Most of us think we will never be in a car wreck, but unfortunately, quite the opposite is true. In fact, the reality is that you will likely be involved in some type of car wreck at some point during your lifetime. Hopefully, this accident will be a minor one, but this isn’t always the case. As more and more people move to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we are seeing an increase in the number of accidents that take place, especially on highways.
Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts reports that 254,853 people were injured in car wrecks in 2017. Some of the most common places road accidents [1] take place in the Lone Star State include:
- Busy two-lane roads in non-residential areas
- Parking lots
- Rural areas
- Stoplights
- Intersections (761 people were killed in accidents in Texas intersections in 2017)
The aftermath of an accident of any kind can be extremely stressful and is often hard to think clearly. Whether your injuries are minor or more serious, car wreck victims may be unable to focus and think about all the different moving parts of an accident. It seems like we are always talking about what you should do immediately following an accident, but what about what not to do? Understanding both the steps you should take and what not to do after a Texas car wreck could make a huge difference down the road, especially if you plan to take your case to court. While your adrenaline is likely running rampant, it is important to take a step back and think clearly before doing anything – other than seeking medical attention, of course. For example, making any admittance of guilt or fault in an accident could mean the difference between you receiving compensation and making an insurance claim, or not.
Common Car Wreck Laws in Dallas
In Texas, one person dies as a result of a car wreck every 2 hours and 20 minutes, and one person is injured every two minutes and 13 seconds. You must always be prepared, regardless of whether you are simply running to the grocery store or going on a longer road trip. If you have been involved in a car wreck in Dallas, one of the first things you should do is contact an experienced Dallas car accident lawyer. At Shamieh Law, we have represented countless victims of car wrecks and are prepared to do the same for you. Although they may seem straightforward, these types of cases can be somewhat complex, depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. With a knowledgeable lawyer by your side, you won’t have to worry whether you are doing the right thing or making a mistake.
There are a handful of important car wreck laws in Dallas that you should be aware of, including:
- Texas is a “fault” state – This means the insurance company will determine fault in an accident before they decide to provide coverage. In “no-fault” states, insurance companies will automatically provide coverage, regardless of who caused the accident.
- Under this fault system, drivers must carry the following minimum insurance amounts:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
- Texas’ comparative fault rules – If both you and the other driver were at-fault for the accident, you may still be able to file a claim and receive compensation. Texas has comparative fault rules in place that allow those involved to recover damages as long as they were 50% or less at-fault for the accident.
- There are time limits in place for filing a claim in Texas – In Texas, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit in the state’s civil court system. In the event you are filing a claim against the government, you must do so within just six months. If you do not file a claim within these statutes of limitations, your claim will most likely be denied.
- Hire an attorney to protect your rights – One of the smartest things you can do following a Dallas car wreck is hire an attorney. The attorneys at Shamieh Law are well-equipped to investigate your accident, identify any possible defendants, and file your claim within the civil court system.
Involved in a Dallas Car Wreck? Contact Shamieh Law
Unfortunately, Dallas is home to one of the deadliest highways in the country. While Texas may not be in the top five most dangerous states for car wrecks, accidents involving 18-wheelers and large trucks are on the rise. This is why it is imperative that you understand your rights and take extra care when navigating the city streets and highways. If you’ve been in a car wreck in Dallas, follow these steps:
- Pull over (if possible) and make sure everyone in your vehicle and any other vehicles are OK
- Call the police to report the accident
- Seek medical attention for any injuries
- Gather information about the other drivers
- Talk to any witnesses
- Document the scene of the accident
- NEVER admit fault
- Notify your insurance company
- Call a Dallas car wreck lawyer
Your safety is our top priority. If you have been involved in an accident in Dallas, please give Shamieh Law a call today and schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced car wreck lawyers.