Galveston Car Accident Attorneys

Car accidents in Galveston occur for various reasons, many of which are influenced by the city’s unique characteristics.

• Distracted Driving
  • Tourists unfamiliar with local roads often rely on GPS devices, diverting their attention from driving.
  • Drivers may be distracted by the scenic coastal views, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Coastal Weather Conditions
  • Sudden storms and heavy rain create slick roads and reduce visibility.
  • Flooding, common in low-lying areas near the Gulf, can catch drivers off guard and lead to accidents.

What to Do After a Car Accident

After a car accident, it can be hard to know what to do. However, taking the proper steps is crucial to your future recovery. The most important thing is to stay calm and focused. Do not admit fault, even if you think you may have been to blame. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, you may not be aware of all the factors that contributed to the crash.

Here are the steps you should take after a car accident:

• Check on Everyone Involved in the Accident: If anyone has been injured, call an ambulance immediately. Even if no one is injured, call the police to report the accident.
• Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. Leaving your vehicle in the middle of the road could cause another accident.
• Exchange Information: You should exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident and gather contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident.
• Document the Scene: If you have a smartphone or camera, take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle or others involved. You should also take pictures of any visible injuries you have suffered.
• Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. You should provide them with the basic facts of the accident but should not give a recorded statement until you have spoken to an attorney.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not think you have been injured, you should still see a doctor after a car accident. Many injuries, like whiplash, may not show symptoms right away. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may claim that your injuries were unrelated to the accident.
• Contact an Attorney: An experienced car accident lawyer in Galveston can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Understanding the local traffic laws and having legal guidance can significantly affect the aftermath of a car accident. Keeping a written record of all conversations and transactions related to the accident is also advisable. This includes detailed notes of any repairs, medical treatments, and communications with insurance or third parties. Such documentation can be invaluable in building a strong legal claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Galveston?

In Texas, you have two years from the car accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is generally strictly enforced. If you attempt to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the court will almost certainly dismiss your claim.

Act swiftly to comply with legal deadlines and preserve critical evidence and witness testimony that can strengthen your claim is crucial. Early action can provide the opportunity to conduct a thorough investigation while memories are fresh and evidence is intact. Consulting an auto accident attorney in Galveston early on can help you navigate legal complexities and make informed decisions about your next steps.

How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?

You must prove that the other driver was at fault to receive compensation after a car accident. To do this, you will need to show that they were negligent. Negligence is a legal term that means that someone did not act with the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would have under the same circumstances.

Negligence can take many forms in a car accident claim. For example, if the other driver was speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they would likely be considered negligent.

To prove that the other driver was at fault, you will need to establish:

• The other driver owed you a duty of care
• The other driver breached that duty of care
• The other driver's breach of the duty of care caused the accident
• You suffered damages as a result of the accident

In some cases, more than one party may be at fault for a car accident. For example, if the other driver worked during the accident, their employer may also be liable. The manufacturer may be liable if a defective auto part, such as a faulty airbag or tire, caused the accident.

Comparative fault can also come into play, meaning multiple parties can share responsibility for the accident. Under Texas law, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you, if any. Understanding how fault is determined, and defense strategies can be complex, which is why an experienced accident attorney in Galveston is invaluable.

How Much Is a Car Accident Worth?

When determining how much your car accident case is worth, you must consider both your economic and non-economic damages.

• Economic damages are the financial losses you have suffered from the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
• Non-economic damages are the more subjective losses you have suffered due to the accident, such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

In some cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate you for your losses but to punish the at-fault party for evil behavior.

Insurance Requirements for Texas Drivers

In Texas, drivers must carry liability insurance to operate a vehicle legally. The state’s minimum liability limits are often called 30/60/25 coverage, meaning $30,000 for bodily injury per person, up to $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Understanding these requirements is essential not only for compliance but also for ensuring adequate protection. Many drivers opt for additional coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, to safeguard against accidents involving drivers who lack sufficient insurance. Consulting with an auto accident attorney in Galveston can help clarify insurance requirements and aid in deciding if additional coverage is in your best interest.

What to Expect During a Car Accident Claim Process

Navigating the car accident claim process can be daunting, especially when dealing with injuries or vehicle damages. Initially, after an accident, you’ll need to report it to your insurance provider. They will then conduct an investigation, examining evidence such as photos, police reports, and witness statements to ascertain the details of the accident.

Your attorney can play a crucial role in the claims process by advocating on your behalf and ensuring all necessary documentation is submitted accurately and promptly. They can also handle communications with insurance adjusters, negotiate settlement offers, and decide if litigation is necessary to secure fair compensation. The claims process can be complex, but understanding each step helps in managing expectations and reducing stress.