Rear-End Crashes: Understanding Fault and Compensation

Hundreds of thousands of Texans are injured each year in auto accidents and other motor vehicle mishaps. In one recent year alone, the Texas Department of Transportation claimed that an accident happened somewhere in the state every 60 seconds or so. Even worse, local accident data indicates that a significant fraction of these events may be caused by reckless and careless conduct by our state’s motorists.

Driving while distracted, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and speeding are among the most prominent causes of the high rate of car accidents in Texas, especially when it comes to rear-end collisions. But regardless of the cause of your crash, it’s important to know what to do in the aftermath. If you know the key steps to take after a rear-end crash, it can help you understand how fault will be assigned and how you can get the robust recompense you deserve.

Top Causes of Texas Car Accidents

Accident rates have increased in a number of major urban locations throughout the Lone Star State. In fact, Houston has between 40,000 and 70,000 traffic accidents annually. Moreover, Houston has ranked first across Texas in recent years in terms of automobile accident injuries.

Traffic researchers estimate that around ten fatal vehicle accidents occur each week in Houston. One of the leading factors in deadly vehicle accidents and one of the most prevalent causes of collisions is speeding. The majority of collisions are ultimately the consequence of irresponsible or unexpected driving by the involved drivers.

Dallas is the tenth most populated city in the United States. And even though it is smaller than Houston and San Antonio, Dallas currently claims one of the highest accident rates in Texas. In Dallas, at least 220 people were killed on roads last year. In addition, Dallas has the second-highest rate of fatal auto accidents. Tragically, Dallas’s traffic deaths have surged by roughly 81% during the last decade.

Unfortunately, drunk driving has continuously been Texas’s leading cause of fatal accidents. According to the Foundation for the Advancement of Alcohol Responsibility, in 2014, there were approximately 1,440 alcohol-related accidents and fatalities in Texas. What’s more, these fatalities accounted for around 41% of all road deaths in the state. This is much higher than the national percentage of drunk driving deaths in 2014, which was about 30%.

Speeding and Distracted Driving in Texas

Finally, speeding often leads to fatal collisions in Texas. In one recent year alone, the Texas Department of Transportation reported nearly 17,000 crashes involving vehicles going at dangerous speeds or exceeding the speed limit. Additionally, drivers who failed to regulate their speed in order to prevent crashes were involved in over 30,000 more incidents that resulted in well over 3,000 injuries and more than 160 fatalities.

Throughout Texas, excessive speed is not the leading cause of collisions but contributes substantially to catastrophic injuries and deaths. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that drivers have less time to react to dangers and less control over their vehicles at higher speeds. In addition to releasing more energy, high-speed collisions increase the chance of vehicle structural damage, human injury, and other serious outcomes.

What Should I Do After a Car Crash in Dallas?

After an accident, it is helpful to know what will happen moving forward. And by utilizing the below tips and guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped on your road to recovery.

First, if nobody is hurt, move your vehicles from the roadway. But if you or another person involved sustained injuries, call 911 right away. Officers who arrive at the scene will not only ensure you get the medical attention you need, but they will also write a police report. This will be invaluable for your insurer and an attorney should you choose to file a personal injury claim.

If you are unable to operate your vehicle, the police will contact a tow truck driver. You may instruct them to transport the vehicle to your own auto storage facility or body shop.

How to Collect Evidence at an Accident Scene

Collect any and all details about the other motorist(s) involved. Photograph the individual’s insurance card and driver’s license. Request their name, phone number, insurance company, and policy number if they do not have an insurance card. Then, ensure you provide your information to the other driver.

From there, it’s essential to take photographs. Take pictures of the other vehicles involved, including license plates and any visible damage. In addition, make sure you get photographs of traffic signs and road angles. If you can, you should also talk to any witnesses and request their names, telephone numbers, and any other contact information.

Of course, while the events of the crash are still fresh in your mind, ensure you write down the circumstances surrounding the incident. Include the location, time, weather conditions, and cause of the accident.

Reporting a Crash to Insurance Companies

Whether or not you believe you had any fault in an accident, it’s important to contact your insurance carrier in Texas and file a claim. Additionally, you should obtain the name and number of the claims adjuster assigned to your claim and add it to any files you’ve kept related to your crash.

If you suffered injuries, keep your medical records and invoices to show your insurance company if you saw a doctor. Your insurance provider may also provide you with a list of body shops to repair your vehicle, but you are free to take your vehicle to any shop.

However, you could also file a claim with an at-fault driver's insurance carrier. Their insurance should cover the cost of your auto repair, hospital expenses, and rental vehicle.

Call the Rasansky Law Firm's Dallas Accident Lawyers

In our state, auto accidents touch tens of thousands of families. Despite the fact that some incidents only result in minor injuries, other victims are permanently disabled. Contact a Dallas car accident attorney if you are dealing with the aftermath of a serious automobile collision. You may find that you qualify for compensation to offset impending financial obligations.

The Rasansky Law Firm‘s Texas accident lawyers have more than three decades of seasoned experience in assisting victims of accidents caused by careless and reckless drivers. Our highly-educated, well-respected lawyers serve our clients with knowledgeable and trustworthy legal counsel. We are ready to analyze the facts of your crash and assess your legal alternatives. Now, you can focus wholly on your recovery.

If you have been injured in an automobile accident in Texas and have concerns about your legal options moving forward, please call 214-617-1816 for a free initial consultation of your claim.