Brownsville Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

Common Causes of Vehicle Accidents in Brownsville

Negligence is behind many motor vehicle accidents in Brownsville, even though specific causes may vary. Though it’s a term that’s used interchangeably with carelessness, negligence is a common legal concept in personal injury cases. To succeed on a claim based upon negligence related to a motor vehicle accident, you must show that someone breached a legal duty to exercise reasonable care. You also need to demonstrate that this breach of legal duty was a direct cause of the incident that led to your injuries.

Examples of motorist negligence include:

• Speeding;
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Failing to give right-of-way to pedestrians;
• Passing in a no-passing zone and other improper lane changes;
• Failure to yield;
• Disobeying traffic signs and signals; and,
• Similar types of conduct.

In addition, the recent increase in motorists using their cell phones highlights the serious problem of distracted driving. Data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reveals that around 481,000 motorists text, talk, or use their cell phone while driving. Motorists engage in such risky behaviors despite the fact that it’s against the law in Texas.

Other Forms of Motor Vehicle Negligence

Drivers aren’t the only ones who may be negligent in a motor vehicle accident. Pedestrians and bicycles are also required to follow the Texas rules of the road, and can contribute to traffic-related incidents through their own acts. Some examples of negligence include:

• Not using crosswalks and jaywalking;
• Failing to comply with traffic control signals at intersections;
• Riding a bicycle against the flow of traffic;
• Walking outside a sidewalk where one is present;
• Not giving right-of-way to vehicles when walking through traffic;
• Grabbing onto motorized vehicles while on a bicycle;
• Riding a bicycle outside the shared lane marking, when one is present; and,
• Many other types of conduct.

What To Do After a Vehicle Accident

You’re probably shaken and confused after being hurt, but some tips on what to do next may help you get through such a horrific experience. In some cases, your injuries will be too severe to take on these tasks. Your health is the priority, but follow up once you’re physically able. Your motor vehicle accident claim depends on undertaking the following steps:

• Call 911 or a non-emergency number for assistance;
• Exchange contact information with the responsible driver, including insurance details;
• Gather information from the scene by taking photos and talking to witnesses;
• Seek appropriate medical treatment, whether you head to the emergency room, an urgent care center, or your own doctor’s office;
• and then,
• Contact a personal injury attorney or other vehicle accident lawyer to advise you what do to next.

An attorney may tell you to report the accident to your own insurance company, but only if it’s relevant to the accident. If you were injured as a pedestrian or bicycle rider, this may not be necessary. Don’t reach out to the other person’s insurance company until after you speak with a Brownsville personal injury lawyer. There are many variables in motor vehicle accident cases, which is why legal counsel is critical.

Take Advantage of Accident Resources in Brownsville

You may also take advantage of some local resources, which may be useful for accident prevention or after you’ve been injured.

• Drive Texas, which posts real-time traffic, road, and weather conditions;
• The Texas Department of Transportation website, where you can search for traffic-related issues by county, road name or number, and type of obstruction;
• The City of Brownsville and Brownsville Police Department both have Online Police Reporting features available on their respective websites. If you didn’t already get an incident report from the police, these resources provide some guidance.

Get Help from a Brownsville Motor Vehicle Crash Attorney

The term “compensation” is used a lot in connection with personal injury claims, including those involving motor vehicle accidents. It refers to the monetary amount you may be able to recover for your damages, such as:

• Your medical costs;
• Lost wages;
• Pain and suffering;
• Disfigurement;
• Diminished quality of life; and,
• Similar types of losses.

Successfully obtaining these financial damages requires extensive experience and knowledge of the Texas laws governing your claim. At The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, we have a track record of getting what our clients are entitles to and know how to determine an accurate value for what you’ve endured. We can help you maximize your possible recovery through:

Investigation:

Our legal team starts by conducting a thorough investigation into the causes and contributing factors in your case. We work with various professionals to reconstruct the circumstances behind the accident, so we can show how the responsible party breached the duty of legal care.

Reviewing Your Medical Records:

Some of the damages listed above can be supported by receipts, invoices, pay stubs, and income tax information. However, it’s not as easy to show your level of pain, how much your life is affected by your injuries, or implications for your personal relationships.

Therefore, our attorneys also communicate with your doctor and treating physicians about your injuries. We’ll consult with medical professionals who will review your medical records and explain how your injuries limit your life and activities.

Dealing with an Insurance Company:

Once we have solid evidence from our investigation, it’s necessary to file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. Claims adjusters meticulously scrutinize the details of your claim, looking for reasons to deny it or offer a low settlement amount. Our car and other vehicle accident attorneys are persistent in settlement negotiations, and we will only accept an amount that’s sufficient to compensate you for your losses.

Filing a Lawsuit:

If settlement negotiations with the insurance company break down, our lawyers are prepared to take your claim to court. We’ll prepare the documents alleging the essential elements of a negligence case, supported by medical records, accident reports, and other relevant information. In court, our litigation attorneys will also:

• Appear on your behalf in court for required hearings;
• Present motions in your favor or fight against those filed by the defendant;
• Engage in discovery efforts, including written interrogatories, requests for documents, and depositions;
• Work with medical professionals that may testify on your behalf at trial;
• Prepare evidence, witnesses, exhibits; and,
• Engage in all other efforts necessary to fight for your right to fair, reasonable compensation.

Statistics on Brownsville Motor Vehicle Accidents

The Texas Department of Transportation collects data on all types of motor vehicle accidents in Brownsville and throughout the state. Every year, they publish a report on “Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics.” The numbers for 2017 reveal the risks for Brownsville area residents and visitors:

• There were 10 fatal crashes that killed 11 people, while a total of 70 victims suffered serious injuries in 62 separate collisions.
• In Cameron County, commercial vehicles were involved in 221 accidents, including two collisions that were fatal and 65 that caused injuries of varying degrees.
• Statewide, there were 5,757 motor vehicle crashes involving pedestrians. Even more shocking is that 614 people were killed and another 3,456 injured in these incidents.
• Bicycle riders are also a high-risk group. In Texas, 2,687 accidents led to 57 fatalities and caused injuries to another 1,565 victims.

Dangerous Intersections Around Brownsville

Additional statistics and trends demonstrate that some roadways in Brownsville present a higher risk of motor vehicle accidents, such as:

• As with many other cities, the downtown area has heavy traffic at different times of day. Morning and evening rush hour are particularly hazardous for motorists.
• Traffic can be congested around Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, especially with the arrival and departure of tourists.
• Truck drivers generally stick to major highways and thoroughfares when traveling in and around Brownsville. This means increased potential for truck accidents along US Interstates 169 and 69 East.
• The University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley is home to just over 24,000 undergrads and additional graduate students. The vast majority get around on foot or bike, so there’s always a risk of pedestrian and bicycle accidents.