Car Accident Lawyer

John T. Flood is an attorney in Corpus Christi, TX who focuses on car accident cases. Call (361) 654-8877 today to get compensation for your injury. 

Simply put, travel by motor vehicle is not slowing down any time soon in the Lone Star State. With hundreds of thousands of miles of roads to cover, Texans experience some of the highest rates of motor vehicle accidents in the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least 36,560 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2018, and 3,639 of those fatalities occurred on Texas roads, signaling a need for improved safety measures across the state.

Causes of Car Accidents

Since driving is so common in Texas, people tend to forget they are operating two-ton machines when they get behind the wheel. While it’s easy to forget the seriousness associated with even a drive around the neighborhood, safe driving should always be practiced to help ensure the safety of all who share the road. Most commonly, car accidents are caused due to driver error or negligence; however, other outside factors also impact Texas crash statistics.

Driving Impaired

To a degree, a car is only as safe as the driver who is operating it. Meaning that if an impaired driver gets behind the wheel, the car is more likely to become a fatal force on the road. According to NHTSA, 1,468 people were killed in Texas by drunk drivers in 2017.

Distracted Driving

Advancements in technology have made driving distracted a modern problem. Driving while texting, talking on the phone, using social media, and more tasks that remove a driver’s attention from the road cause serious accidents every day. The National Safety Council reports texting while driving causes 1.6 million car accidents annually that resulted in more than 390,000 serious injuries. Injuries associated with car accidents can be catastrophic and life ending and can include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Deep lacerations
• Burns
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Paralysis

Speeding

NHTSA reported speeding was a contributing factor in 26% of all collisions across the country. The agency additionally reported that speeding-related accidents killed 9,378 people in 2018. When a vehicle is traveling at excessive speeds, the impact of the crash is multiplied and results in more severe injuries or death.

Many car accidents are preventable. When drivers abide by traffic safety laws, they help decrease motor vehicle accidents. Outside factors that can cause a serious car accident beyond a driver’s control, include:

• Road debris
• Construction
• Inadequate or improperly placed traffic signage
• Improperly maintained vehicles
• Inexperienced drivers
• Road damage

Car Accident Attorney Corpus Christi

With sprawling cities and limited public transportation options, driving is an unavoidable part of every day life for most Texans. Regardless of the amount of driving our state and cities demand of Texans, no driver or passenger should feel unsafe behind the wheel. Drivers have a responsibility to ensure their driving does not put others in danger. When car accidents happen, because they inevitably will, take comfort in knowing that trusted and experienced car accident lawyers like John Flood are ready to fight for victims’ rights and compensation.

Were you injured in a car accident? Call Corpus Christi attorney John Flood at (361) 654-8877 for a free initial case evaluation. There is a limited time to act in Texas, so contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

What should you do after a car accident?

After a car accident, if you are able, you should move yourself and your vehicle out of traffic and out of harm’s way. Then, you should call for help by reaching out to emergency services for the police and medical assistance. Once your medical condition is stable, you should try to take photos or videos of the accident scene – or ask a witness or a non-injured party to do it for you.

How much is my car accident case worth?

While it can be impossible to know the exact value of any one car accident case, an experienced personal injury lawyer who has handled car wrecks for years will be able to estimate a range of potential compensation based on a variety of factors, including the severity of the accident, the resulting injuries, the police report, and more.

How long do you have to report your car accident to your insurance?

After a car accident, the vehicle owner has a limited amount of time to report the incident to their insurance company. Insurance companies typically require you to report an incident within 30 days. The sooner the better, especially if you are planning on filing a lawsuit for compensation against one or more at fault drivers.

Do you have to call the police after a minor car accident?

Yes, you do have to call the police after a minor car accident. Texas law requires a car accident be reported to the police if it results in an injury, fatality, or property damage that makes the vehicle not safe to drive anymore. While you may want to drive off if no one is injured, this is not ideal. You should call a non-emergency police number to have an officer come out and file a report.

What kind of evidence should I collect after a car accident?

After a car accident, those involved should collect the following evidence:

• Photos and videos of the scene of the collision
• The name, address, driver’s license number, vehicle plate numbers, and insurance information for all drivers involved in the crash
• Notes of any statements made by other drivers, passengers, or witnesses
• Witness contact information
• Official records, including law enforcement reports

What do doctors check after a car accident?

After a car accident, it’s important to get yourself checked out by a doctor. Doctors check for discomfort, pain, and injury. If your injuries are severe, you should go to the emergency room immediately where a physician will run diagnostic tests like x-rays and MRIs to assess your injuries. You may be referred to a specialist afterward for more focused examination, testing, and diagnostics.