Have you been injured in a car accident? Are you feeling overwhelmed by your circumstances? After a collision, it can feel like there are many moving parts. There’s a lot to figure out, from dealing with the insurance company to trying to process your medical bills.
At Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, we know how hard it can be to deal with the impacts of an accident. We work hard to help advocate for victims and help them rebuild their lives following injuries and losses.
If an accident has injured you or someone you care about, you may recover financial compensation. Call our Garland car accident lawyers to find out.
We are a national law firm based in Houston with multiple offices around the country. In most states, we also work with affiliate law firms that share our focus and dedication to excellence. No matter where you are located, we may be able to help you, so call or contact us now. We are open, for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-898-4877, or you may contact us now by clicking here to submit your case for review.
Stewart J. Guss Injury Accident Lawyers
At Stewart J. Guss Injury Accident Lawyers, we know a thing or two about fighting for justice. From handling major negotiations against massive insurance companies to bringing the fight to court, we have the experience to handle your personal injury claim with knowledge and efficiency.
Struggling against the aftermath of a catastrophic car accident is hard enough. Let our team handle your legal case so you can concentrate on your health. Call us now to get your free case evaluation. We’re ready to take action for you.
Five leading causes of car accidents in Garland
One of the most frustrating things about car accidents is that a little care and attention can prevent most of them. Most accidents result from the negligence of one or more parties when reviewing a claim; one primary factor insurance companies consider when reviewing a claim is whose actions are liable for the accident. These details will dictate which party can recover damages and could influence the final judgment award. Some of the major causes of car accidents include:
Speeding
Speeding is consistently one of the leading causes of motor vehicle deaths. A recent report from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated speeding was a factor in over 26 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities.
A speeding vehicle takes more time to stop and is harder to control. These complications not only increase the likelihood of an accident but can significantly increase the severity of any injuries. Despite these facts, drivers continue to speed.
Common justifications include:
- “I was late to work.”
- “I didn’t see the speed limit.”
- “I was just driving with the flow of traffic.”
- “Driving fast is fun.”
No excuse is worth risking another driver’s safety. In addition to driving beyond the posted speed limit, driving too fast for the conditions is also dangerous. When weather conditions are bad or traffic is congested, drivers should slow down and exercise caution.
Distracted driving
Too often, drivers are busy texting at a red light or holding a phone to their ear as they change lanes. Texas ranks #13 in the country for most distracted driving fatalities. While it might be easy to blame this high rate on the state’s growing population, Texas has nearly four times the rate of distracted driving fatalities as California, the country’s most populous state.
Texting and driving are one of the biggest problems on the road, but it is not the only distraction. The NHTSA defines distracted driving as “any activity that diverts attention from driving.”
Common offenses include:
- Cell phone use
- Eating
- Smoking
- Talking
- Applying makeup
- Adjusting the radio
If a driver was using their phone at the time of an accident, they frequently try to hide the fact from the other driver and the insurance company. However, it is easy to gain proof through cell phone records or previous driving citations.
Failure to yield the right-of-way
Did you know there are nearly 24 million licensed drivers in Texas? It’s no wonder traffic is so bad! With so many drivers on the road, following right-of-way laws is essential. Right-of-way laws dictate who goes where on the road and when. When you come to a stop sign, right-of-way laws prevent everyone from entering the intersection at once. In the same regard, traffic lights help control traffic flow and prevent collisions.
Right-of-way accidents happen when a driver doesn’t know the law, chooses to ignore it, or simply isn’t paying attention. These types of accidents typically happen at intersections.
However, other hot spots include:
- Parking lots
- Highway on-ramps
- Roundabouts
- Business and residential driveways
Poor visibility
Drivers need to exercise extreme care when there is limited visibility. If you cannot see other drivers on the road, accidents are almost inevitable. You can take steps by knowing your route and the driving conditions. In Texas, severe weather events can change visibility in an instant. The Federal Highway Administration reports over 38,000 accidents occur in just fog each year.
Other factors that can reduce visibility include:
- Rain
- Snow
- Smog
- Smoke
- Low light
- Physical obstructions (including buildings and other vehicles)
Driving under the influence
While driving under the influence has become significantly taboo, substance-related accidents happen at an alarmingly high rate. Driving under the influence is always dangerous, regardless of the impairment level or distance driving. Because of the blatant disregard for others, DUI cases often include a judgment for punitive damages against the at-fault driver. Punitive damages are an additional monetary award levied against the driver as a penalty to acknowledge the egregious behavior to prevent others from making the same choices.
Common injuries after a car accident
Unfortunately, injuries are extremely common after a motor vehicle accident. According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of preventable injuries in the United States.
If you have been in an accident, you need to be able to recognize the signs of a serious injury and seek appropriate medical care. In almost all cases, it is recommended you visit a healthcare provider after an accident for a thorough check-up, even if you feel fine. If you believe you have a life-threatening injury, do not wait. Common injuries after a car accident include:
Soft tissue injuries
Soft tissue injuries include injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Most common soft tissue injuries include sprains and strains. During a car accident, the body can move violently and unexpectedly, causing damage to your soft tissue.
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a motor vehicle collision, especially a rear-end collision. Fortunately, these injuries are often easy to treat. However, in some cases, neck and back pain can signify a bulging or herniated disc. In this case, you may experience prolonged pain and require further treatment.
Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injury sounds serious because they always are. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) happen when the brain sustains an injury due to an external force. Head pounding into the seat or steering wheel or a penetrating wound during a car accident can cause a TBI. TBIs are potentially life-threatening, so watch for any symptoms and visit the doctor if you believe you hit your head.
Signs of a TBI to watch out for include:
- Headaches
- Intense pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Speech or memory problems
Spinal cord injuries
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. People may not realize that spinal cord injury symptoms do not always appear right away. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the symptoms and get examined immediately after an accident. In some cases, prompt treatment can prevent permanent paralysis.
Common symptoms include:
- Inability to stand or walk
- Intense pain in the neck or back
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Breathing problems
Broken bones
Broken bones can be extremely painful. Due to the force of motor vehicle collisions, they are a common occurrence. In addition to pain, a broken bone can cause mobility issues. Immediate treatment can help prevent or reduce these issues. If you sustain an open fracture, where the bone protrudes through the skin, there is also an increased risk of infection.
There are several treatment options available for broken bones. Your doctor will choose the proper path depending on the type of fracture and the location. In addition to your initial treatment plan, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy to help with mobility issues.
Emotional distress
There is no question that car accidents can be scary. You may have a hard time moving past the trauma of a serious accident. Anxiety and cautiousness are normal psychological responses. On the other hand, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is beyond the usual response. If you find yourself reliving the accident or having nightmares, your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it could mean you need psychological treatment.
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Increased irritability
- A constant feeling of dread
- Hopelessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Easily startled
Your mental health is equally as important as your physical health. Don’t disregard your symptoms and talk to someone if you struggle after an accident.
The financial effect of car accidents
After a car accident, the last thing you need is financial strain. Sadly, medical bills add up fast. If you have to take time off work, you may worry about where you will get the money needed to pay medical bills, not to mention everyday expenses.
A personal injury claim aims to help you recover the costs related to your injuries. After a car accident, you may experience a significant change in your income and expenses. At Stewart J. Guss Injury Accident Lawyers, our job is to help you recover most (if not all) of your losses. We work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay for your legal services upfront, and we don’t get paid unless you do.
While actual costs vary on a case-by-case basis, your settlement may cover losses for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment
- Wrongful death
The statute of limitations for car accidents in Texas
Under the law, you may have the legal right to recover damages after your accident. However, you only have a certain amount of time to do so. The legal term for this period is the statute of limitations. For all personal injury matters, including car accidents, the statute of limitations is two years in Texas. After this time expires, you cannot file a legal claim.
Though two years may seem like a long time, it can pass quickly, especially when it comes to complicated cases. For this reason, it is wise to reach out to your legal team as soon as possible to allow them enough time to build a solid case.
If it has been longer than two years since your accident and you are worried the statute of limitations has expired, it is still worth contacting an experienced lawyer. In limited cases, the court may make an exception to the statute of limitations.
Reasons for an exception may include:
- Fraud
- Inability to locate the other party
- The victim was a minor
Take control of your future. Contact Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers
After an accident, it’s essential to surround yourself with people you can trust and understand your circumstances, like those at Stewart J. Guss Injury Accident Lawyers. Our team of legal professionals works with victims throughout the United States. Our experience is what sets us apart.
We know what you are going through and will fight aggressively to help you get what you deserve. It’s important to understand that you are not alone in this and have access to our services seven days a week.
The legal team of Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, is nationally recognized for protecting the rights of injured victims for more than 20 years. If a car accident injured you in Garland, call our office right now for a free consultation! Because we take all of our car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, you will not owe us a dime unless we win your case. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so call us today at 800-898-4877 or contact us now by clicking here.
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