Dallas Car Crash Lawyer

With more and more cars on the road and with a deteriorating highway infrastructure in Texas, it is hardly surprising that there are more than six million car accidents each year in this country. Although some accidents are relatively minor, many are quite serious. If you are suffering from an injury, Kastl Law, P.C., can help.

What You Should Know

Car wrecks result from a wide variety of underlying causes. Most often, a car accident is the result of negligence on the part of one or both of the drivers involved in the accident. Perhaps a driver failed to observe a stop sign, traffic light or traffic signal. And, of course, accidents involving drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs or prescription medication occur, often resulting in serious personal injury and property damage.

After an accident, the other party may attempt to persuade you not to call the police. That’s the wrong decision. It is important to get an official record produced immediately following the accident, and a police report can serve as valuable evidence later on in litigation. It is also critical that you contact an experienced lawyer. We will ensure that vital evidence is preserved and that you are not taken advantage of by profit-driven insurance companies whose primary motivation is their own bottom line.

What Are Some Different Kinds Of Car Accidents?

Car accidents come in various forms, each with distinct characteristics and potential impacts. Some of the most common include:

• Head-on collisions: Occur when two vehicles the front of each other, often resulting in severe damage due to the combined speed.
• T-bone accidents: Also called side-impact crashes. When one car or truck hits another on the, commonly at intersections.
• Rear-end accidents: One car hits the back of another, often causing whiplash. Frequent in stop-and-go traffic.
• Rollover accidents: A vehicle rolling onto its side or its roof, typically because of sharp turns or swerves.

Understanding these types helps raise awareness and promote safer driving practices.

What Makes Commercial Truck And Big Rig Collisions So Complex?

Crashes involving 18-wheelers, delivery trucks and commercial rigs can lead to devastating injuries and highly contested liability. Trucking companies and their insurers move quickly to protect their interests, making early legal representation critical.

Several factors make these cases complicated:

• Multiple liable parties: The truck driver, carrier, maintenance contractor or cargo loader may all share responsibility.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations: Violations involving rest breaks, weight limit or maintenance logs can prove negligence.
• Electronic logging devices (ELDs) and black box data: These records track driver hours, speed and braking, providing vital evidence.

An experienced Dallas truck accident lawyer helps collect and interpret this technical evidence while holding large trucking companies accountable under state and federal law. 

Who Is Liable In Rideshare Accidents Involving Uber Or Lyft?

Liability in a rideshare crash depends on the driver’s app status and which insurance policy applies at the time of the collision. Because Uber and Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors, their coverage changes based on whether they are logged into the app. 

If the:

• App is off: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
• App is on but there is no passenger: Limited coverage is provided by the rideshare company.
• Passenger is in the vehicle or en route: The rideshare company gives full commercial coverage.

Our skilled Dallas rideshare accident lawyer evaluates these insurance layers, secures app data and identifies all possible sources of compensation. 

How Are Motorcycle, Bicycle And Pedestrian Accidents Different?

Motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians are among the most vulnerable on Texas roads. They lack the physical protection of a vehicle, which often leads to severe or life-threatening injuries.

Some of the causes of these crashes include:

• Drivers failing to yield or check blind spots
• Speeding or distracted driving
• Unsafe lane changes or dooring incidents

These accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage or severe fractures. 

Who Is Responsible For Commercial Fleet Or Delivery Vehicle Crashes?

With the rise of Amazon, UPS, FedEx and other delivery services, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex sees constant traffic from commercial and warehouse vehicles. When these drivers cause accidents, determining who is liable can be challenging. Liability may involve:

• The driver if negligent while operating the vehicle
• The employer for failing to train, supervise or maintain vehicles properly
• Third-party contractors if the driver is not a direct employee

Because large corporations rely on complex contracts to limit exposure, a Dallas delivery vehicle accident lawyer must carefully analyze employment relationships and insurance policies. 

What Are The Most Common Crash Injuries, And How Long Does Treatment Take?

Typical injuries include: 

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Can cause pain, stiffness and limited mobility
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): May result in memory loss, headaches or long-term cognitive issues
• Spinal cord injuries: Often lead to chronic pain, nerve damage or paralysis

Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity and consistency of treatment. 

What Should Victims Know About Catastrophic Injuries And Long-Term Care?

Catastrophic injuries, such as severe brain trauma or spinal cord damage, require lifelong medical care and extensive financial planning. Victims may need vocational rehabilitation, adaptive equipment and future surgeries.

Our knowledgeable Dallas catastrophic injury attorney collaborates with life care planners and expert witnesses to calculate future costs, including lost earning capacity and home modifications.

Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim After A Fatal Crash?

In Texas, wrongful death claims can be filed by a surviving spouse, children or parents of the deceased. If none of these family members file a claim within three months of the death, the executor or personal representative of the estate may file on behalf of the beneficiaries.

Recoverable damages include:

• Economic losses such as lost income, benefits and household services
• Noneconomic damages, including emotional pain, loss of companionship and mental anguish
• Funeral and burial expenses

Family members can also file a survival action suit. This continues the deceased person’s personal injury claim that would have existed had they survived. It covers the victim’s pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages between the time of injury and death.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before filing a claim, many victims have important questions. Here are a few common ones:

How long do I have to file?

In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

Consulting a Dallas car accident attorney early can ensure evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.

Do I need a lawyer for minor injuries?

Even minor injuries can lead to long-term issues or hidden medical complications. A Dallas injury lawyer can evaluate your case, handle negotiations and make sure you are treated fairly by insurers.

Will my insurance go up?

If you were not at fault, your insurance rates should not increase. However, every insurer is different.

An attorney can help communicate with insurers to prevent unfair premium hikes after a crash.

Experienced Lawyers Ready To Help. Call Today.

Kastl Law, P.C., has years of experience obtaining justice for the victims. We will investigate your case thoroughly, retain the best experts, and advocate aggressively for your case to foster a just settlement or judgment at trial. It is important to remember that we only get paid if you get paid, and our attorneys in Dallas take a personalized interest in ensuring that car accident victims obtain just compensation. We have offices in Dallas, Fort Worth and El Paso. Call 214-427-6043 today or fill out our contact form to learn more.

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