At Patterson Law Group, we understand the impact of a highway accident on your life and the challenges of dealing with its aftermath.
That’s why we’re here.
Our team knows Arlington’s roads well and is familiar with the common causes of highway accidents in this area. The goal of our Arlington highway accident lawyers is simple: to help you through this tough time with the care and guidance you need.
Common Causes of Highway Accidents
At Patterson Law Group, we’ve seen firsthand how highway accidents happen. We want to share what we’ve learned with you. Understanding these causes can help you stay safer on the road.
Speeding
Driving too fast is one of the top reasons accidents occur on highways. When cars go too fast, they have less time to stop or react to what’s happening around them.
We always tell our clients to stick to speed limits. It’s not just about avoiding tickets; it’s about keeping everyone safe.
Distracted Driving
Another big problem is distracted driving. This means doing anything that takes your attention away from driving.
It could be texting, changing the music, or even talking to someone in the car. We’ve helped many people who were hurt because someone else wasn’t paying attention, so we know how serious this can be.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Drinking and driving is never okay. It’s risky and illegal. Alcohol and drugs can make it hard to think clearly and make good driving decisions.
If caught driving under the influence, you could face serious penalties. More importantly, you could cause an accident and hurt someone. We’ve seen too many tragedies that could have been avoided.
Weather Conditions
Bad weather makes driving tough. Rain, snow, ice, and even fog can lead to accidents. We remind our clients to drive carefully when the weather is bad. Sometimes, waiting until the weather improves is better before getting on the road.
Road Hazards
Finally, road hazards like potholes, debris, or unexpected objects can cause accidents. We always advise drivers to stay alert and watch for signs of trouble on the road.
At Patterson Law Group, we’re here to help if you’ve been in an accident caused by any of these reasons. Remember, staying informed and cautious can help keep you and your loved ones safer on the highways around Arlington.
At Patterson Law Group, we’re here to help if you’ve been in an accident caused by any of these reasons. Remember, staying informed and cautious can help keep you and your loved ones safer on the highways around Arlington.
Relevant Laws and Regulations
Laws and regulations are designed to keep drivers safe on Arlington’s highways. At Patterson Law Group, we believe knowing these laws can make a big difference.
Traffic Laws
First off, the speed limits are there for a reason. Following them is key. Also, Texas has strict rules against texting and driving. This law is something we emphasize because distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents.
DUI Regulations
Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for DUI. This means if you’re driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you’re breaking the law.
The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over. For commercial drivers, it’s 0.04%. And for those under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol is punishable.
If you are involved in a highway accident with an intoxicated driver, this can be used to prove liability and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Seat Belt and Child Safety
In Texas, wearing a seat belt is mandatory for all passengers. Children must be in the correct car seat for their age and size until they are big enough to use the vehicle’s seat belt.
Reporting Accidents
If you’re in an accident that causes injury, death, or significant property damage, you must report it to the police. Failing to report such accidents can lead to legal issues.
At Patterson Law Group, we’re familiar with these laws and more. We use this knowledge to help our clients understand their rights and obligations.
Determining Fault
To determine fault, it is necessary to investigate the specifics of the collision.
This might include reviewing police reports, witness statements, vehicle damages, and any available traffic camera footage. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that a party can recover damages only if they are less than 51% responsible for the accident.
If found more at fault, they are barred from receiving compensation.
Role of Negligence
Negligence plays a significant role in establishing liability. For someone to be deemed negligent, it must be shown that they failed to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would have shown under the same circumstances. Examples include distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence.
Insurance Investigations
Insurance companies conduct their own investigations to determine fault. They will examine the evidence, interview involved parties, and negotiate settlements based on their findings.
Understanding your insurance coverage and the process it involves is essential. Texas is a fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is liable for covering damages. This includes medical expenses, property damage, and any other losses.
Our Approach to Highway Accident Cases
At Patterson Law Group, we take a comprehensive approach to managing highway accident cases, ensuring every client receives personalized and effective legal representation.
Our process begins with an investigation to gather all pertinent facts and evidence that might influence the case’s outcome. This includes collecting police reports, speaking with witnesses, examining medical records, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts when necessary.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
We work to build a strong foundation for each case by thoroughly investigating the circumstances of the accident. This groundwork is critical for understanding the extent of injuries and property damage and identifying liable parties.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Armed with evidence, we negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement for our clients. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who understand insurers’ tactics to minimize payouts. We advocate on behalf of our clients, aiming to achieve the best possible financial outcome without the need for a lengthy courtroom battle.
Litigation
However, if negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory result, we are fully prepared to take the case to court. Our legal team has a proven track record in litigation and is equipped to present a compelling case before a judge and jury. We are committed to obtaining justice for our clients and ensuring they are compensated for their losses, suffering, and any long-term impacts of the accident.
Importance of Seeking Legal Representation
At Patterson Law Group, we cannot overstate the importance of seeking timely legal representation following a highway accident. Navigating the aftermath of such an event can be overwhelming, with victims often facing significant medical, financial, and emotional challenges.
Legal representation is not just about pursuing compensation; it’s about protecting your rights.
Our experienced highway accident attorneys in Arlington understand the complexities of the legal system, the tactics used by insurance companies to undervalue claims, and the necessary steps to secure a fair resolution. Having a dedicated team on your side can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.
We are committed to providing the support, guidance, and representation needed to safeguard your interests and secure the compensation you deserve for your losses and suffering. Contact us today to schedule a risk-free consultation.
