Helping Car Accident Victims Seek Compensation in Hays County, TX
Unfortunately, car accidents occur daily on roadways in San Marcos, TX. While most are minor and don't have lasting consequences, some cause severe injuries and even death.
Many types of car accident injuries can affect victims for years to come or even for the remainder of their lives. Injuries can bring extreme stress, physical and emotional pain, and possibly tens of thousands or even millions of dollars in medical bills.
Fortunately, a skilled San Marcos car accident lawyer from DJC Law can sort through the confusing aftermath of a car accident and pick up the pieces. They can provide you with the robust legal representation you need to seek recovery for your damages.
Why Choose DJC Law for Your Personal Injury Case?
At DJC Law, we believe that each of our clients deserves the utmost respect. We return all phone calls and promptly respond to emails within one business day. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys regularly provide clients with their direct cell phone numbers, ensuring accessibility. Our car accident lawyers simplify intricate legal concepts and terms, ensuring you grasp them.
The challenges of recovering from injuries for San Marcos residents and visitors who have endured injuries are substantial enough; contacting your attorney and addressing your concerns shouldn't add more worries.
The accomplished injury attorneys at veteran-owned DJC Law boast an impressive 80 years of collective experience. Throughout their legal careers, they have advocated for injured individuals and secured over $50 million in recoveries.
We pride ourselves on delivering superior legal representation. We are equipped with the necessary resources to compete with major corporations and insurance companies. Rest assured, your case won't suffer due to resource limitations.
Are Auto Accidents Common in Texas?
San Marcos, TX, sits roughly halfway between San Antonio and Austin. Given its proximity to these larger cities, San Marcos sees quite a lot of traffic, which can bring with it many auto accidents.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were over 425,000 reported motor vehicle accidents in the state of Texas in the year 2021. Of those accidents, more than 2,000 collisions resulted in fatalities, another 10,000 led to serious injuries, and 72,000 crashes led to potential injuries. In San Marcos, there were 1,322 total motor vehicle accidents in 2021. Of those crashes, seven resulted in the deaths of nine separate individuals, and 52 car crashes resulted in severe injuries.
According to the San Marcos Police Department, the most common causes of car accidents in 2021 were driving at excessive speeds, distracted driving, failure to yield to the right of way, unsafe lane changes, and tailgating.
If you have been in an auto accident, contact our San Marcos car accident law firm to discuss your case in more detail in a free consultation. Personal injury victims should not be responsible for expenses like lost wages, medical treatment, and vehicle repairs if someone else's negligence caused their accidents. As your legal representatives, our San Marcos injury attorneys will do everything we can to help you recover the maximum compensation for your claims.
What Are Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in San Marcos?
While many of us rely on our cars to get us where we need to go for employment, school, socialization, and other reasons, driving automobiles can be dangerous, thanks in no small part to the actions of negligent drivers who share the roads with us. With heavy traffic congestion, frequent construction, and many visitors to the area, our roadways have become familiar with auto accidents.
Over the years, our San Marcos car accident attorneys have recognized several common causes of motor vehicle accidents in the area.
Common causes of auto accidents include the following:
- Adverse weather conditions
- Aggressive driving and reckless driving
- Dangerous lane changes
- Defective motor parts and defective vehicles
- Distracted driving or driver inattention
- Drowsy driving or driver fatigue
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
- Failure to yield
- Faulty evasive action and human error
- Lane splitting
- Poorly designed or maintained roads
- Smaller vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and motorcycles disappearing into blind spots
- Speeding
- Tailgating or following too closely behind the lead vehicle
- Texting while driving or talking on a cell phone while driving
Whatever the cause of your motor vehicle crash, a San Marcos personal injury lawyer from our firm is here to represent your interests in pursuit of justice and financial recovery. While other Texas law firms may fear taking personal injury claims to court, we are proud of our experience as trial attorneys. Our legal team has a 99% success rate in jury trial cases, and we would be proud to extend that knowledge and experience to you, our client. We will be at your side throughout the entire legal process while you recover from your injuries and seek the justice you deserve. Contact a San Marcos car accident lawyer at our law firm today to learn more.
What Sort of Full and Fair Compensation Could You Recover for Your Personal Injury Lawsuit?
A personal injury claim aims to have the responsible parties, or their car insurance company, pay for the injured individual's damages. More specifically, the personal injury civil court system aims to make the victim whole again. The insurance company or liable party must bring accident victims back to the financial state they were in before their accident as much as possible after an injury accident.
Your financial recovery in a car accident case doesn't just cover the cost of hospital bills or other related expenses, such as those for property damages or lost income. It might also include pain and suffering and emotional and mental trauma. Your San Marcos car accident attorney can further explain the damages you deserve.
The compensation you receive can also depend on:
- How compelling the evidence is in your claim
- The applicable insurance coverage
- If you're willing to settle your claim
- If there were multiple parties at fault for your car wreck
If it can be proven that the other driver's fault caused your accident, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
The economic and non-economic damages you may recover from a successful personal injury claim include the following:
- Past medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost income-earning capacity
- Property damage, vehicle repairs, and replacements
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Lost companionship or consortium
- Physical pain and suffering
- Disability, dismemberment, or disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy expenses
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
- Funeral, burial, and memorial expenses in the event of a fatal crash
- Wrongful death
In certain car accident cases, a judge may also award punitive damages to the victims. Punitive damages are meant to penalize individuals for extreme recklessness, complete disregard for other motorists, and intentional acts of maliciousness. Punitive damages are also meant to deter others from repeating similar acts in the future. Not every car accident case will result in punitive damages, as these arcs are reserved for extreme cases. To learn more, seek professional legal advice from our law firm today.
What if You Were Partially Responsible for the Vehicle Collision?
Texas law operates according to a modified comparative negligence doctrine for personal injury cases. Under this legal doctrine, multiple parties can be held accountable for car accident injuries and other associated damages. Additionally, the car accident victim can be held partially responsible for causing the accident.
After determining liability, a judge will assign fault to the parties involved in the car crash. The amount of fault an individual has impacts the compensation they stand to recover. For example, if you are held 30% at fault for the motor vehicle collision, your maximum compensation will be reduced by 30%.
Under our modified comparative fault laws, you can recover compensation for your injuries and other financial losses if you were not deemed 51% or more at fault for the accident. If a judge and jury decide that you hold 51% responsibility for the cause of the crash, you will be barred from recovering compensation.
Because of the potential of having your total settlement reduced due to modified comparative negligence, it is all the more important that you work with an experienced attorney familiar with Texas laws. To learn more about our legal services and how we may assist you in proving that fault rests on the shoulders of other parties, please schedule a free case evaluation with our legal team today.
Where Do Car Accidents Occur in San Marcos?
No streets or highways in or near San Marcos are immune to auto accidents. They can happen anywhere to anyone.
For example, car accidents can occur on the following roads and intersections:
- Craddock Avenue
- Bishop Street
- Interstate 35 and its frontage roads
- The intersection of Wonder World Drive and Hunter Road
- The intersection of LBJ Drive and Hopkins Street
- River Road
- Highway 80
- Highway 123
- Old RR 22
Wherever your auto accident occurs, our lawyers will help you seek compensation from the at-fault party and their insurance provider. To discuss your car accident lawsuit in more detail, please schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with our personal injury law firm today.
What Are Different Types of Texas Car Accidents?
No two motor vehicle accidents are the same. Each has unique causes and factors that play into them. There are also many different types of car accidents—all with the potential to cause serious injuries.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions occur when the front of one car hits another car's backside. The severity, damage, and injury potential depend on distance and speed. In a recent year alone, 2,428 fatal rear-end crashes accounted for 6.8 percent of all deadly crashes.
Side-Impact Crashes
When one vehicle hits the side of another, it's called a side-impact crash. Often called T-bones, side impacts can happen if a driver runs a stoplight, hitting the side of another vehicle turning or passing through the intersection. These impacts can cause severe injuries.
Head-On Accidents
Head-on accidents happen when two vehicle fronts collide or one vehicle crashes into a stationary object headfirst. These collisions usually cause injuries, some of them severe or catastrophic. They can arise from various situations, including when a vehicle swerves into oncoming traffic.
Rollovers
A rollover is when a car ends up on its side or roof. These types of accidents occur when something trips a vehicle or a driver attempts tight turns at high speeds. Any vehicle can roll over, but taller vehicles and SUVs run a higher risk of rollovers due to their higher centers of gravity.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle accidents happen for many reasons— runoffs, road departures, and crashing into stationary objects such as trees or light poles are a few examples.
Hit and Run Incidents
A hit-and-run accident occurs when one driver doesn't stop after an accident or stops momentarily and flees the scene. Under Texas law, all drivers involved in an accident must stop at the scene. Those who do not may face serious legal consequences.
What Are Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries?
Car accident injuries can range from minor scrapes, cuts, and bruises to severe spinal cord damage, head injuries, and even fatal injuries.
At our law firm, we are not deterred by catastrophic injuries or costly medical bills. We have extensive experience representing complex personal injury cases in pursuit of fair and full compensation for injuries and other losses. Whether you have suffered severe injuries or something more minor, contact our law firm to learn how we may be of valuable legal assistance.
The most common car accident injuries include:
- Head and facial injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), severe lacerations, foreign objects in the eye, and broken facial bones
- Neck and back injuries: Whiplash, broken vertebrae, slipped discs, spinal cord injuries (SCI), and strains
- Arm and leg injuries: Broken bones, strains, sprains, amputations, severe lacerations, and dislocations
- Internal injuries: Severe bleeding, organ damage, broken pelvis, and broken ribs
- Catastrophic injuries: Life-altering injuries such as a severe TBI, an amputation, or an SCI resulting in paralysis
- Burns: Fires are common in car accidents, putting victims at risk of severe burns anywhere on their bodies.
While you might consider handling the car accident claims process alone, doing so can jeopardize your legal rights and financial future. Hiring an experienced San Marcos car accident attorney can significantly improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a San Marcos Car Accident Attorney?
Seek legal assistance when fighting the insurance company after a car accident to:
- Understand your rights: Insurance companies often take advantage of claimants' lack of legal knowledge to offer inadequate settlements. An attorney can explain your rights, ensuring you don't settle for less than you deserve. They will assess the actual value of your claim, considering medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.
- Deal with insurance tactics: Insurance adjusters may use tactics to downplay your injuries, shift blame, or delay your claim. Attorneys are well-versed in recognizing and countering these tactics, ensuring that insurance companies treat you fairly.
- Maximize compensation: A San Marcos car accident attorney can gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to build a strong case for maximum compensation. They understand how to present your case persuasively and negotiate effectively to secure the best possible outcome.
- Get legal advocacy: If negotiations with the insurance company stall, your attorney can escalate the matter to litigation. Having a seasoned advocate by your side can significantly impact the outcome of a court case, should it become necessary.
Seeking the services of an attorney after a car accident can significantly improve your chances of successfully navigating the complex world of insurance claims. With their assistance, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the legal intricacies and insurance company battles, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Are Commercial Truck Accident Cases More Complex Than Most Auto Accidents?
While every type of motor vehicle accident has the potential to cause serious injuries or wrongful death, large truck accidents are especially well known for causing catastrophic injuries and death to the occupants of smaller passenger vehicles.
Commercial vehicles include tractor-trailers, moving vans, work vehicles, tanker trucks, delivery trucks, and more. These types of vehicles are typically larger and heavier than passenger cars and can obliterate other vehicles and pedestrians on the roads.
Truck accidents are frequently more complicated legal matters than most other motor vehicle accident cases. Part of the reason is that truck accident cases typically involve greater amounts of financial compensation because of the more severe injuries and associated hospital bills. Another reason for the legal complexity of commercial vehicle accidents is the number of potentially liable parties involved. In addition to filing a lawsuit against a negligent truck driver, the truck owners, trucking companies, manufacturers, cargo loaders, and others may be liable in a truck accident lawsuit.
If you or a loved one have been harmed in a commercial vehicle accident, contact a San Marcos truck accident lawyer at our law firm today. You do not want to tackle these legal issues without professional legal counsel in your corner. A San Marcos truck accident attorney can represent your interests in court battles with lawyers representing the defense, negotiations with insurance company providers, and more. Contact our personal injury law firm today to learn more about our legal services.
What to Do After a Car Accident in San Marcos, TX?
Your actions after a car accident can affect your ability to receive fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.
To strengthen your claim:
- Follow treatment plans: Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Adhering to your doctor's treatment plan is essential for your recovery and building a strong case. Insurance companies look for consistent medical care to validate the severity of your injuries. Skipping appointments or neglecting prescribed treatments will diminish the value of your claim.
- Keep receipts: Document every expense related to your accident and recovery. This includes medical bills, prescription costs, rehabilitation expenses, travel expenses to medical appointments, and any other out-of-pocket costs incurred due to the accident. These receipts provide tangible evidence of the accident's financial toll.
- Keep a journal: A daily journal can be a powerful tool to record your injuries' physical, emotional, and mental effects. Document your pain levels, daily struggles, and disruptions to your routine. This personal account offers valuable insight into your pain and suffering, providing a comprehensive view of how the accident has affected your life.
- Obtain copies of police reports: If law enforcement responds to the accident scene, they will generate a police report. This report contains vital information such as the date, time, location, parties involved, witness statements, and contributing factors. You or your attorney can request a copy of this report, as it provides an objective account of the accident that can serve as evidence in your claim that your attorney can use to justify your damages.
- Consult a knowledgeable attorney: Enlisting a San Marcos car accident attorney is one of the most important steps you can take. Your attorney can guide you through the process, ensure you take the proper steps, and protect your rights against the insurance company's tactics.
By diligently following these steps, you can provide your attorney with a comprehensive and accurate account of the accident. This documentation can significantly enhance your chances of receiving fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Insurance companies may downplay even your more severe injuries or shift blame, so strong evidence and a well-documented case can help secure the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Texas?
When it comes to car accident claims in the state of Texas, victims and their families must not delay. There is a firm statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits in the state. If you do not file a car accident lawsuit within two years of the accident, you may be barred from recovering financial compensation.
There may be other exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations. To better understand the exceptions to the rule, reach out to our legal team immediately.
If you've been in a serious accident, contact our San Marcos car accident lawyers to discuss your case in a free case consultation today.
Schedule a Free Case Consultation with Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys to Discuss Your Car Accident Claim Today
At DJC Law, we know the challenges accident victims often face after vehicle crashes. We are here to navigate the legal process so you can recover the compensation you deserve. From beginning to end, we will be your trusted advocates.
Contact us today to put our legal team to work for you.
For your no-obligation case consultation, call us today at (888) 853-8169 or contact us online.