Car accidents are scary, dangerous, and happen far too frequently on the streets of Garland. We recognize that dealing with the consequences of a car accident injury can be difficult. That is why you may be interested in hearing about the possibility of financial recovery through a lawsuit.
To file a car accident lawsuit in Garland, you must prove that the other driver caused the accident. Drivers can cause accidents by acting negligently or recklessly behind the wheel. If your injuries were caused by a negligent car accident, you may be able to recover damages for the consequences of your injuries, such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Your best first step towards financial recovery is talking to an experienced Garland car accident lawyer. The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. offers free initial consultations for all clients interested in pursuing their case. To schedule yours today, call us at (817) 476-1797.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Garland, TX
You can recover compensation for your car accident injuries in a lawsuit if someone else was responsible for causing the accident. Drivers who behave negligently or recklessly behind the wheel are liable for the harms that they cause. In most car accident cases, negligence can be implied by conduct that violates traffic code. Below is a list of examples of the most common causes of car accidents that create liability for drivers.
Speeding
Driving at excessive speeds reduces the time that drivers have to adjust to changing conditions on the road. Further, a car accident that happens at high speed is more likely to leave those involved with more severe injuries.
Swerving
Frustrations with traffic may cause some drivers to erratically change lanes out of anger or boredom. In high traffic situations, this can create hazards for unsuspecting drivers in other lanes, particularly those in blind spots.
Tailgating
Drivers are responsible for leaving enough room between their car and the car in front of them to come to a safe and reasonable stop if necessary. In the vast majority of rear-end collisions, the driver of the rear car is the liable party for the accident.
Texting
When your eyes or hands are on your phone, you are simply unable to control the vehicle that you are driving. Even if a driver is stopped at a red light, distracted driving can cause the driver to accelerate thinking that the light has changed and pull out into a packed intersection.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol and drugs affect a person’s motor functioning and reasoning skills, not to mention their reflex speeds. All of these abilities are critical for ensuring a safe journey on public roads. If the other driver was drunk at the time of your accident, you may be able to recover additional punitive damages. Speak to your Garland car accident lawyer today about your potential recovery.
Damages for a Car Accident in Garland, TX
If you were injured by a negligent or reckless driver in a car accident, you may be wondering what you stand to recover if you pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Estimating the value of any given car accident lawsuit in Garland will require information on the accident itself and the nature of the injuries.
Damages for car accident lawsuits will account for a number of the different costs of your injuries. Calculations for damages are divided into two key categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. There is a third category of damages, called punitive damages, that may be available in certain cases.
Economic Damages
The first step in a calculation of damages is to tally up the direct expenses associated with your injuries. Typically, the majority of the direct expenses come from the cost of your medical care. Your injuries may require emergency services, surgical procedures, hospital stays, physical therapy, specialist appointments, and medication, amongst other costly undertakings.
You may also be compensated for time missed at work while dealing with your injuries. If your injuries are long-term or indefinitely impact your ability to perform the functions of your occupation, courts will compensate you for your loss of earning potential.
You could also recover the value of the necessary repairs to your vehicle. If the vehicle is totaled, you could get compensated for replacing it according to the fair market value. Be sure to get an auto repair quote to have an idea of what the costs may be.
Non-Economic Damages
Texas law recognizes that you cannot fully account for the cost of your injuries just by adding up lost wages and hospital bills. That is why personal injury damage calculations will take into account your pain and suffering as a result of the accident and your injuries.
Certain injuries may cause chronic pain or restrict your ability to enjoy your life as you once did. Consequences from these injuries may include the onset of psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. Physical limitations may impact your personal relationships or your ability to engage in recreational activities that you once enjoyed. You and your Garland car accident lawyer can sit down and assess what you might be able to recover in non-economic damages for these and other consequences of your injuries.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not always available in every case. This is because they are assessed based on the misconduct of the defendant rather than the condition of the plaintiff. To award punitive damages, the court must find that the behavior of the defendant in causing the accident was so reckless or heinous that it warrants additional punishment. Common instances where punitive damages might be available include accidents due to drunk driving or illegal drag racing.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in Garland, TX
You likely only have two years from the date of the accident to file your car accident lawsuit in Garland, according to Texas’ statute of limitations. This may seem like a long time. However, preparing and filing a lawsuit can be time consuming, particularly where the injuries are complex or where there were more than two parties involved. We urge you to reach out to our Garland car accident attorneys today to avoid missing your deadline.
Hear More About Your Potential Car Accident Lawsuit in Garland, TX for Free
For the sake of your recovery, you do not have long to wait. Speak to one of the dedicated Garland car accident lawyers at The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. today by calling us at (817) 476-1797.