Car accidents happen every single day. After an accident, you may be left injured and experiencing financial difficulty. A car accident can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health, and these impacts may last for an extended period of time.
Fortunately, you may be entitled to receive compensation. Our Galveston car accident lawyer at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is ready to provide exceptional legal advocacy to help you receive the financial recovery you deserve. Our team helps clients throughout Galveston, whether on Galveston Island, or in surrounding areas in Galveston County.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Galveston, TX
After a collision you may feel shaken and unsure of what to do next. It is important to keep in mind that what you do following your accident can affect your claim.
Call 911
Once you’ve assessed any potential injuries, be sure to call 911 and request police and medical assistance. Police officers dispatch to the scene of the accident to collect information which is eventually compiled into a police report.
Seek Medical Care
If you sustain injuries in your accident, you should receive medical attention right away. However, whether or not you believe you’ve been injured, it is highly recommended that you seek medical care.
You may think you were not injured, but some injuries take time to surface. Medical attention from a healthcare professional may shed light on your injuries and their severity. In cases of potential medical malpractice, consulting with a skilled medical malpractice lawyer can help you navigate the legal aspects and ensure your rights are protected.
Once you are aware of the extent of your injuries, you can begin treatment. Keep in mind that your medical records will likely play an important role in your claim.
Gather Information and Evidence
As soon as possible after your accident, try to gather any information possible. This can include:
- Photos and videos at the scene of the accident
- The other driver’s contact and insurance information
- Witness contact information.
Document everything you believe may be important and useful for your claim.
Report Your Accident to Your Insurance Company
Car insurance companies expect to be made aware of any pertinent information regarding your vehicle, car accidents included. Contact your insurance company as quickly as possible to inform them of your accident. If you’re facing any legal issues related to your accident, consider consulting a vehicle accident lawyer for expert guidance.
Avoid Speaking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
After a car accident, you can likely expect the other driver’s insurer to contact you. They will want to ask questions and get your side of the story. You must not speak to them, as they will try to use what you say against you. Insurance companies are always looking for ways to limit their liability and avoid paying—do not give them any information without first talking to your attorney.
Consult with a Car Accident Attorney in Galveston
Consulting with a car accident attorney in Galveston can help give you the peace of mind you need. Your lawyer will ask all the right questions, answer any questions you may have, and give you an idea of what your ideal next steps should be.
How a Galveston Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Your Lawyer Will be Your Best Ally
It is common to feel lost and stressed after a car accident. From beginning to end, your attorney will work with you to provide the best legal representation. You can feel confident knowing your lawyer has your best interests at heart.
Your Attorney Will Competently Handle Your Claim
Your lawyer will have many tasks on the path to getting you the most favorable outcome. Some of these important tasks include:
- Thoroughly investigating your claim
- Compiling relevant evidence
- Communicating with the insurance companies
- Engaging in settlement negotiations on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit, if needed
- Answering your questions and keeping you updated along the way.
Your lawyer will go the extra mile to get you the financial compensation you deserve after your accident.
Your Lawyer Will Help Fight for Your Right to Compensation
Going the extra mile includes identifying all possible responsible parties. The tortfeasor (negligent driver) is not always the only responsible party in a vehicle collision claim. Common vicarious liability theories include:
- Dram Shop: Commercial alcohol providers, like bars and restaurants, could be financially responsible for car crash damages if they illegally serve alcohol to people who cause wrecks.
- Respondeat Superior: This legal principle often applies in commercial car crashes. Employers are liable for the negligence of their employees, if that negligence occurred during the course and scope of their employment.
- Negligent Entrustment: Vehicle owners are vicariously liable for damages if they knowingly allow incompetent operators to drive their cars and these operators cause crashes.
Vicarious liability is especially important in catastrophic injury claims. Texas has one of the lowest auto insurance minimum requirements in the country. As a result, many drivers don’t have enough insurance coverage to provide fair compensation in these cases. (In fact, many Texas drivers have no insurance at all!)
Why You Should Consult with Our Galveston Car Accident Attorney
Not all car accident lawyers serving the Galveston area are the same. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we try to set ourselves apart from the competition. We provide you with the compassion and understanding needed during a trying time. Our firm also aims to provide top-quality customer service and legal representation, from inception to completion.
Whether your case settles or needs to see the inside of a courtroom, you can trust our experienced and determined attorneys to get you the resolution you seek.
We Are Highly Familiar with the Galveston, Texas, Area
Galveston Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas. Pretty much every visitor uses Interstate 45 to access the island. The number of tourists has increased significantly over the years, but this portion of Interstate 45 is much the same as it was in the 1960s.
The increased traffic and deteriorating condition contribute to a large number of accidents on Interstate 45 – particularly on the span between Houston and Galveston. Fatigue is a factor in many of these wrecks. By the time they approach Galveston Island, many motorists are at the tail end of a very long drive from another part of Texas. In situations where motorcycle accidents occur on this challenging route, it’s essential to consult with a qualified motorcycle accident attorney.
If you suffer an injury because of the negligence of another driver, count on the team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law to understand the nuances of the road system in the Galveston area. This helps us gather the facts in your case efficiently. We have experience representing clients in Galveston in many different types of car collision cases.
Commonly Asked Questions After a Car Accident
What Type of Compensation Is Available After a Car Accident?
Generally, there are two main categories of damages for car accident cases: compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses. They can be economic or non-economic in nature.
Economic damages are those directly related to your accident. They can include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages.
Non-economic damages are also related to your accident but may be a little more difficult to quantify. These include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of consortium.
Punitive damages are special damages assessed only in certain cases. These damages are used to punish and deter when a defendant’s extremely negligent behavior caused you harm.
Damages can be challenging to calculate, but your experienced car accident attorney will determine the fairest amount of compensation owed to you.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
There is no “average” car accident settlement amount. Because every car accident claim is different, there are certain factors used to determine how much your case would be worth.
These factors can include:
- The severity of injuries sustained
- The total cost of medical expenses
- The amount of property damage
- The total amount of lost wages
- Whether your actions contributed to your accident.
These and other details are weighed to determine the worth of your car accident claim.
Will My Case Go to Court?
Nearly all vehicle collision cases settle out of court. Successful resolution of a claim prior to litigation may provide the best possible result for the client in certain situations. Out-of-court settlements help end cases earlier, so victims get their financial compensation sooner. Furthermore, these resolutions give victims more control over the outcome.
If informal negotiations break down, and if suit was not filed earlier on in the process for strategic reasons, a lawsuit will be filed. Whether before or after the case enters litigation, mediation can be elected by the parties or required by judges. During mediation, both sides have a legal duty to negotiate in good faith. Often, mediation is successful. In sum, even though most cases never go all the way to trial, we are always prepared to help you until the very end.
What If I Am Found to Be Partially at Fault?
Texas operates under a modified comparative fault standard. This law dictates that a person who is more than 50% at fault for their accident cannot recover compensation. However, a person less than 50% at fault is still eligible to recover for their accident. A complete investigation will help determine who is truly responsible for the accident and to what degree.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
There is a statute of limitations for car accident claims. A statute of limitations is a law imposing a strict time limit on a person’s ability to file a lawsuit. In Texas, the general statute of limitations for car accidents is two years from the date of the accident (TX C.P.R. §16.003). (*Always speak directly to an attorney for the exact deadlines that apply to your specific claim(s).) If you fail to file your lawsuit within the time specified, you will likely lose your right to compensation.
Therefore, the sooner you begin working on your claim, the better.
Don’t Delay—Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer Serving Galveston Today
There are a multitude of reasons to consult with a car accident lawyer in the Galveston area as quickly as you can. Aside from the peace of mind having an attorney will give you, it will also give you the best possible chance at receiving fair compensation.
Contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law today at (713) 973-8888 to schedule your free case review.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
