an initial settlement offer that is far less than you deserve, or worse, the other driver’s insurance company might attempt to shift blame onto you. An experienced accident lawyer Arlington TX acts as your advocate, protecting you from these tactics and ensuring you receive a fair settlement that truly reflects the extent of your damages and losses.
Car Accident Statistics in Arlington, TX
While Texas sees a high volume of car accidents daily, Arlington-specific data provides a closer look at the local situation. On average, Arlington experiences approximately 19 car accidents per day. Texas, as a whole, averages around 1,448 accidents daily, with the DFW area accounting for a significant 25% of the state’s population.
In 2016, Arlington recorded 7,996 car accidents, a rise from 7,012 in 2015, yet still representing only about 1.2% of all Texas car accidents. These accidents involved 16,292 vehicles and affected 20,951 individuals. From 2010 to 2016, Arlington saw a total of 123,026 people involved in car accidents.
When considering Arlington’s 2016 population of 392,772, this means a substantial portion of the city’s residents have been impacted by car accidents in a relatively short period. Arlington’s car accident rate is approximately 1,796 crashes per 100,000 residents, slightly lower than the Texas average of 1,988 per 100,000. Statistically, this translates to roughly a 4.6% chance of being involved in a car accident in Arlington in any given year.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Arlington
The Texas Department of Transportation meticulously gathers data on car accidents across the state, providing insights into the leading causes. While vehicle safety technology continually improves, human factors and environmental conditions remain significant contributors to accidents. In 2015, Texas reported 13,616 serious injury crashes, resulting in 17,011 individuals sustaining serious injuries.
Traffic Congestion
Despite slower speeds in congested areas, some drivers exhibit risky behaviors to navigate traffic, such as driving on shoulders, sidewalks, or private property. These actions significantly increase the risk of collisions with pedestrians, property, or other vehicles.
Adverse Weather and Road Conditions
Extreme weather conditions like rain, snow, sleet, and fog drastically reduce visibility and increase braking distances. Drivers must adjust their driving habits accordingly. Furthermore, road damage from weather, particularly potholes after winter, can become hazards. Attempting to avoid these hazards without proper awareness of surroundings can lead to serious accidents.
Driver Distraction
Distractions have always been a factor in driving, but the rise of smartphones, in-car entertainment systems, and other electronic devices has amplified this issue. Any activity that takes a driver’s eyes or mind off the road significantly increases the risk of an accident.
Speeding
When roads are clear, the temptation to exceed speed limits in Arlington, TX, can be strong. However, excessive speed drastically reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors, such as running red lights, ignoring traffic signals, making unsafe lane changes without signaling, and other reckless actions, create dangerous conditions for all road users.
Other frequent factors contributing to car accidents in Arlington include:
- Animals (domestic and wild) in the roadway
- Mobile phone use, including texting while driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Defective vehicle lights (headlamps, taillights, turn signals)
Driving under the influence (DUI) remains a major cause of accidents, contributing to over 9,000 crashes in Texas in 2015 and being a leading cause of fatal collisions. Following too closely is another prevalent issue, causing over 22,000 accidents in the same year.
Recent incidents, such as an 18-wheeler accident on Interstate 35W that caused significant traffic disruption and injuries, underscore the potential for severe consequences in car accidents.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents involve substantial forces, often resulting in a range of injuries. While some individuals may escape with minor harm, many others suffer serious consequences. Car accident injuries can significantly impact a victim’s life, potentially hindering their ability to work and enjoy everyday activities. Common car accident injuries include:
Bone Fractures
Broken bones are among the most frequent injuries in car accidents. The human body has over 200 bones, all susceptible to fracture under high-impact forces typical in collisions. While some fractures are minor, others can be severe, requiring extensive medical treatment, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation, potentially including assistive devices.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Injuries to the spine and back can be devastating, causing chronic pain, disability, and long-lasting effects. The spinal column, composed of 33 vertebrae, houses delicate nerves and supporting tissues. Even minor nerve damage can lead to debilitating pain or paralysis.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Brain injuries can have profound and lasting consequences. While the brain itself doesn’t feel pain, damage to this vital organ can disrupt bodily functions and cognitive abilities. Even seemingly minor head trauma can necessitate medical evaluation and treatment.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is a critical medical emergency that may not be immediately apparent after an accident. Focusing solely on visible external injuries can lead to overlooking potentially life-threatening internal injuries.
Burns
Car accidents, especially those involving multiple vehicles or fuel leaks, can result in severe burns. Burns often require prolonged and costly hospital stays, surgeries, and can lead to permanent impairment.
Seeking prompt medical attention after a car accident is crucial, regardless of perceived injury severity. Apparent minor injuries can be more serious than initially thought and may lead to significant health complications if not addressed promptly.
These injuries frequently demand extensive and expensive medical interventions and hospitalizations. Utilizing vehicle safety features is a key preventative measure to minimize injury risk in a car accident.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Arlington, TX
Maintaining composure after a car accident can be difficult, but your actions immediately following a crash are critical for protecting your well-being and your legal rights to compensation. If you’ve been in a car accident in Arlington, TX, remember these essential steps advised by our accident lawyer Arlington TX team:
Remain at the Scene
Texas law, specifically the Texas Transportation Code, mandates that drivers must remain at the accident scene. Stop your vehicle immediately and as safely as possible without obstructing traffic unnecessarily. If you unintentionally leave the scene, return immediately.
Call 911
Car accident injuries can range from minor to life-threatening. If anyone involved requires medical assistance, call 911 immediately to dispatch emergency medical services.
Additionally, contacting the police to report the accident is important. A police report can be a valuable piece of evidence when determining fault for the accident.
Exchange Information
Exchange essential information with all other drivers involved. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, insurance details, and license plate numbers. Gather contact information from any witnesses as well, as their testimonies can be crucial in proving fault.
Avoid apologizing or admitting fault, even if it feels natural. Such statements can be misconstrued as admissions of guilt and negatively impact your ability to recover damages.
Document the Scene
Thoroughly document the accident scene. Take photographs of vehicle damage, the surrounding environment (weather, road conditions), and any relevant details. Even seemingly minor vehicle damage can mask more significant underlying issues, so a professional inspection is advisable later.
Writing down your recollection of the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind can also be beneficial for your accident lawyer Arlington TX to build your case.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Don’t delay seeking medical evaluation after a car accident, even if you feel initially unharmed. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not present immediate symptoms. Prompt medical treatment not only protects your health but also creates a documented record of your injuries, linking them directly to the accident, which is crucial for your claim.
Avoid relying on insurance company doctors who may downplay your injuries. Your accident lawyer Arlington TX can help you find medical professionals who will provide comprehensive care and accurately document the full extent of your injuries.
File a Third-Party Claim with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
Texas operates under an “at-fault” car insurance system. This means the insurance company of the driver responsible for the accident is liable for covering damages. Your accident lawyer Arlington TX can assist you in filing a third-party claim with the negligent driver’s insurance provider.
Be cautious when dealing with insurance adjusters. They may attempt to pressure you into accepting a quick, low settlement. Consult with your accident lawyer Arlington TX before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company. We can handle all communications on your behalf and negotiate for a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your losses.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintain meticulous records of everything related to the accident. This includes police reports, medical bills, repair estimates, insurance communications, and any other relevant documents.
Contact an Arlington, TX Car Accident Lawyer
Engaging an experienced accident lawyer Arlington TX is the most effective way to protect your legal rights after a car accident. We can relieve your stress by managing all aspects of your claim and aggressively advocate for your best interests, holding all responsible parties accountable.
Maximizing Compensation After a Car Accident in Arlington, TX
Many car accident victims mistakenly believe compensation is limited to visible damages like vehicle repair and immediate medical bills. In reality, if you’ve been injured in an Arlington, TX car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a broader range of losses, including:
- Short-term and long-term medical expenses
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
While you are legally entitled to this compensation, securing a fair settlement without legal representation is often challenging. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, and less experienced attorneys may not fully recognize the potential value of your claim. Partnering with a seasoned accident lawyer Arlington TX significantly improves your chances of obtaining the full compensation you deserve.
In court, you may pursue a wide array of damages. Medical expenses can encompass everything from initial treatments like X-rays and MRIs to surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care, particularly for severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries.
Lost wages can be recovered if your injuries have prevented you from working. Even seemingly minor injuries like whiplash can result in extended periods of lost income. While insurance may cover some lost wages, it may not fully compensate your actual earnings.
Crucially, car accident lawsuits can include compensation for pain and suffering, which is often a significant portion of the total damages awarded. Texas has no legal caps on these damages, meaning you could be entitled to substantial compensation for your physical pain and emotional distress. Consulting with an accident lawyer Arlington TX is essential to understand the potential value of your case.
Your actions and behavior immediately after an accident can impact your compensation. Even if you were not at fault, actions taken under stress or adrenaline can inadvertently undermine your claim.
Establishing Fault in Your Car Accident Claim
Our dedicated accident lawyer Arlington TX team will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your car accident to identify all liable parties. This may extend beyond the other driver to include:
- Vehicle manufacturers, if a defect contributed to the accident
- Government entities, if negligent road maintenance was a factor
- Mechanics, if faulty repairs caused a mechanical failure leading to the crash
- Other vehicle operators involved
Contact Our Arlington Car Accident Attorneys Today
For a free, confidential review of your car accident case, contact Queenan Law Firm today at (817) 476-1797. Our accident lawyer Arlington TX team will provide you with a clear, honest assessment of your legal options and guide you toward the best course of action for you and your family. We are here to help you navigate the aftermath of a car accident and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
