Austin Car Accident Attorneys

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Texas

Determining the precise cause of an auto accident is paramount to establishing fault and building a strong personal injury claim. Generally, you have a case when another driver’s negligence leads to a crash. While a driver failing to honor the rules of the road is often to blame, some crashes result from factors beyond any driver’s control. We are prepared to investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident and ascertain liability. 

Auto accidents in Texas are frequently caused by:

• Driver inattention. Drivers should always devote their full attention to the road and avoid distractions whenever possible. Cell phone use, eating, and talking can all result in a driver failing to exercise an appropriate level of caution, potentially with far-reaching and tragic consequences. 
• Driver intoxication. It is illegal to operate a vehicle when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as intoxicated drivers are far more likely to make errors and get into accidents. Countless lives have been taken by drunk drivers, and we can help you explore a wrongful death lawsuit if your loved one was killed in one of these crashes. 
• Driver fatigue. No one should get behind the wheel if they are struggling to keep their eyes open or are depending on coffee or energy drinks to stay awake. When you are exhausted, you will likely have more difficulty focusing and are more prone to mistakes. Driving while fatigued is an especially prevalent problem among truck drivers, who work long hours and travel thousands of miles without stopping. While rules are in place to mandate rest breaks, some trucking companies pressure their drivers to ignore them. 
• Driver recklessness. Sometimes, a driver simply violates traffic laws. They may change lanes or turn without signaling, run red lights or stop lights, or speed excessively. The reason for their behavior does not matter: Intentionally or unintentionally violating traffic rules typically constitutes negligence for purposes of personal injury litigation. 
• Manufacturing and design defects. Even a small mechanical defect can have enormous consequences for the driver and passengers of a motor vehicle. Although auto companies and manufacturers are bound by certain federal standards regarding automobile design and assembly, many vehicles on the market still suffer from major structural and mechanical defects. Tires, airbags, and seatbelts are some of the most common vehicle components to exhibit problems. Another frequent and highly publicized defect is the lack of stability and structural integrity in some sports utility vehicles, which can result in roof crushes and rollover crashes. When you are injured in an accident caused by a defective auto component, you will likely need to explore a product liability lawsuit instead of a personal injury claim. Our team at National Trial Law has obtained millions of dollars for our clients in cases involving dangerous auto defects. 

Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Austin car accident attorney. Let us help you hold the liable parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.

Car Accident FAQs

How to Establish Liability for Accidents Caused by Commercial Drivers?

In a typical car accident caused by driver negligence, the at-fault driver is liable for the damages they cause. Liability can become more complicated when a commercial driver is involved. In these instances, the commercial driver’s employer may also be liable for their conduct. Accurately determining liability is an important part of ensuring you get the compensation you need after suffering injuries in a collision. You will then need a legal advocate who is familiar with how large organizations approach these cases, keeping in mind they have extensive legal resources devoted to limiting what you recover. Our Austin auto accident attorneys focus much of our personal injury practice on representing clients who have been injured in collisions involving commercial vehicles. We understand how to strategically approach these cases and will fight to secure just compensation from all responsible parties.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Texas?

Your right to seek compensation for car accident injuries does not exist in perpetuity. In Texas, you usually only have two years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit against a negligent driver. If someone suffers fatal injuries in a car accident, qualifying parties have two years from the date of the victim’s passing to file a wrongful death claim.

You will have less time to start the legal process if the negligent driver who caused your accident is a government employee. If the at-fault driver works for the State of Texas or any state-level agency, you must typically file a Notice of Claim within six months of the date of the accident. If your accident involved a federal U.S. government employee, your case falls under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). We handle FTCA cases nationwide, and you should not wait to get in touch.

What Damages Can Be Recovered for Car Accident Injuries in Texas?

The goal of a car accident lawsuit is to restore you to the financial position you were in before the collision occurred. You can potentially receive economic damages that cover out-of-pocket expenses you occurred because of the accident as well as non-economic damages that are meant to compensate you for the intangible losses that are not easily quantified. In some rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the negligent party’s conduct was especially egregious or unacceptable. 

When you suffer injuries in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, we will make every effort to secure just compensation for all losses, including:

• Past, current, and future medical expenses
• Lost income and earning potential
• Property damage
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental pain and anguish
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Our team will work tirelessly to understand all aspects of your case and fight on behalf of your rights. Call (833) 913-1885 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Austin car accident lawyers.