When a negligent motorist causes you injuries in a car crash, you might be eligible to collect compensation from the at-fault party. With the help of a skilled personal injury attorney, you can file a claim or lawsuit against the responsible driver’s insurance company.
A successful claim could reimburse you for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from your accident. Call a hardworking McAllen car accident lawyer to help to prepare a case and recover damages for the harm you endured.
The Common Car Crash Causes in McAllen
Sadly, car accidents are a common occurrence, often leading to severe injuries or death. Some of the most common vehicle collision causes include the following:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Drifting over the line into oncoming traffic
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Intoxicated driving
A diligent attorney in McAllen could investigate the cause of a vehicle crash, speak with witnesses, and help collect pertinent evidence to identify the liable party. Additionally, legal representatives could advocate on the injured party’s behalf and help them recover the maximum potential settlement amount.
Damages in Car Accident Cases
Courts will review the details of a case to determine an appropriate amount to award plaintiffs. During legal proceedings, civil judges and juries typically consider the extent of an individual’s injuries and whether they have sustained long-term disabilities. Courts also take the defendant’s negligence into consideration when determining compensation awards.
Financial awards usually fall within two primary categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages consist of the verifiable monetary losses a person sustains in a car wreck, including healthcare, lost salary, transportation costs to get to medical appointments, and necessary home renovations to accommodate an injury. On the other hand, non-economic damages cover the non-monetary losses that are more challenging to measure, such as mental anguish and pain and suffering.
The Time Limit to Seek Damages After a Car Accident
Injured parties must follow a legislation-enforced time limit when filing a compensation claim for a car collision. The statute of limitations sets the time frame, and if missed, could bar injured victims from recovering financial damages from at-fault parties. Under the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code section § 16.003, petitioners have two years to file a claim for damages against a liable party following a car wreck.
This time frame applies to insurance claims and civil lawsuits. While exceptions some exceptions to this deadline exist, it is always in the plaintiff’s best interest to take legal action as quickly as possible.
Defendants can request a case dismissal when plaintiffs fail to file suit within two years. In most cases, courts will grant these requests. A McAllen lawyer could handle the legal work and filing on a vehicle accident victim’s behalf and ensure their case meets the statute’s requirements.
Call a Knowledgeable Car Accident Attorney in McAllen
When a careless driver hurts you in a collision, you could collect compensation to cover the damage. A dedicated McAllen car accident lawyer could work with a negligent driver’s insurance company and, if necessary, take the claim to civil court.
A settlement could reimburse you for your out-of-pocket and non-monetary losses and help you and your family get things back in order. If you need help with a case, call today to schedule a consultation and begin working immediately.