Last year, more than 34,000 people died in auto accidents all over the United States. Of these, over 3,400 were in Texas. Every year, car crashes amount to over $ 164 billion in damage. These statistics show that accidents happen, but it doesn't show that in almost all cases, they shouldn't – accidents are caused by negligence and reckless driving.
Many Texas auto accident lawyers have advice on how you can protect yourself legally in case you get involved in a collision. Following this advice may improve your chances of getting better compensation to cover the damages incurred in a case of personal injury collision, whether in court, or from insurance, or both:
Contact the authorities immediately after the accident. During this time, do not admit to fault in any way, as any admission of guilt may prove to be your disadvantage when you seek compensation. Don't give or sign any statements until the police and / or your lawyer arrives. While you're waiting, try to see if there are any witnesses on the scene, and get their contact information- their testimony may later prove invaluable to Texas auto accident lawyers.
Take pictures of the accident and of the cars involved. Use your camera phone, or keep a disposable one handy in the glove compartment just for this situation. These pictures can later be used to establish fault, and negligence to the legal court or to your insurance claims adjuster.
Whether or not your are proven negligent will determine what kind of compensation you can receive, if any. In Texas law, negligence is proven with the concept of "proper lookout," which is basically the responsibility of the driver to be aware of the road, other cars, the rules and regulations on the road, and the conditions in which he is driving . By proving who had proper lookout, Texas auto accident lawyers can establish who (or what) caused the accident.
Compensation after the accident may not bring back what you've lost, particularly if there has been loss of life or serious injury. But the system is designed so that it will help you and your family get though this difficult time, and punish those who are responsible.
