HOW A DALLAS CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR CLAIM

The Dallas car accident lawyers at The Patel Firm have a strong record of successfully securing fair compensation for clients suffering from automobile accident injuries.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that there were 35,355 total crashes in the city of Dallas, and county statistics show that Dallas County had 55,634 crashes. The bottom line is that Dallas averages around 100 car accidents a day, so people all over the city can easily be involved in various kinds of motor vehicle accidents.

TxDOT also reported that 206 crashes were fatal accidents causing 227 fatalities, there were 1,075 suspected serious injury crashes causing 1,284 suspected serious injuries, and there were 2,626 unknown severity crashes involving 13,010 unknown injuries. Any person who suffers injuries in a car accident or whose loved one is killed will want to be quick to retain legal counsel.

Important Car Accident Statistics In Dallas And Their Causes

Texas is renowned for a multitude of standout characteristics and attractions, ranging from lucrative job opportunities to modest taxes, complemented by a stellar cost of living. It’s not just large corporations that are drawn to the allure of Texas; everyday individuals are also eager to partake in the Texas dream. Dallas, in particular, has emerged as a hotspot for many in this pursuit.

However, the population influx has led to a notable increase in traffic on the state’s roads. This has consequently contributed to a surge in automobile collisions, underlining an urgent issue in this otherwise attractive locale.

To keep track of these incidents, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has developed a comprehensive system known as the Crash Records Information System, or “CRIS“. CRIS diligently collects accident reports from every city and county within Texas, allowing for a detailed statewide overview of motor vehicle collisions.

The function of CRIS isn’t just to amass these reports; it also serves a vital role in examining the shifts and trends in these statistics from one year to the next. The data gathered by CRIS helps the Texas Department of Transportation to scrutinize the evolving landscape of road safety across the state, ultimately aiding in the development of measures to combat this growing concern.

We have extracted some data from their year 2021 report (here and here) for your review in the following tables.

Dallas TX Car Accident Statistics

Location	Type	Year	Injury Type	Crashes	Injuries	Deaths
Dallas	Car	2021	Fatal	206	0	227
Dallas	Car	2021	Serious	1,075	1,284	0
Dallas	Car	2021	Minor	3,928	5,333	0
Dallas	Car	2021	Possible	5,876	9,639	0
Dallas	Car	2021	None	21,644	61,482	0
Dallas	Car	2021	Unknown	2,626	13,010	0

Dallas County Auto Accident Statistics

Dallas County had over 55,000 crashes in 2021:

Location	Type	Year	Injury Type	Crashes	Injuries	Deaths
Dallas County	Car	2021	Fatal	324	0	352
Dallas County	Car	2021	Serious	1,646	1,963	0
Dallas County	Car	2021	Minor	6,681	8,925	0
Dallas County	Car	2021	Possible	9,577	15,301	0
Dallas County	Car	2021	None	33,801	99,268	0
Dallas County	Car	2021	Unknown	3,596	16,748	0

Primary Reasons for Automobile Collisions in Dallas, Texas

Here are some of the most common causes of auto accidents as reported by the Dallas Police Department:

Location	Year	Violation	Accident Count
Dallas	2021	Unable to regulate speed	7,503
Dallas	2021	Failed to stay within one lane	4,184
Dallas	2021	Shifted lanes in an unsafe manner	4,090
Dallas	2021	Did not give way while turning left	2,476
Dallas	2021	Tailgated excessively	2,444
Dallas	2021	Ignored stop and go signals	2,250
Dallas	2021	Ineffective evasive maneuver	2,016
Dallas	2021	Maintained a dangerous speed	1,802

The Patel Firm has handled scores of motor vehicle accident cases all over Texas, and your lawyer can help to make sure that you are able to recover all of the financial compensation you are entitled to without you having to deal with an insurance company by yourself. Our car accident lawyers in Dallas will be able to handle your case on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay us anything unless we win or settle your case.

Table of Contents

• Common Causes of Car Accidents in Dallas
• The Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Dallas
• What should I do after a car accident?
• What’s involved in the process of a car accident investigation?
• What types of compensation can I receive after an accident?
• What are some of the most common injuries that happen in car accidents?
• Why You Should Hire a Dallas Car Accident Attorney

Motor Vehicle Accident: Common Causes of Car Accident Cases in Dallas

Car crashes occur for a wide variety of possible reasons, and it is often one driver’s negligence that is to blame for causing majority of car accidents. Following a car accident, it can be difficult for most people to prove that another driver violated the law or acted inappropriately. It’s why it is so important, immediately after an accident, for people to be sure to seek legal representation.  Car accident attorneys in Dallas will ensure the investigation of the accident.

Speeding

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that speeding killed 11,258 people in 2020. The National Safety Council (NSC) further states that speeding-related deaths increased 17 percent from 2019 and represented the most deaths recorded since 2008 with 29 percent of all traffic fatalities now being attributed to speeding. Many people around Texas tend to operate in excess of the speed limit, but there are clear cases in which a person’s speeding is the cause of a traffic accident.

Driver Fatigue

Driving fatigue can be just as dangerous as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These types of accidents are difficult to quantify, however, because there’s no test for drowsiness. When you’re tired and operating your vehicle, it may be more challenging to take evasive action like braking at the appropriate time. Fatigued drivers risk swerving over the center line and causing severe multi-vehicle crashes. If you’re sleep-deprived, you’re failing to uphold your duty of care to other motorists.

Vehicle Defects

It is not uncommon for cars to malfunction; unfortunately, there are so many parts that something is bound to happen. Vehicle malfunctions that happen while you’re driving can be scary and compromise your ability to take control of your car. If you fail to maintain your vehicle properly and are involved in an accident because your vehicle malfunctioned, you may be liable for damages. When vehicle defects occur because of faulty parts or design flaws, the car manufacturer may be held liable for the accident.

Replacing your tires frequently is a great way to avoid causing an accident. Tires erode with time, and if you unassumingly run over a sharp object, the quality of your tire can become severely compromised. Along with vehicle defects, tire blowouts are a common problem. Ensuring that your tires remain in good condition is the best way to prevent an accident.

Reckless or Aggressive Driving

When you’re in a hurry to get somewhere, you’re probably frustrated, and in the process, you fail to adhere to safe driving habits. Acts considered to be reckless driving include; drinking and driving, distracted driving, running a red light, tailgating, speeding, or sudden braking, to name a few. While committing one of these offenses or other types of traffic offenses alone may not constitute reckless driving, a combination of aggravating circumstances and committing a driving violation can lead to a reckless driving charge. Keeping calm while driving is essential to making safe driving choices.

At the Patel Firm, we understand that nothing should stand in the way of you putting all your energy toward getting back on your feet, especially after a serious car accident. Suppose you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident resulting from the actions of a reckless driver. In that case, you should call our office and request a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable Dallas car accident lawyers.

The Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Dallas

Car accidents are common in densely populated areas, and Dallas is no exception. While all car accidents are different, they all have one thing in common, and that’s the potential for deadly consequences.

T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents or intersectional collisions happen when the front of one vehicle comes in contact with the side of another. When someone runs a stop sign, red light, or tries to make a dangerous left turn in front of traffic, these types of accidents happen. Because one car collides with the unprotected side of the passenger, these accidents are considered to be some of the most dangerous.

Rear-End Collisions

You can end up rear-ending the car in front of you, follow too closely behind them, and make a sudden stop. These crashes are some of the most common and don’t typically result in too much damage. Keeping a safe distance between you and other drivers is the best way to prevent rear-ending another car.

Single-Vehicle Collisions

These types of crashes are most common amongst teen and inexperienced drivers. Examples of single-vehicle crashes include:

• Running off the road.
• Slipping on ice.
• Hitting a stationary object.
• Spinning out of control.

Braking on time, avoiding reckless driving, including speeding can help you avoid these accidents. Take extra care operating your vehicle in inclement weather like snow or rain, making driving a challenge.

Multi-Vehicle Collisions

When more than three drivers are involved in an accident, this is a multi-vehicle collision. These accidents happen most often on busy freeways and highways. Because vehicles involved in these types of accidents get hit from the side, they can be the most dangerous and deadly.

Head-On Collisions

When the front ends of two or more vehicles collide, these are known as head-on crashes and are some of the most deadly. The force of these impacts is tremendous and often leads to severe injuries or fatalities. These accidents often happen when a driver fails to pay attention and enters the highway in the wrong direction. Distracted and drunk drivers are most notorious for causing head-on collisions.

Sideswipe Collisions

Sideswipe collisions happen when one car swipes the side of another, going in the same or opposite directions. When sidewise collisions happen on the passenger side of the vehicle, they can cause serious injuries to the vehicle’s occupants, especially if they happen at high rates of speed. Most sideswipe accidents happen against oncoming traffic. In minor cases, a sideswipe accident can scrape the paint off cars or cause broken mirrors.

At the Patel law Firm, we’re committed to getting you actual results. If you were injured in a car accident, we could help you receive just compensation for your claims.

Dallas Car Accident Lawyer: What should I do after a car accident?

You’ve been involved in a car accident; probably you’ve even been injured on the scene of the accident. Even worse, you may be unsure of how to file a personal injury claim and how you might even recover compensation for your losses. Knowing your rights after a collision can protect your right to compensation if another driver is found liable for the accident. Additionally, take the following steps directly after the accident occurs:

1. Call 911 and remain on the scene.
2. If anyone was injured, request from a 911 dispatcher that an ambulance be sent.
3. Report the crash to the police if it results in severe injury, vehicle damage, or death. Having an officer on the scene can benefit your case immensely. Insurance companies often look at police reports when determining liability in an accident.
4. Exchange information with all drivers involved as well as any eyewitnesses. Obtain the names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers of all other driver’s in the accident.
5. Take pictures of the crash scene, including the vehicles of all other drivers, the damage they’ve sustained, and physical injuries.
6. Jot down details of the crash while it remains fresh in your mind. Note the crash location, the weather conditions, the time, and any road hazards or construction.
7. Set an appointment with your doctor, even if you don’t feel any noticeable pain. Injuries like whiplash or concussions often have delayed-onset symptoms, and you may not even realize that you’ve been hurt.
8. Stick to your treatment plan if your doctor prescribes one to you, and make sure to attend all appointments related to your injuries, including physical therapy sessions. Failure to do so might signal to insurance companies that your injuries are not as severe, and they will use this against you to try and lower your settlement amount.

If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, don’t try to follow the other driver. Call the police instead and provide them with whatever information you can, including a description of the vehicle, driver, and what direction the car was heading in. Without going into too much detail, you should report the accident to your insurance company.

Texas is a fault-based insurance state, meaning that after reporting a crash, you can either choose to file a claim with your insurance company or with the at-fault driver’s company. You should remain truthful in your retelling of the accident when you’re speaking with an adjuster from your insurance company but stick to basic facts and relevant information.

One of our expert car accident attorneys in the Dallas area can assist you with what you’ll say to the car insurance companies and ensure that you are not sharing any information that compromises your legal rights and best chance of compensation. Never speak with an adjuster from the other driver’s insurance company, even if they only ask for a simple statement. Whatever you divulge to the insurance company of the driver who is at fault for the accident can be used against you, ultimately affecting your compensation award.

Our Dallas car accident attorneys are here to help plan the best possible course of action for your case to ensure you get the rightful compensation for your injuries. Likewise, they will meet all filing deadlines, and explain your rights and the options available to you. Connect with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to set up a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers.

Hire a Lawyer: What’s involved in the process of a car accident investigation?

Upon hiring one of our Dallas car accident attorneys to represent you, we’re committed to handling every stage of your case. The first thing that a Texas lawyer would do is investigate the crash and determine liability. Your chances of receiving compensation improve if we can prove that another driver caused the accident.

Proving that another driver was responsible for the crash begins with collecting evidence and obtaining a copy of their liability insurance policy. This type of insurance is meant to cover a portion of the victim’s damages.

Examples of evidence we collect include:

• Eyewitness statements
• Vehicle damage estimates
• Crash scene photos
• Medical records
• Crash report
• Lost wage report
• Copies of auto insurance policies
• Other out of pocket expenses and costs

The evidence our personal injury attorneys collect will be a crucial part of your case and show the types of injuries you’ve sustained, a timeline of your treatment, and any damages you’ve suffered. After concluding our investigation, we will move forward with filing an insurance claim. We will submit all relevant information to the insurance adjuster, and once they’ve investigated the accident, they will determine if they agree with our evidence. Insurance companies are in the business of protecting their bottom line and providing claimants with low initial settlement offers.

Accepting a low settlement offer is a mistake that can end up costing you in the future. Don’t let an insurance company take advantage of your vulnerability, pain and suffering. They are skilled at deceiving people into losing out on what’s rightfully theirs. If your claim has been denied or you’ve been offered a settlement amount, you should consider speaking with one of our car wreck lawyers, who can help you determine what options are available in your case. Letting our car accident attorneys handle all communications with the insurance company will increase your chances of being offered a higher settlement.

The process of insurance claims could take a few weeks or even years from the date of the accident before they’re resolved. The time it takes for your case to be settled depends upon the facts of your case. At The Patel Firm, our attorneys are experienced in getting your compensation promptly so you can cover your expenses and begin to move on with your life. Let our compassionate team negotiate aggressively on your behalf because we believe that you should never settle for less than you deserve. If we cannot reach an agreement with the insurance company, we’re prepared to move forward and file a lawsuit.

Dallas Accident: What types of compensation can I receive after an accident?

When determining the amount of compensation in a car accident claim, several factors are taken into consideration. Ultimately, the specific details of your case, including the severity of your injuries and damage sustained to your property, will determine what you’ll be eligible to recover. If you were injured in a car accident by a negligent driver, you might be entitled to economic as well as non-economic damages.

Economic damages are all accident-related items that have fixed monetary costs, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage or replacement
• Disability
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Medication costs
• Prosthetics
• Surgery
• Loss of earning capacity

Non-economic damages are items that are not as easy to value monetarily, such as:

• Pain and emotional suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of overall quality of life
• Wrongful death expenses

In Texas, punitive damages are available in some instances and are meant to punish incredibly negligent behavior in the hopes that it will discourage such behavior from happening again. These types of damages are rare, however, and only available if the court orders them. If you want a better understanding of what your claim might be worth, you should call our law firm and schedule a complimentary consultation to discover what you might qualify for.

What are some of the most common injuries that happen in car accidents?

Every car accident results in a unique set of circumstances. In minor crashes, victims of car accidents may sustain serious injuries while someone involved in a more severe collision walks away unscathed. Even if you feel at your one hundred percent best after a crash, you should seek the professional option of a doctor who can run the proper tests and determine if you’ve suffered an injury with delayed-onset symptoms.

Recovery is challenging enough, which is why you should not handle your case on your own. Our Dallas car accident lawyers are prepared to safeguard your interests and build a strong defense on your behalf.

What follows are common injuries resulting from car accidents.

Whiplash

One of the most common car accident injuries is whiplash. This injury happens when a sudden acceleration-deceleration force causes your head and neck to jerk forward and backward rapidly. Some symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, shoulder pain, stiffness, and headaches.

Spinal Cord Injury

Injuries to the spinal cord can be devastating and result in complete paralysis. Some symptoms of a spinal cord injury include intense pain, loss of muscle control, an overall loss of strength, to name a few. Because many of these injuries have lasting and permanent effects, compensation for injuries to the spinal cord tends to be higher.

Concussions

Even in minor car accidents, victims often suffer from concussions. Concussions are classified as traumatic brain injuries, and while most symptoms tend to be temporary, more severe concussions can have longer-lasting effects.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

When the brain sustains a damaging blow or piercing injury to the head in a car collision, this often results in a traumatic brain injury. Permanent cognitive impairment, limited musical function, impaired hearing, sight, or speech, are just some symptoms victims of TBI undergo. In more severe cases, victims of TBI slip into a coma.

Broken bones

Bones are fragile and will break, even in minor accidents. Light impacts in motor vehicle collisions put a high amount of force on sensitive bones prone to breaking. Painful breaks will require a lengthy recovery, and you may even need to take some time away from work. Some common car crash fractures include the rib cage, lower legs, femurs, arms, wrists, hips, clavicles, facial or even your skull. Spine and neck fractures typically result from head-on and rear-end collisions.

Chest Injuries

Severe chest injuries can result from car collisions; this includes broken ribs and injuries to internal organs. However, in less severe crashes, chest injuries will often look like contusions or bruises. Because there is a limited amount of space between the driver’s chest and the steering wheel, they’re at higher risk of suffering an injury. Chest injuries can also result from airbags being deployed in an impact.

Preventing personal injury cases in a car accident is often as simple as wearing your seatbelt. Observing the speed limit, practicing safe driving habits, and maintaining your car in good condition are crucial to upholding your duty of care to other motorists. Our team at The Patel firm wants to get you the treatment you need as soon as possible; let us handle the complex details of your car accident claim.

Auto Accident Claim: Why You Should Hire a Dallas Car Accident Attorney?

While not every car accident requires the help of an attorney, more serious accidents resulting in more significant expenses may benefit from the advice of a qualified auto accident attorney. Don’t fight the insurance company alone; our attorneys will represent your best interests and protect your rights every step of the way. Most people don’t realize how complicated filing a car accident claim can be, especially in severe accidents. Instead of accepting major losses from misleading insurance company settlement offers, take advantage of a free consultation with one of our Dallas car accident lawyers. Our staff is multilingual and available 24/7. Call us at (361) 400-2036 or fill out our convenient online form and get the help you deserve today.