An accident is an unfortunate event resulting from carelessness, unawareness, ignorance, or a combination of causes. When an accident results in injury, the affected party may be entitled to relief under the law or to compensation under an insurance policy. There are many different types of accident legal cases attorneys can represent, but below are the four most common types that Salazar & Velazquez consult on. Have you been in a recent accident in Houston and need representation? Contact our accident attorneys now!
Car or Truck Accidents
The average car weighs around 4,000 lbs., while semi-trucks can weigh 20 times that much. Personal injuries sustained by occupants of a passenger vehicle as a result of a collision with a commercial freight truck can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common include drivers experiencing fatigue, drug and alcohol use, driver error, over-speeding, making wide turns, merging too quickly, carrying an unsafe load, texting or calling while driving, and equipment failure. To establish liability, the plaintiff must identify every individual involved in the accident. Personal injury lawyers may be used to file a lawsuit for car or semi-truck accidents.
Motorcycle Accidents
Although motorcycles must follow the same rules as all other vehicles on the road, they are often subject to additional requirements including safety equipment, special licensing, and additional driving procedures to prevent motorcyclists from reckless driving (cutting in and out of traffic, over-speeding, etc.). Motorcycle accident laws are state and federal laws that pertain specifically to accidents that involve motorcycles. Most states require separate licensing on a motorcyclist’s driver’s license in order to operate a motorcycle legally. Many states also require special safety equipment including helmets, special footwear, and padded clothing.
All of these added requirements and responsibilities for motorcyclists make drivers more liable during accidents. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a motorcycle, either as a motorcyclist or not, hiring an accident attorney is your best chance of mending the situation.
Pedestrian Accidents
Liability for pedestrian accidents is based on negligence. Some common factors that contribute to driver negligence are distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk, and driving under the influence. Some common factors that contribute to pedestrian negligence, however, are failure to use crosswalks, running in front of a vehicle, and recklessly entering traffic. Children between the ages of five and nine have the greatest risk of being hit by a vehicle. Children are unpredictable and may unexpectedly run into the middle of the street. Since they are smaller they have a bigger risk of not being seen by the driver.
Those involved in a pedestrian accident should call the police immediately and stay at the scene of the accident, as well as gather the names and phone numbers of those involved, including any witnesses. Those involved in a pedestrian accident may be able to get started with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney.
Personal Injury
A personal injury lawsuit is a civil action brought by an injured person against the person responsible for their injuries. The lawsuit recovers financial compensation for losses caused by the accident including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In a personal injury lawsuit, victims must show evidence to prove the defendant is liable for any injuries. To prove negligence, the victim must show proof that the defendant owed a duty of care (driving safely) and failed to provide that duty. Pain and suffering consider the mental distress or physical pain a victim experiences as a direct result of their injuries, and is one of the most common types of non-economic damages personal injury victims seek. Our personal injury lawyers can help file a lawsuit and negotiate a settlement in court if needed.
Over 37,000 people in the U.S. die in car accidents each year which are the most common cause of death among U.S. citizens. Nearly 3,500 Texans die in car accidents each year — five times the national average. If you have been in a car accident, collect information for insurance purposes, file a police report and obtain legal counsel. Salazar & Valazquez can help you win the settlement you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with our accident attorneys now!