Motor vehicle accidents can have life-altering consequences, leaving victims in physical pain and emotional distress and facing mounting expenses. At True Law Firm, led by Kristian Knapp, we understand the challenges you may face after an accident. Our motor vehicle accident lawyers in San Antonio are dedicated to helping you seek the best possible outcome and optimal compensation for your case.
What Are Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Motor vehicle accidents encompass a wide range of incidents involving automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and more. These accidents can result from various factors, including driver negligence, speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, or adverse weather conditions. They may involve collisions between vehicles, pedestrians, or fixed objects. At True Law Firm, our motor vehicle accident lawyers in San Antonio are experts at handling car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and all vehicle accident cases. We know we can assist you in pursuing rightful compensation, regardless of the specific circumstances of your incident.
Types of Motor Vehicle Accident Cases
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents encompass a broad category of cases involving various types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. These cases often arise from factors like distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, or negligent behavior on the road. Whether you’re a driver, passenger, or pedestrian involved in an auto accident, our team works diligently to investigate the circumstances, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue legal action if necessary.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents involve vehicles used for business purposes, such as trucks, buses, and delivery vans. These cases differ from typical auto accidents due to the complex regulations governing commercial vehicles, including federal and state rules. Liability may extend to multiple parties, including the driver, vehicle owner, or the company employing them. In these situations, our motor vehicle accident lawyers in San Antonio guarantee that our clients receive the thorough representation necessary for their cases.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are a common type of motor vehicle accident where one vehicle strikes the rear of the vehicle in front of it. These can result from various factors, including distracted driving, following too closely, sudden stops, or adverse road conditions. Injuries arising from rear-end collisions may include whiplash, back injuries, or even head trauma. We work diligently to advocate for our clients, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
What Should I Do If I've Been In An Accident?
- Seek medical attention promptly to address injuries.
- Report the accident to law enforcement and obtain an official accident report.
- Gather evidence, including photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
- Collect contact information from all parties involved, including witnesses.
- Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident extensively with others.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident, providing accurate details.
- Seek advice from our San Antonio motor vehicle accident lawyers at True Law Firm to gain insights into your legal rights and explore available options.
- Keep a record of all medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other accident-related costs.
- Follow any recommended medical treatments and attend all necessary follow-ups.
- Be cautious with communication, even if you were hit from behind and believe the other driver is at fault, especially with the other party’s insurance company.
Meet Our Vehicle Accident Attorneys in San Antonio
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Possible Reasons for
Motor Vehicle Accidents:
Motor vehicle accidents can occur for various reasons, and understanding the causes can help identify liability in a case. These are some of the common causes of motor vehicle accidents.
Driver-related factors
Motor vehicle accidents often occur due to driver-related issues such as distracted driving, including texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car entertainment. Speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are also major causes. Fatigue and drowsy driving impair a driver’s ability to react quickly, increasing the risk of accidents. Inexperienced or aggressive drivers, including those exhibiting road rage, add further danger to the roads.
Environmental and road conditions
Poor road conditions like rain, snow, or ice can make driving hazardous, while weather-related visibility issues, such as heavy fog or rain, can cause accidents due to reduced sightlines. Animal crossings, construction zones, and unexpected obstacles on the road also contribute to accidents. Additionally, failure to yield the right of way or disregarding traffic signals, like running red lights, can lead to dangerous collisions.
Vehicle-related factors
Vehicle defects, such as mechanical failures, can cause accidents unexpectedly. A lack of maintenance, including failure to properly maintain brakes, tires, and lights, poses a serious safety risk. Hazardous cargo transported by commercial vehicles can also lead to accidents if not properly secured. In some cases, medical emergencies can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle, which can also lead to potential accidents.
If you’ve been involved in a crash, seeking help from our motor vehicle accident lawyers in San Antonio is crucial to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Qualifies for a Lawsuit?
Determining whether your situation qualifies for a lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident involves assessing various factors. While each case is unique, several common criteria may indicate the potential for legal action:
- Negligence or Fault: If another party’s negligence contributed to the accident, such as distracted driving, speeding, or drunk driving, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
- Injuries and Damages: Serious injuries resulting from the accident, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or permanent disability, often warrant legal action. Additionally, significant financial losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and ongoing rehabilitation costs, may contribute to the viability of a lawsuit.
- Insurance Coverage Limitations: If the at-fault party’s insurance is insufficient to fully compensate for your losses, pursuing a lawsuit may be necessary to recover the remaining damages. This is especially relevant in cases involving uninsured or underinsured motorists.
- Violation of Traffic Laws or Regulations: If the other party violated traffic laws or regulations leading to the accident, such as running a red light or disregarding speed limits, it can strengthen your case for negligence and liability.
- Product Liability: In some cases, accidents may result from defective vehicle components or equipment failure. If a defective product contributed to the accident, you may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty part.
- Wrongful Death: In tragic cases where a motor vehicle accident results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party to seek compensation for their loss.
It’s essential to consult with a qualified motor vehicle accident lawyer in San Antonio who is experienced in handling motor vehicle accident cases to evaluate the specific circumstances of your situation and determine the viability of a lawsuit. If you’ve been involved in a crash, please schedule a consultation with our attorneys to determine if you have viable grounds for a lawsuit.
What Can I Be Compensated For?
After a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various losses and damages that result from the incident. One of the primary areas of compensation is medical costs, which include hospital bills, surgery expenses, medication, rehabilitation therapy, and any ongoing or future medical care you may need due to your injuries. Additionally, if your injuries prevent you from working during your recovery, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages and income. This also includes any long-term impact on your earning potential.
Property damage compensation can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal belongings that were damaged in the crash. In addition to tangible losses, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, which addresses the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident. In some cases, you may be able to seek loss of consortium compensation, allowing your spouse or partner to recover damages for the impact the accident has had on your relationship.
Finally, in rare instances of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future. It’s important to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure that you pursue all potential avenues of compensation available to you.
What Are The Most Dangerous Driving Locations in Texas?
Texas is known for having some of the most dangerous driving locations in the U.S., with major highways like I-35, I-10, and I-45 being particularly hazardous. In fact, Houston’s Interstate 45 (I-45) is often called the “most dangerous highway in America.” Rural areas are also at high risk due to poorly maintained roads and limited visibility, which can increase the chances of a crash. The high volume of commercial vehicles on these roads further elevates the danger.
In 2023, Texas recorded 4,283 motor vehicle traffic fatalities, a decrease of 2.81% from the previous year. However, the state still leads the nation in motor vehicle accident fatalities, with thousands of crashes annually.
Motorcyclists and truck drivers are particularly prone to these risks. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable due to the lack of protective barriers and their smaller size on the road, which makes them less visible. In 2023, there were 599 fatalities and more than 2,400 serious injuries from motorcycle accidents in Texas. Truck drivers, on the other hand, deal with the challenges of large vehicle size, blind spots, and difficulty maneuvering in traffic, which can make avoiding collisions even more difficult.
Why Contact True Law Firm for Your Motor Vehicle Accident?
After a road accident, you must find a supportive, compassionate, and dedicated motor vehicle accident lawyer in San Antonio who is willing to fight for your rights. Here’s why you should consider contacting True Law Firm to assist you with your case:
- We specialize in handling motor vehicle accident cases.
- We have a thorough understanding of the complexities of motor vehicle accident cases, including liability, insurance regulations, and state laws.
- We help you seek the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
- We understand how insurance companies work and handle all negotiations to protect your rights and interests, ensuring you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
- We conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a compelling case on your behalf.
- If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights.
- We are always available to address your concerns and keep you updated about the process.
- We don’t charge any fees upfront, so you don’t have to pay anything until you win a favorable verdict or settlement.
Motor Vehicle Accidents FAQs
Should I speak to the other driver's insurance company after an accident?
It’s generally advisable to consult with an attorney before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts, and statements made to them may be used against you later. Our motor vehicle accident lawyers in San Antonio offer expert guidance on effective communication, ensuring the protection of your rights and preventing any inadvertent harm to your case. Contact us for the support you need.
What if I am partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident but less than 51% responsible, you can still seek compensation for your injuries and damages. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you may not be eligible for compensation.
How is compensation determined in motor vehicle accident cases?
Compensation in car or motorcycle accident cases typically includes economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover measurable losses like medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and future medical expenses. Non-economic damages account for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The amount of compensation varies based on the severity of injuries, the extent of liability, and other factors.
What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options for compensation. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can provide compensation for your injuries and damages. Our motor vehicle accident lawyers in San Antonio can assist you in navigating the process of filing a claim with your own insurance company.
How long do I have to file a motor vehicle accident lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions, and it’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you meet all legal deadlines. Failing to file within the deadline may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
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Involved in An Accident? Let Our San Antonio Attorneys Help
True Law Firm is more than just a law firm; we are lawyers who truly care about you and your pursuit of justice. With a track record of achieving swift, favorable results without compromising settlement value, we help you achieve optimal compensation based on your circumstances. By deliberately maintaining low client numbers, we ensure that each individual can maintain a direct line of communication with their attorney. Schedule a consultation with our motor vehicle accident lawyers in San Antonio, and let us advocate for your best possible outcome.
