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In the chaotic aftermath of multi-car accidents in Texas, our skilled legal team navigates the intricate web of involved parties, advocating tirelessly to ensure each client's rights are protected and just compensation is achieved.
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Texas Multi-Car Accident Attorney
Texas has a high rate of automobile accidents, with a traffic fatality every 2 hours and 20 minutes, and a serious traffic injury every hour and 59 minutes. The vast majority of traffic accidents can be traced back to people not following the rules of public safety, either breaking the traffic rules such as driving too fast or following too closely, or being under the influence when driving. This creates a dangerous situation for everyone on the road.
When multiple cars are involved in a car accident at the same time, the scene is more complicated. If you are involved in a multi-car accident, you will need to be prepared to protect yourself from liability.
Fault in a Multi-Car Accident
Sometimes it is obvious why a multi-car accident occurred. For instance, sometimes one car rear-ends another car, which is already stopped. That car then crashes into the car in front of it, through no fault of action of the driver.
Most of the time, though, it is much more complicated. Particularly when there are several vehicles involved, it can be difficult to pinpoint who is at fault. If several drivers are all involved in a dangerous activity, they will not be able to waive liability because another driver hit a different car first. They will need to sort out their part of it and be held responsible.
In this kind of situation, people say a chain reaction has occurred. One thing occurred, which caused another thing to occur, which caused something else to occur. Sometimes one of the vehicles involved has a dashboard camera, which helps put together the sequence of events which led up to the final scene where there are many crashed vehicles, all facing different directions. Often, accident investigators have to shut down the road while they tend to the injured and then investigate the scene.
Police and investigators will interview witnesses, taking statements as to what individuals believe happened. Witnesses are notoriously unreliable, and they may particularly have a difficult time keeping events straight during what would have been a fast-moving, frightening series of crashes. The police and other investigators will also take measurements, take pictures of the damage, and sketch where all the vehicles are in relation to each other. A skilled accident reconstructionist will be able to tell with some degree of accuracy who did what and how the crashes occurred.
Multiple-Car Accident Insurance Issues
Insurance can present an entirely new set of problems. Even if someone wasn’t at fault, insurance might force them to pay and then recover the money from the person who was at fault. For instance, from the first example, someone rear-ends someone who then rear-ends someone else. Both of the second drivers are innocent. However, if there is a dispute, the third driver will recover from the second car, whose car moved forward and hit him. It was not his fault, but he may be held liable, at least until he sues the first driver for starting the chain-reaction crash.
Chain Reaction Crashes
Especially on highways, and in bad weather, chain-reaction crashes can happen quickly and involve many drivers. When many people are driving too closely together, they have no place to go if one of them makes a mistake and hits the other. It creates a domino effect where the next crash and the next crash and the next, are inevitable because once it starts, it cannot stop.
A chain-reaction crash is scary, and you should try to avoid it by keeping the distance between yourself and the other drivers. If you end up trapped in a chain reaction crash, you need to remember to pay attention and stay in your car for safety.
Hiring a Multiple Vehicle Collision Attorney
Multiple vehicle collisions are probably the most complicated kind of automobile crash. It can be very difficult to sort out what happened, and even an expert accident investigator may get some details wrong. You do not want to be held responsible for all of the accident, or even part of it.
The Dashner Law Firm has experienced, skilled attorneys who are familiar with all aspects of traffic law and accidents. They know how stressful car accidents and their injuries can be, and they want to help you protect yourself and get any compensation you deserve in this distressing situation. If you have been involved in a multiple-vehicle collision, call Dashner Law Firm today so you will have someone on your side.
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Car Accident FAQ’s
RECENTLY ASKED TOPICS
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Texas Car Accident Attorney?
Texas car accident attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and the attorney receives a percentage of your compensation only if you win.
Texas car accident attorneys typically operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t have any upfront expenses. In essence, the attorney’s payment is derived from a portion of the compensation you receive. The percentage they take often varies based on when your case is settled. For instance, if the case progresses to trial, the attorney may command a higher percentage due to the increased time, effort, and resources invested. Conversely, if the case is settled without initiating a lawsuit, the attorney’s percentage is usually lower because of the reduced workload. This arrangement ensures that legal representation is accessible to accident victims regardless of their financial situation. You’ll never pay money out-of-pocket for services, and the attorney does not collect until you do. This means you can pursue justice and fair compensation without worrying about legal fees while you’re dealing with medical bills and lost income from your accident.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Texas?
Ensure safety, call 911, exchange information with other drivers, and document the scene with photos, witness information, and notes.
After a car accident, follow these critical steps to protect your health and legal rights. Ensure safety: Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. If anyone is injured or the vehicles are blocking traffic and can be safely moved, relocate to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement. This creates an official record of the incident and ensures that police document the scene, which can be crucial for your claim. Exchange information: Share contact and insurance details with the other driver(s), including names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers. Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage from multiple angles, the accident scene showing road conditions and traffic signals, visible injuries, skid marks or debris, and the position of all vehicles involved. Gather witness information including names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident. Make notes about the time, location, weather conditions, traffic patterns, and your recollection of how the accident occurred. Seek medical attention even if you don’t feel injured, as some conditions may not manifest immediately. Notify your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about giving recorded statements without legal counsel. At The Dashner Law Firm, we take immediate action to preserve critical evidence and build a strong case, so contact us as soon as possible after your accident.
Is it necessary to call the police after a car accident in Texas?
Yes, you should call the police, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage, as a police report is crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes.
Yes, you should call the police to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police report can be crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes. Understanding when and why to involve law enforcement can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation and protect your legal rights.
Legal Requirements in Texas:
In Texas, you are required by law to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Given that most car accidents involve damage exceeding this threshold, calling the police is not just advisable—it’s often legally mandatory. Failing to report a reportable accident can result in legal penalties and complications with your insurance claim.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Texas?
You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim and typically two years for property damage claims in Texas.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including car accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, it is typically two years as well. In Texas, you have TWO YEARS from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Understanding this deadline and its implications is critical to protecting your legal rights and recovering the compensation you deserve.
How is fault determined in Texas car accidents?
Texas follows modified comparative fault, meaning each party’s degree of fault is considered, and you can recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault, though compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” system, which means that each party’s degree of fault is considered. If you are found to be less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault. Understanding how fault is determined and allocated is crucial to maximizing your compensation and protecting your rights after a car accident.
What damages can I recover after a car accident?
You can recover medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages depending on your case circumstances.
You may be eligible to recover various damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The specific damages depend on the circumstances of your case. In Texas, victims of car accidents can seek compensation for the injuries and losses they’ve suffered due to another party’s negligence. This compensation typically comes in the form of damages, a monetary award given to the injured party. Understanding the full scope of recoverable damages is essential to ensuring you receive complete compensation for all the ways the accident has impacted your life.
What Texas Cities Can We Handle Your Car Accident Case?
CONTACT DASHNER LAW FIRM
If you have been injured in an accident, then the Dashner Law Firm can help you. Call our personal injury lawyers today at 972-793-8989 to speak with an attorney about your situation. The consultation is free and, if you cannot come to us because of your injuries, we’ll come to you.
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Mr. Dashner gives his personal attention to his clients. He’s one of the only attorneys who give you his direct line and is available to answer your questions and ensure you are taken care of. You can expect frequent updates, personal attention, and a solid ally when you work with Mr. Dashner. You’ll never pay money out-of-pocket for Mr. Dashner’s services. He does not collect until you do.