Most drivers get into their vehicles and head out to work, school, or shopping fully anticipating a safe arrival. However, that is not always the case. Statistics provided by the Texas DOT show that in 2019, 3,610 people were killed and there were 256,338 persons injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes with 15,843 of them sustaining a serious injury. There were no deathless days on Texas roadways in 2019.

It is probable that you or someone you know has been involved in an accident while operating an automobile, motorcycle, truck, or even while riding a bicycle. In Texas, some people are compensated through insurance payouts. However, many people who have been injured do not know how to effectively deal with insurance and get compensation. If you have been involved in any kind of motor vehicle accident, you may have questions about receiving compensation for your injuries.

Call our office to speak to a lawyer about your case or to schedule an appointment.

There are several reasons why more people are injured or killed in car accidents than in other types of motor vehicle accidents, such as those involving motorcycles. Some of these reasons are as follows:

• More people travel in automobiles than in other types of vehicles.
• Automobiles can carry a large number of people. Passenger vans and SUVs can carry as many as nine people at a time.
• Automobiles offer a greater opportunity to engage in activities that may cause distracted driving such as eating, texting, or using the installed navigational or entertainment features.
• According to law enforcement officials, most car accidents are caused by driver error. While mechanical difficulties and medical emergencies affecting the driver do happen, these issues are rare.
• The majority of accidents, especially bicycle accidents and those involving pedestrians, are usually the result of inattention.
• People ignore traffic laws or drive while impaired. In situations like these, the person responsible for the accident is also financially responsible to pay for the damage he or she caused.

When a person is hurt in a car crash, the first priority is to get medical attention. Very often a person will not realize that he or she has been injured until several hours or even days after the accident. If you have been in a car accident you should document any pain you experienced or injuries you sustained. It is also helpful to record all medical history.

Insurance companies may not be helpful and the claims process can be lengthy and confusing. It is important to remember the following when dealing with insurance companies:

• Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind.
• It is the job of the representative to settle for as little money as possible.
• The technical and legal jargon that comes with the insurance process may be overwhelming.
• The insurance process is more easily navigated with the help of an attorney.
• If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, recovering from your injuries is a top priority. Having an experienced car accident attorney on your side can help ensure that you receive the best possible medical care.

Most commercial truck drivers are trained to operate these large, heavy vehicles with skill and adequate care. In some cases, however, an inexperienced driver or one who has been behind the wheel for too many hours may collide with another vehicle or vehicles. When that happens the resulting damage can be massive.

Much of the damage that results from a trucking accident is related to the vehicle's weight and size. Even when traveling at low speeds, a big truck is difficult to bring to a stop because of its weight. This means that when a driver loses control, the truck's weight will continue to push it along until it meets enough resistance to stop.

Depending on what kind of freight the truck is carrying, damage to other drivers and vehicles may also come from flying debris, explosions, or chemical leaks. Pedestrians and motorcyclists in the vicinity of the crash may be especially vulnerable to these risks.

Frequently, the person who is driving a truck is also the owner of the vehicle. In other cases, the truck may be leased or be a fleet vehicle for a trucking company. One of the initial challenges in filing a claim for injuries resulting from an accident with a truck is finding out who is responsible for damages. Trucks can be owned and operated in several ways:

• Owner is the operator: The truck is owned and operated by the same individual
• Independent driver: The truck is leased from a company and driven by an independent driver
• Independent driver-contractor: The truck is owned by a company and driven by an independent contractor
• Employee driven: The truck is company-owned and driven by a company employee