Injured in a Car Accident in Fort Worth?

Fort Worth Green Road Sign | Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyer | Berenson Injury Law

The most maddening thing about being in a car accident in Fort Worth — or anywhere in Texas — is that it was easily avoidable. It would not have happened if the other driver had followed basic traffic laws.

But sadly our number of motor vehicle crashes is soaring along with our sky-rocketing population. What used to be a sleepy Cowtown when Mr. Berenson moved here back in 1979 after graduating from SMU Law School in Dallas is suddenly the 12th largest city in the country. Almost one million people live in Fort Worth and there are 7,500,000 in the Metroplex — and more every day.

Cattle ranches are now bustling suburbs.  A sprawling new subdivision in North Fort Worth with 10,000 houses was just announced. But more people = more vehicles = more roads = more collisions. And to make the chances of being injured even higher, it seems that almost every one has an oversized truck or SUV and and is texting as they race around town.

As a result, we have crowded highways and insufficient traffic enforcement. Many drivers run lights, speed and drive while intoxicated, knowing their chances of being caught are slim. They cause an inconceivable number of collisions.

And even worse, Texas is number one every year for the number of people who lose their lives on our highways. Almost 4,000 people died last year – a shocking increase of 7.5% from the year before – with far fewer drivers due to the shut-down.

Mr. Berenson has spoken out against this serious problem and been a leading sponsor of Mothers Against Drunk Driving for years.

How dangerous a car accident in Fort Worth can be

 Fort Worth suffered almost 13,000 crashes last year. That may not seem like a problem — until it happens to you.

 A massive pile-up in February during our crippling storm made the national news for days. It involved 133 vehicles, causing six people to tragically lose their lives and over 100 people to suffer injuries. Here is a photograph from that horrible morning.

 Fort Worth was the sixth most deadly city and Dallas was the fifth worst city for motor vehicle collisions.

 Fort Worth is home to some of the most dangerous intersections and highways in Texas. These include

  • East Lancaster at Riverside
  • 183 at 360
  • I-20 At McCart
  • East Lancaster at Sargent
  • I-35 at Meacham
  • I-30 is considered the second-most deadly highway in Texas, especially from Hillsboro through Fort Worth

How to avoid being in a car accident in a Fort Worth car accident

 Drive super defensively. Expect someone to run the red light so count to three before you proceed out into the intersection. Check your rear-view and side mirrors and back-up camera constantly. Obey all laws and expect others not to do so. Drive as little as possible at night, especially on our interstates.

 Wear safety belts – not only are they required, they are a top way to protect yourself and your passengers in a crash.

 Use your cell phone for emergency purposes only. Turn off your notifications before you start to drive. Pull off the road if you have to make or take a call.

 Never multi-task while driving. This includes texting, making video calls or posting on social media.

 Avoid eating and drinking while driving. Finishing your meals may seem a time-saver but it leads to you being less attentive to other drivers around you.

 Set GPS and air conditioning, adjust mirrors and seats, and check brakes and tires before starting your  journey.

Important defensive driving tips 

1. Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.

2. Drive according to the weather, especially in the rain and during winter months.

3. Never even think about driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription drugs.

4. Keep your eyes on the road ahead and hands on the wheel of your car.

What you should do if you have been in a car accident in Fort Worth

The actions you take immediately will have a major impact on your case. Mr. Berenson recommends that you do the following:

Stay at the scene and call the police

After a car or truck wreck, do not leave until the police arrive, unless you have to be rushed to the hospital. Remove yourself, your passengers, and the vehicle from being exposed to further harm.

Assess your injuries and seek medical treatment

Assess everyone’s injuries and of course your own too. Concussions, internal bleeding, and neck and back injuries often do not show symptoms right away. Medical records of injuries sustained can be vital if you want to be compensated.

Take photos and video 

If possible, use your cell phone to capture images of the scene and vehicles. It is important to record road signs, debris, skid marks, road conditions, the other drivers and their insurance cards, and your injuries. Interview all eyewitnesses and get their contact information. Later, the other driver may change their story and even blame you, so you will need evidence to refute their claim.

  Do not make statements other than to the police 

Comments and posts on social media can be used against you in an injury lawsuit with regard to how the wreck happened and the severity of injuries you sustained. When speaking to insurance representatives of other parties involved in the crash, say as little as possible. Do not allow them to “ask a few questions,” as this will be tape recorded, twisted, and used against you.

Contact an experienced Fort Worth car accident attorney

Car accident cases involve complex and intricate legal concepts and proceedings. Determining liability for injuries and getting fair value for damages can be a difficult process. People are smart to allow a good car accident attorney in Fort Worth do the leg work so they can focus on recovering from their injuries. Hopefully the claim can be successfully settled out of court but if a lawsuit has to be filed, you want your lawyer to be ready to go so he can win your case.

Texas is a modified at-fault state

The party that is found at fault for a crash is responsible for compensating the injured party. Payments are usually made by their insurance company — and possibly yours and those of other drivers and companies, depending on the facts.

The driving of all parties is scrutinized and compared. For example, if you were at a complete stop and rear-ended, the other driver is 100% at fault. However, if the other driver’s insurance company tries to prove that at a four-way stop you failed to yield the right-of-way and are 51% or more liable, you will receive no damages if it is successful. If you each are determined to be 50% at fault, your damages are reduced by one-half. Your personal injury lawyer will get all the information and evidence to prove who was to blame to increase your financial recovery.

Don’t forget that if you are involved in a car accident in Fort Worth or anywhere in Texas, insurance companies are looking out for their own financial and legal interests, not yours. They are never “a good neighbor” or “on your side.”

How car insurance works in Texas

All drivers in Texas are required by law to have a minimum amount of car insurance. Drivers must purchase coverage of $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 for all people who they injure, and $25,000 for the property damage they cause.

Some drivers purchase more insurance, but it is impossible without hiring a skilled injury lawyer to learn the amounts without filing a lawsuit.

Each case is worth a different amount. Further, depending on the facts, other companies or insurance companies may also owe you money.

This is a complicated subject.

The importance of hiring a top personal injury lawyer

If you have unfortunately been the victim of a car accident in Fort Worth, you probably have these three priorities:

(1) getting your vehicle repaired or totaled quickly and a rent car furnished,

(2) obtaining medical treatment so you can stop feeling pain and get cured, and

(3) receiving sufficient compensation for the damages you have sustained.

Dealing with insurance companies when you are injured may be the last thing on your mind. If you should know who to call and what to say, their representatives are trained to frustrate and delay you and underpay your claim. That is how they make vast profits.

We understand. Berenson Injury Law has been representing injured Texans for the past 41 years. We are one of the only Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury law firms that ONLY handles car and truck wreck cases (not medical malpractice, dangerous products, slip and falls, etc.).

You need an experienced car accident lawyer who will negotiate with insurers on your behalf, prove the facts and law that support your position, and do everything in their power to get you the maximum reimbursement.

You also need a law firm that will also fight to reduce your outstanding medical bills and subrogation liens held by governmental entities, hospitals, and insurance companies so you make even more money.

You want to hire the best car accident lawyer to get you the best results. We do a good job for our clients.

Here is information about Mr. Berenson’s

Please contact us if we can assist you with your car accident in Fort Worth, the mid-Cities, Arlington, Dallas, or anywhere in Texas.

Related information:

Fatal crashes in Fort Worth area alarming

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