As your trusted San Antonio interstate car accident lawyer, we understand the complexities of interstate accidents and are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Interstate Accidents Are Different
Interstate car accidents often involve higher speeds, multiple vehicles, and more severe injuries than accidents on local roads. Texas interstates like I-10, I-35, and I-410 are major arteries that see heavy traffic daily.
The risks are magnified by large commercial trucks, out-of-state drivers, and construction zones. These accidents require a specialized understanding of state and federal traffic laws, so it’s crucial to have an experienced interstate vehicle accident attorney in San Antonio from Patterson Law Group on your side.
Common Causes of Interstate Car Accidents
The cause of your accident is a key factor in determining liability.
As your San Antonio auto accident lawyer, we have seen various causes of interstate accidents, including:
- Speeding: With posted speed limits often exceeding 70 mph on Texas interstates, speeding is a common contributor to serious accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using a GPS while driving at high speeds can result in devastating accidents.
- Reckless Lane Changes: Weaving in and out of lanes without signaling or checking blind spots often leads to collisions.
- Fatigued Driving: Long stretches of interstate driving can cause fatigue, particularly for truckers who may be pressured to meet deadlines.
- Weather Conditions: Sudden rainstorms, fog, or icy conditions can lead to interstate pileups, especially when drivers fail to adjust their speed.
Texas Interstate Accident Laws
Understanding the legal framework governing interstate accidents is essential. In Texas, fault is determined based on comparative negligence. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover compensation if you are found to be less than 51% responsible for the crash.
The Texas Transportation Code (Sec. 545.351) mandates that drivers operate their vehicles at a reasonable and prudent speed for the conditions, particularly in construction zones or during inclement weather. This law is especially critical on interstates, where speed limits can be as high as 85 mph in some areas of Texas.
What To Do After an Interstate Car Accident
Following specific steps to protect your rights is crucial if you’ve been involved in an interstate car accident. Here’s what we recommend:
- Call Emergency Services: Always report the accident to law enforcement, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries may not manifest until days after the accident.
- Document the Scene: Take photos, collect witness statements, and note road conditions, signage, and any other factors that could have contributed to the accident.
- Contact Us: The sooner you contact a car accident attorney in San Antonio, Texas, the better. We can help guide you through the legal process, ensuring that critical evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.
Who Is Liable in an Interstate Car Accident?
Determining liability in an interstate car accident can be complex, especially when multiple vehicles are involved. As your interstate vehicle accident attorney in San Antonio, we will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties, which may include:
- Other Drivers: If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, they may be liable for your damages.
- Commercial Trucking Companies: Trucking companies can be held liable if their drivers cause an accident, especially if they were pressured to drive long hours without rest, violating federal regulations.
- Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads, lack of proper signage, or dangerous construction zones can result in accidents, making a government entity liable.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: In some cases, a defective part or vehicle malfunction may contribute to an accident, allowing us to pursue a product liability claim.
Common Injuries in Interstate Car Accidents
Injuries in interstate car accidents are often severe due to the high speeds involved.
We have represented clients who have suffered:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): High-speed crashes can lead to serious head injuries that may result in long-term or permanent disabilities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to your spinal cord can lead to partial or full paralysis, significantly impacting your quality of life.
- Broken Bones: Multiple fractures are common in high-impact interstate collisions.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs can result in life-threatening complications.
- Whiplash: Even in minor interstate accidents, whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can occur.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
As your San Antonio auto accident lawyer, we will fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to under Texas law. Compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes past, current, and future medical costs related to the accident, such as hospital bills, surgery, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, we can pursue compensation for lost income and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages such as emotional distress, pain, and loss of enjoyment of life can be included in your compensation.
- Property Damage: You are entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other damaged property.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in an interstate accident, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
How We Can Help You
As experienced accident attorneys in San Antonio, we take pride in offering personalized legal representation. Our approach is tailored to each client’s unique situation, ensuring that we build a strong case based on the specific facts of your accident.
We have successfully negotiated with insurance companies, taking on large corporations when necessary, to secure favorable outcomes for our clients.
Our team understands the importance of acting quickly. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by shifting blame or downplaying injuries.
We won’t let that happen. We will handle all communications with insurers, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and, if necessary, take your case to trial to fight for the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Patterson Law Group?
At Patterson Law Group, we treat each client with care, respect, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Our firm has a long history of representing accident victims in San Antonio and throughout Texas and has a proven track record of success.
When you choose us as your San Antonio interstate car accident lawyer, you gain an advocate who will be with you every step of the way.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an interstate car accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Patterson Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable car accident attorney in San Antonio, Texas. Let us help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
