Georgetown Car Accidents Lawyer

With its notorious traffic congestion, Austin is no stranger to car accidents. The sheer volume of vehicles on our roads results in a disproportionate number of automobile accidents. In 2016 alone, the Texas Department of Transportation reported a car crash every 57 seconds on Texas roadways, with 3,773 of them being fatal—a 5.45% increase from the previous year. It's evident that negligence plays a significant role in these accidents.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash, you're likely experiencing long-term consequences. Severe accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death, while minor accidents can still leave victims with injuries, trauma, and financial burdens.

At Howry Breen & Herman, we specialize in assisting victims of negligence in their pursuit of fair compensation. Our experienced car accident attorneys in Austin are ready to utilize their trial expertise to help you seek the damages you deserve.

Injured in a car accident? Schedule a free case evaluation with our legal team by contacting our firm online or calling us at (512) 430-4844.

Did Negligent Driving Cause Your Accident?

Operating a motor vehicle is a significant responsibility. Every time a driver gets behind the wheel, they have a duty to drive in a reasonably safe manner to protect themselves, passengers, and other motorists. Unfortunately, not all drivers take this responsibility seriously. Careless or reckless behavior on the road can result in serious accidents.

Common causes of car accidents attributable to negligence include:

• Distracted driving, such as eating or using a cell phone
• Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol (DUI/DWI)
• Reckless driving, including speeding or street racing
• Failure to follow traffic laws, such as illegal turns or lane changes
• Dangerous driving maneuvers, like turning left ahead of oncoming traffic
• Failure to stop at traffic lights and/or stop signs
• Fatigued driving or falling asleep at the wheel

These examples illustrate how negligence can lead to a car accident. Other instances of negligence include defective automobile design or faulty car parts (such as brakes or tires), poorly designed roads, or inadequate speed limits.

Serious Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents

The nature and severity of injuries sustained in a car accident depend on various factors. Some individuals may walk away with minor injuries requiring only a doctor's checkup, while others may require immediate medical attention and extensive hospitalization. Regardless of the situation, our attorneys are committed to fighting for full compensation for medical care, regardless of the scale of your case.

Injuries commonly suffered in car accidents include:

• Broken bones: High-impact collisions can result in fractures or shattering of bones. Arm fractures are especially prevalent among individuals who brace themselves against the steering wheel.
• Whiplash: A sudden, violent back-and-forth motion of the neck, often caused by rear-end collisions, can lead to one of the most painful and common car accident injuries.
• Brain injury: Impacting the head on the steering wheel, window, dashboard, or windshield during a crash can result in life-altering traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
• Back injury: Painful backaches are frequently experienced for days or weeks following a violent car accident, often necessitating physical therapy.
• Spinal cord injury: Damage to the spinal cord can be catastrophic, causing immediate and permanent paralysis. Paraplegia refers to paralysis of all four limbs.
• Lacerations: Broken glass and twisted metal present significant hazards during a crash, potentially causing deep lacerations requiring urgent medical attention.
• Scarring: Burns and lacerations can lead to permanent scars and disfigurements, causing psychological distress as victims adjust to their altered appearance.
• Vision loss: Flying debris during a crash can strike the eyes, resulting in partial or total vision loss in one or both eyes.
• Hearing loss: Loud noises during a car accident can cause partial hearing loss, and damage to the eardrum can result in deafness.
• Organ damage: Internal injuries are not uncommon in violent car accidents. It is crucial for survivors to seek immediate medical attention to check for signs of internal bleeding or organ damage.

Understanding Texas Comparative Fault Law

Car accident liability in Texas is governed by comparative fault law, similar to other motor vehicle and bicycle accidents. Under this law, a driver is entitled to recover damages only if they are no more than 50% at fault for the accident. If a driver is found to be less than 51% at fault, they can recover the total damages suffered, minus their percentage of liability. For instance, if a jury determines that you suffered $100,000 worth of damages but were 40% at fault for the accident, you can recover $60,000.

Since every case is unique, it is impossible to determine the exact value of your claim without a consultation. It is vital that you consult an attorney to discuss the specifics of your case and determine your eligibility for damages.

Steps to Take Following an Accident

While you can't always predict when a negligent driver will collide with you, you can be prepared for what to do after a car accident. Regardless of the type of accident or the responsible party, following these five steps will help you navigate the situation and strengthen your future injury claim.

• Call Emergency Responders: If someone sustains serious injuries or debris scatters onto the roadway, contact emergency responders immediately. Firefighters can extract individuals from damaged vehicles, paramedics can provide lifesaving first aid, and police officers can redirect traffic away from the accident scene. The reports filed by emergency responders will support your future claim.
• Write Down Identifying Information: Collect identifying and insurance information from all other parties involved in the accident. Ensure you note down this information in a place where you can easily access it later. While you may not need insurance information from passengers, it's still important to gather their contact details.
• Take Pictures & Videos: Photographic and video evidence captured at the accident scene can be highly persuasive in supporting your car accident claim. Use your smartphone to document vehicular damage, injuries, traffic and road conditions, and the weather. Clear and comprehensive visual evidence will aid in accurately reconstructing the scene later.
• Avoid Apologies: Despite good manners, refrain from apologizing after the crash. Statements of apology can be misconstrued by insurance companies as admissions of guilt, which they may exploit to assign liability unfairly.
• See a Doctor: It is crucial to see a doctor for a medical examination on the same day as your accident, even if you feel fine. Arrange to visit a trusted medical professional within a few hours of the accident, as you might have underlying injuries that are not immediately noticeable but can be diagnosed by a doctor. Prompt treatment can help mitigate the severity of your injuries and make it harder for an insurance company to attribute the extent of your injuries to your actions, a tactic they often employ when claimants fail to seek medical attention or disregard doctor's orders.

Finally, it is essential to consult a local car accident attorney at your earliest opportunity. If your claim is complex or contested by the other driver's insurance company, a lawyer can help strengthen and progress your claim to ensure fair compensation for your damages.

Contact Our Team Today for a Free Consultation

Since 1995, Howry Breen & Herman have been assisting injured victims throughout Austin and Georgetown. Our dedicated team is committed to helping clients achieve favorable outcomes. In addition to representing injured victims, we also provide legal counsel to defendants wrongfully accused of negligence. Whatever your situation, our Austin car accident attorneys offer personalized legal guidance and aggressive advocacy.

Call (512) 430-4844 or fill out a confidential contact form to request a complimentary case evaluation with our firm.