Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys
Motor vehicle accidents occur every day in the United States, and many of these collisions prove to be catastrophic or even deadly. In 2005, there were 43,443 fatalities attributed to motor vehicle collisions in the U.S., with 3,504 of those deaths occurring in Texas. Although residents of highly populous cities such as Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, Texas are more likely to be involved in an auto accident, the attorneys at Whitehurst, Harkness, Brees, Cheng, Alsaffar, Higginbotham, and Jacob, PLLC, also know that off-road and rural accidents are common occurrences in the state. Our lawyers have experience investigating a wide range of motor vehicle accident scenes, from busy city intersections to secluded country roads.
Our firm understands that you and your family have enough to worry about in the aftermath of an accident without the added stress of negotiating insurance claims and trying to reach an equitable settlement with the at-fault party. For families who have been affected by a serious personal injury or wrongful death because of an auto accident, our attorneys are prepared to help ease that burden. We can provide accident investigation and reconstruction services, insurance and settlement negotiation, and courtroom representation.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Texas and across the country are as follows:
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Driver Negligence and Inattention
One prominent cause of car, motorcycle and truck accidents in the United States is driver inattention, which was responsible for 6.4 percent of crash fatalities in 2003 (U.S. Department of Transportation). Whether it stems from cell phone use, talking, eating, or other distractions, the failure to exercise an appropriate amount of caution on the road can have far-reaching and often tragic results.
Another risk arises from the failure of some truck drivers and the companies they work for to exercise appropriate caution on the road. Because truck drivers usually work long hours and drive for hundreds of miles without stopping, they are more prone to fatigue and inattentive driving.
Although there are strict laws governing the practices of American truck operators, some drivers and their employers choose to ignore these regulations by assigning or driving longer hours than the law allows, using amphetamines, or neglecting to repair faulty vehicles or equipment in order to save time. If you have been involved in a truck accident that you believe may have been caused by such negligence, our Austin, Texas truck and auto accident attorneys can thoroughly investigate your case.
Drug and Alcohol Use
Another extremely common cause of motor vehicle accidents is alcohol and drug use. Drunk driving is a huge problem in the United States that, in spite of stringent regulation and increased public awareness, continues to take thousands of lives each year.
In 2005 alone, 1,569 Texans lost their lives in alcohol-related collisions—45 percent of all crash fatalities in the state for that year. Clearly, drivers who put their lives and the lives of others at risk by choosing to drive under the influence of alcohol should be held responsible for their actions.
Our Austin and San Antonio-area firm provides Texas with auto accident attorneys of the highest caliber. We will investigate your case and determine who can be held liable for the financial and emotional damages you and your family have suffered.
Manufacturing and Design Defects
Even a small mechanical defect can have huge consequences for the driver and passengers of a motor vehicle (this is also the case with many aviation accident cases). 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 common and highly-publicized design defect is the lack of stability and structural integrity in some cars and sports utility vehicles, which often results in roof-crush and rollover crashes.
Our personal injury attorneys have successfully obtained outstanding results for many clients involved in motor vehicle accidents. In a notable defective auto product case, we secured a $5,500,000 verdict for the family of a 19-year old killed by a Mack truck. After an extensive investigation into the auto accident, our lawyers determined that a defect in the brake valve of the truck was responsible for the truck driver’s inability to stop.
Contact Our Austin Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys
At Whitehurst, Harkness, Brees, Cheng, Alsaffar, Higginbotham, and Jacob, PLLC, our firm is committed to providing injured motor vehicle drivers with the experienced legal representation they deserve. We will work tirelessly to understand all aspects of your particular case and fight on behalf of your rights. Contact our Austin motor vehicle accident lawyers today for an evaluation of your accident.