How to Get the Most Money From a Car Accident

Get the Most From a Car Accident Settlement

A car accident is a life-changing event. When the accident occurs because of another driver’s negligence, it can result in serious injuries and possible death for innocent victims. If you suffered traumatic injuries or lost a loved one due to a drunk, distracted, or otherwise dangerous driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Discussing your case with a car accident lawyer can help you figure out how to protect your best interests.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Texas is second to California when it comes to the number of licensed drivers in the United States. With more than 17 million licensed drivers, it is often not a matter of if but rather when you may encounter a dangerous one during your travels. It only takes a second for a dangerous driver to cause a collision by engaging in one of the following behaviors behind the wheel:

Distracted driving – According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 injured by distracted drivers each day in the United States. There are three main types of distracted driving:

• Visual: A driver taking their eyes off the road.
• Manual: A driver taking their hands off the wheel.
• Cognitive: A driver taking their mind off driving.

The CDC points out that texting while driving involves all three types of distraction. A study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that those who text behind the wheel are up to eight times more likely to crash than those who do not.

Drunk driving – More than 900 people—almost three per day—lost their lives on Texas roadways in just one year due to a drunk driver. Despite strict laws and public safety campaigns that warn of the dangers, people continue to believe they can safely drink and drive. If you were the victim of a drunk driver, a car accident lawyer can help you by evaluating your case for free.

Aggressive driving – Sharing the road in a responsible manner requires obeying all traffic laws. When a driver speeds, cuts off another driver on purpose or drives in an aggressive manner, they place others at risk of serious harm. Research by the AAA estimates that nearly 52 percent of all drivers purposely tailgate other drivers. Aggressive driving can quickly escalate to road rage.

Drowsy driving – Difficulty focusing, repeated yawning, and drifting from their lane are just a few warning signs that someone is too tired to drive. Drowsy driving is comparable to drunk driving due to the similarities in impaired judgment and reaction times.

Medical Costs and Your Car Accident Injuries

The medical costs associated with your care after a car accident are an expense you should not have to pay out-of-pocket. Depending upon the severity of your injuries, you may require a lifetime of medical and personal care. Medical costs continue to rise, leaving no end in sight for your mounting medical bills. For those with catastrophic injuries, they may never return to a career they once enjoyed, resulting in a significant loss of income.

Here are just a few examples of the serious injuries that result from car accidents and the estimated medical expenses for each:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – The CDC defines a traumatic brain injury as a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. From a concussion to a severe TBI, patients often face a long recovery or permanent brain damage. For patients who require 24-hour care, the average cost of a skilled nursing home is more than $8,000 per month.
• Spinal cord injury – The spinal cord performs an important function in communicating between the body and the brain. By sending and receiving messages, the spinal cord works with the brain to control sensation and movement. A spinal cord injury often results in paralysis that requires the use of a power chair, home modifications, and accessible transportation. The costs associated with such an injury can escalate into the millions of dollars each year.

These are just two examples of catastrophic injuries that can result in enormous medical bills throughout the victim’s lifetime. If this happened to you or someone you love and the accident was another driver’s fault, consider contacting a car accident lawyer without delay.

If you lost a loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. While each case is different, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, and more.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You

When it comes to getting the most money possible from a car accident, it is important to secure legal representation. Insurance companies may offer you a settlement soon after the accident. The amount they offer may seem large but it most likely isn’t enough to cover your future medical needs.

A car accident lawyer can provide the legal representation you need to protect your best interests. Most car accident lawyers offer free case evaluations and there is no fee unless they secure compensation for you.

Never try to negotiate with an insurance company on your own. The right car accident attorney will work hard to negotiate a fair settlement for you. If they can’t settle your case out-of-court, they are ready and willing to go to trial.

The time immediately following your car accident is one of anxiety and worry about your health and your finances. If the accident is due to the negligent actions of another driver, you deserve justice. You must act quickly due to the statute of limitations. This is a legal deadline for filing your car accident or wrongful death claim. Once you miss the deadline, you lose your chance for possible compensation.

The sooner a car accident lawyer can review your case, the sooner they can decide upon the best course of action for you. If you were seriously injured in a car accident due to a driver who was speeding, distracted, or drunk, you have a right to pursue legal action. Take your first step toward justice by reaching out to a car accident injury lawyer today.