Amarillo Car Accident Attorney

Amarillio Car Accident Lawyer

112 SW 8th Avenue, Suite 301

Amarillo, Texas 75219

(806) 590-0000

Car accidents can be terrifying. In an instant, you can be involved in a collision that causes injury, property damage or death. With millions of drivers on the road across the country, there is a high likelihood that you or someone you know can be involved in a car accident at some point. Understanding what to do if you are involved in an accident is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your assets.

When you are involved in an accident, there may be many conflicting emotions. You may feel fear, relief and anger all at the same time. If you are injured, you may be considering the depth of your injuries and how you will recover. It is imperative, however, that you keep a cool head and act in a calm and rational manner when you are involved in a car accident.

The first thing to do if you are involved in a car accident is to keep yourself and the occupants of your vehicle safe. If it is safe to move your vehicle, push or drive it to the side of the road where it will not block roadways and cause another accident. If there is anyone in need of medical treatment, call emergency services right away to ensure they get the help they need. Never try to move an injured person. Wait for first responders to arrive and render aid.

It is advisable to get the police involved so that they can take a formal report when there has been an accident. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses at the scene. You must do this quickly as witnesses may leave the scene before police arrive. Take photos and video of the scene from all angles, preferably before you move the cars.

Do not discuss the accident with the other party involved. Do not engage in discussions about who was at fault, whether a dog ran in front of your car or whether the other driver was texting. Above all, never admit fault or apologize for the accident. These statements can be used against you in the case of a personal injury suit. Avoid admitting fault when giving statements to the police as well. Simply state the facts.

Be cautious of any settlement offers that the other party’s attorney may offer. Always speak to your own personal injury attorney before signing any statements or documents about the accident. If the other party’s insurance company sends you a check, do not cash it until you have spoken to your attorney. In some cases, the attorneys will offer you less than your injuries are worth, leaving you to deal with hefty medical and repair bills later.

Starting a Personal Injury Case

If you have been involved in a car accident in Amarillo, you may be considering a personal injury law suit. Often people who are involved in accidents are unable to collect from the other party’s insurance company. A personal injury lawsuit can help you to get the funds you need to take care of your financial obligations and return your life to normal following an accident.

Determining Liability

The first step in any personal injury case is to determine who is at fault. In many cases, the police will arrive at the scene shortly after the accident and write up an official report. They may take note of the skid marks on the street, the conditions of the weather and the state of the drivers. If one driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will note that in the report. They will often offer their own theories on which driver was at fault in the accident.

There are some accidents in which one driver is always assumed to be at fault. If someone hits you from behind, they are more than likely at fault, even if you stopped suddenly. if you are driving straight on and a driver hits you while attempting to make a left turn, they are usually considered at fault as the driver going straight has the right of way. For these accidents, attorneys rarely challenge the other driver and settlements are reached quickly.

When the answers are not as clear-cut, your attorney will have to establish that the other driver was at fault. Your lawyer may argue comparative negligence—that the other party is at fault even if you were also breaking a traffic law. If you were driving 10 miles over the speed limit when the other driver hit you from behind, your lawyer will argue that the other driver is still at fault, regardless of your part in the accident. This is only one of the defenses that your lawyer may use.

If you are involved in an auto accident in Amarillo, it pays to have the right attorney on your side to fight your case.

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