As we go about our daily lives, we often drive our cars without any incidents. Nevertheless, unexpected events happen, resulting in injuries from car accidents that require compensation.
Recovering compensation for a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence can be one of the most challenging times of a person’s life. However, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. Sadly, there are a significant number of reckless drivers on the road today, and their actions can have devastating consequences. If you find yourself in this situation, our team is here to help you pursue justice and recover damages for the harm you have experienced.
For a free case assessment with our car accident lawyers, contact The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident in Amarillo, TX
In the event of a car accident, determining fault can be a complex task. It might not be solely the responsibility of one driver, as multiple parties could be at fault for the damages caused. Our experienced car accident lawyers can help you identify all parties responsible for your losses and ensure they are held accountable. The following are the most common parties sued for a car accident in Amarillo:
Other Drivers
In the unfortunate event of a two-car accident, you might consider seeking compensation by suing the driver who hit you. However, if the accident involved multiple drivers, determining who is liable can be a complex legal matter, which might require you to sue all the drivers involved. Additionally, the owner of the vehicle could also be held liable if they allowed a reckless or careless driver to operate their car.
If you were involved in an accident caused by a commercial driver, you might be able to hold their employer responsible through the legal principle of respondeat superior. This principle dictates that employers can be held accountable for their employee’s negligence if the accident occurred while the employee was performing their job duties. Essentially, if a commercial driver caused you harm while working, you can typically file a lawsuit against both the driver and their employer, even if the employer was not present at the accident scene.
When it comes to injuries sustained while riding in a rideshare vehicle, companies like Uber and Lyft might also share responsibility. However, it is generally not possible to file lawsuits against these companies because their “employees” are actually independent contractors. While it can be challenging to hold these companies directly liable, their drivers and rideshare companies usually have higher insurance limits that can be accessed in your case. Moreover, you still have the right to sue the driver who caused your injury, even if you cannot sue the rideshare company.
Manufacturers and Designers
It is worth noting that in some exceptional instances, the injuries sustained from a car accident might have been caused by an imperfection in the design or production of the vehicle. It is crucial to understand that manufacturers and designers can be held liable for any faults in the component that led to the accident.
Recovering Compensation for a Car Accident in Amarillo, TX
If you happen to be involved in a car accident in Texas, you might be relieved to know that justice will likely be served. Texas operates under a “fault” car insurance system, which means that the driver who caused the accident you were in is typically found liable for paying for any damages you might have incurred. Therefore, if you were injured in a car accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver, you are entitled to financial compensation.
For Amarillo drivers, there is a legal requirement to carry car insurance with a minimum amount of liability coverage. This gives you different options to recover compensation in case you sustain an injury in an accident that was not your fault. You can file a claim against the insurance policy of the driver who caused the accident, file a claim with your own insurance company, or even go as far as filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Remember, you have options, and the law is on your side.
If you are involved in a car accident and deemed partially responsible under the state’s comparative negligence laws, your compensation could be impacted. The compensation awarded to you can be reduced by the percentage of fault you are assigned for the accident.
This means that if you are awarded $50,000 for your damages but found to be 10% at fault for the crash, your compensation would be reduced by 10%, amounting to $5,000, and your final award would be $45,000. It is important to understand that in order to recover damages from another driver, your negligence must not be greater than that of the defendant. Therefore, it is crucial to take all necessary precautions while driving and avoid any actions that might put you or others at risk.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Amarillo, TX
It is important to understand the various reasons behind car accidents. If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. Below are some of the most common causes of car accidents in Amarillo:
Distracted Driving
Obtaining compensation for car accidents caused by distracted driving is a frequent concern. Drivers who are distracted by their phones or other technological gadgets have a slower reaction time and are less able to control their cars while driving. This elevates the likelihood of collisions with other vehicles or hitting obstacles, such as pedestrians crossing intersections or road constructions.
Speeding
Speeding is a common cause of car accidents in Amarillo. Motorists who drive at excessive speeds have a shorter reaction time to unexpected events on the road, which can result in loss of control, collisions with other vehicles, or striking objects such as trees or walls. When a driver goes over the speed limit or drives too fast for the current road conditions, they are putting other drivers in danger. This is because other drivers might not have enough time to react to sudden stops or swerves to avoid a speeding vehicle.
Running Traffic Signals
Running traffic signals in Amarillo can result in severe car accidents. When a driver fails to obey a red light or stop sign, it is assumed that they did so with the intention of beating other vehicles to the intersection. This is especially dangerous because drivers who disregard traffic signals tend to travel at higher speeds than other cars at intersections, increasing the risk of colliding with pedestrians or stationary vehicles waiting at the light.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is one of the primary reasons for fatal car accidents in Amarillo and Texas overall. It not only puts the intoxicated driver at risk but also endangers other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists nearby. Drunk drivers frequently fail to react promptly because of their impaired reflexes and thus cannot avoid collisions. If a drunk driver causes you harm, you have the right to compensation as a penalty for their actions.
Our Amarillo, TX Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
Call The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. today at (817) 476-1797 for a free case analysis with our car accident attorneys.