Car accidents are among the top causes of preventable, injury-related deaths in Arlington, Texas. In 2021, data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) showed 6,290 accidents in Arlington. Out of these, 51 were fatal crashes, resulting in the deaths of 54 people.
Additionally, more than 200 people suffered incapacitating injuries, and over 1,500 people incurred minor to moderate injuries. These numbers are alarming, especially considering the advanced safety features of cars today. Modern vehicles are much safer, but accidents still happen almost every day.
Car crashes have become such a big problem. Some public health experts even say that driving is the most dangerous thing Americans do daily.
The risk of a car accident is always present, but sometimes negligence can increase that significantly. Suppose you or a loved one gets injured due to the recklessness of another party in Arlington. In that case, you can recover the damages according to Texas personal injury law.
The Personal Injury Center can help you find a car accident lawyer in Arlington appropriate for your case. We believe injured parties should not have to pay the price for someone else’s negligence. It’s why we are committed to helping auto accident victims get the legal representation they need.
We partner with a network of experienced law firms who can provide you with personalized, result-oriented representation. With the aid of personal injury lawyers, you can get the compensation you deserve.
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Common Causes of Car Accidents in Arlington
According to data, 94% of auto accidents are due to human error. Most cases are preventable, indicating that exercising reasonable care when driving is crucial. Drivers that fail to do so can have deadly consequences for others with whom they share the road.
It will probably help if all drivers know the common causes of car accidents in Arlington. This can help drivers become more mindful of their driving practices and surroundings.
Distracted driving
According to 2021 data, one in every five motor vehicle accidents reported in Texas was caused by a distracted driver. When a driver looks away from the road for a few seconds, the risk of an accident increases significantly.
Distractions can be anything that causes a driver to lose their focus. It could be visual, taking their eyes off the road. It can also be an activity, such as changing radio stations, prompting drivers to move their hands off the wheel.
The most common distractions that can increase the risk of accidents include the following:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Reaching for an object under the driver’s seat or in the back seat
- Applying makeup
- Grooming
Texting can be a particularly dangerous distraction. It’s one of the most common reasons motorists take their eyes off the road for several seconds. While texting seems harmless, it increases the risk of head-on collisions, T-bone collisions, and rear-end collisions, especially at intersections.
Because it is so pervasive and dangerous, the Texas government made texting while driving illegal in the state, including Arlington. Violating the law is a misdemeanor that can result in a fine of up to $200 for repeat offenders. Still, many drivers continue to use their cellphone while driving with reckless abandon.
Speeding
Regardless of traffic or road conditions, speeding is inherently risky. It can significantly reduce a driver’s time to brake or take evasive action in unexpected situations.
Speeding is the sole contributing factor or one of them in many fatal car accidents. According to National Safety Council (NSC) data, speeding killed 30 people daily in the US in 2020. It also indicates that young drivers are more likely to speed than drivers from other age groups.
Impaired driving
Drunk driving is an alarmingly common problem in Texas, particularly during weekends and holidays. Between December 1st, 2020, and January 1st, 2021, the Texas Department of Transportation reported 2,462 impaired driving accidents. They resulted in 93 deaths and 215 serious injuries.
Besides alcohol, many other substances can affect a motorist’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. These include cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, and magic mushrooms. In addition, certain medications can also affect a motorist’s ability to drive safely. These include the following:
- Opioid pain relievers
- Muscle relaxants
- Cold and allergy medications
- Anxiety medications
- Antipsychotic drugs
- Products that contain codeine
Fatigue or drowsy driving
When someone experiences driver fatigue, they are likely to make mistakes they otherwise would not. Fatigue and drowsiness can impact a driver’s attention span, reaction time, and reflexes. It also affects their judgment.
Data suggests that drowsy driving accidents are more common in Texas than in other parts of the US. Between 2010 and 2018, Texas reported 1,111 fatal drowsy driving accidents in the state, compared to the national average of 103. Texas accounts for 22% of all fatal drowsy driving accidents in the US.
Lack of sufficient sleep and poor sleep quality are typical reasons for fatigue and drowsiness among Texas drivers. Additionally, consuming alcohol and taking sleep medications can also make drivers drowsy.
Failure to yield the right of way
Refusing to yield the right-of-way to other drivers is another common cause of car accidents in Arlington. Nationally, it accounts for 6.7% of all fatal crashes.
Drivers must slow down when approaching an intersection, stop sign, left turn lane, four-way stop, crosswalk, or traffic circle. They should observe their surroundings and allow vehicles with the right-of-way to proceed.
Unfortunately, only a few drivers tend to follow these rules, which is why there are so many failure-to-yield accidents.
Defective auto parts
Defective auto parts can also lead to car accidents. These are of two types, namely design defects and manufacturing defects. Design defects typically refer to flaws in the product’s basic design. Meanwhile, manufacturing defects are errors or failures in the manufacturing process. Below are typical examples of product defects that can lead to accidents.
- Faulty ignition and fuel systems
- Defective brakes
- Malfunctioning airbags
- Defective steering wheel components
- Shoddily-built tires
Dangerous road conditions
A recent study conducted by Consumer Affairs showed that Texas ranks 17th among the states with the worst roads. Only 22% of the roadways in the state are in good condition. 11% are in bad shape, while the remaining are in fair or reasonable condition.
Dangerous road conditions like cracks and potholes can not only damage your vehicle. But they also significantly increase the risk of accidents. Besides potholes, other road conditions that can increase the risk of accidents include the following:
- Uneven or worn-out road surface
- Shoulder drop-off
- Exposed rebar
- Sinkholes
What Injuries Can You Get from an Auto Accident?
The injuries sustained from auto accidents can be severe, debilitating, or even life-threatening. Data shows that, on average, 10% of auto accident victims are vulnerable to permanent medical impairment. It’s a condition resulting in the loss of use or function of an organ or system. The risk is more prominent among those who suffer injuries to the cervical spine.
Highlighted below are the most common types of injuries resulting from an auto accident.
Cuts and lacerations
Broken glass, a bent or broken vehicle frame, or any exposed part of a metal object can cause cuts and lacerations. In many cases, blunt force trauma can also cause the skin to tear, resulting in a deep cut or scrape. Depending on the circumstances, the cuts and lacerations might be superficial, affecting only the outer layer of your skin. But they can also be deep and affect the underlying skin tissue.
Soft tissue injuries
Any injury to your skin, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and connective tissue can be considered a soft tissue injury. The most common soft tissue injuries you can sustain in an auto accident include sprains, strains, contusions, and whiplash.
Soft tissue injuries can be mild, moderate, or severe. For instance, if a ligament is hyper-extended and damaged, it can be considered a mild injury. Meanwhile, the injury can be regarded as moderate if partially torn. However, your injury is likely severe if it’s wholly torn and may require surgery to repair.
The kind of soft tissue injury you can suffer in an auto accident also depends on the type of accident. For example, whiplash is extremely common in rear-end collisions. The impact causes your head and neck to move back and forth rapidly and violently.
Fractures
Fractures are among the most common types of injuries resulting from a car accident. Wrist and hand fractures are particularly common. Most people instinctively throw out their arms to brace themselves in a collision. Apart from this, the following fractures are also common in car accidents.
- Face and skull
- Collar bone
- Rib
- Back
- Hip
- Leg and foot
Crush injuries
A car accident can result in one or more parts of your body getting caught between two objects. You can also get pinned in or underneath a vehicle. These may cause you to suffer from a crush injury, resulting in broken bones, tissue damage, and nerve damage. Serious crush injuries can also lead to limb loss.
Burn injuries
Car accidents can expose you to a heat source, which can cause a burn injury. For instance, you can sustain burns if you come in contact with a hot metal part. Similarly, if you make contact with a downed electrical wire, you’re at risk of electrical burn injuries. In some worse cases, the vehicle might explode, resulting in extensive and possibly fatal burn injuries.
Spinal cord injuries
The spinal column is the area between the base of your skull and your tailbone. Blunt trauma to that area can result in a spinal cord injury. This could be to your cervical (neck and upper back), thoracic (mid back), or lumbar (lower back) region.
The most common spinal cord injuries you can suffer in a car accident may include the following:
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated discs
- Slipped or cracked vertebrae
- Damage to the spinal cord.
Depending on their severity, spinal cord injuries can be one of two types. Incomplete injuries are partial damage to the spinal cord. Meanwhile, complete injuries cause permanent damage to the spinal cord. A complete spinal cord injury can result in paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) or tetraplegia (paralysis of all limbs).
Traumatic brain injuries
Suppose your head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or another hard surface in an accident. In that case, you might likely suffer from a brain injury. Below are the most common brain injuries you might suffer in a car accident.
- Concussions – caused by the brain slamming against the skull
- Coup injuries – bruising of brain tissue caused by a blow to the head
- Contrecoup injuries – caused by the brain slamming against the other side of the skull due to the initial impact
- Diffuse axonal injuries – damage to the nerve fibers that allow brain cells to communicate with each other
- Penetrating injuries – when an external object pierces the skull and causes damage to the brain
Brain injuries are among the most severe injuries you can sustain in a car accident. Failing to get prompt medical care can lead to permanent disabilities and life-threatening consequences.
The Need for Medical Treatment After a Car Accident in Arlington, TX
Most people go into shock following a car accident and may not be capable of acting rationally. If there is one thing you should remember, it is to get medical attention. This must be your priority for two reasons.
Prevent your injuries from getting worse
Any delay in getting medical care can worsen your symptoms. It can result in long-term or permanent disability or even life-threatening complications. In some situations, car accident victims may not experience pain or other symptoms immediately after the crash. But getting immediate medical attention will help you get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Document your case against the at-fault party
Failing to get medical care right after the accident may prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve. The at-fault party’s
Moreover, under Texas law, accident victims must take reasonable steps to mitigate the consequences of the incident. Suppose you don’t get immediate medical attention. In that case, the
Recoverable Damages for Car Accidents in Arlington
Sec. 41.001 of the Texas Civil Practice And Remedies Code determines the type of damages you can recover for the losses you incurred due to an accident. The damages injured victims may recover are the following:
Economic damages
Economic damages compensate the victims for their actual financial losses due to the accident. The costs you can recover in an Arlington car accident claim include the following:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Lost earnings/lost wages
- Lost or reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-economic damages
On the other hand, non-economic damages compensate car accident victims for the impact of injuries on their daily life. Unlike economic losses, these are subjective and not easy to quantify. Below are some recoverable non-economic losses in an Arlington car accident claim.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
Punitive damages
Sometimes, a jury may also award punitive damages to injured victims. Also known as exemplary damages, these awards are not meant to compensate you. Instead, the primary goal of these damages is to teach the at-fault party a lesson and punish them for their actions. That’s why juries often award punitive damages for cases where you can prove the at-fault party was grossly negligent.
How an Arlington Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Following a car accident, you should hire an experienced Arlington car accident attorney as soon as possible. Below are several reasons why you need a seasoned attorney by your side.
Determine liability
A capable Arlington, Texas, car accident lawyer can investigate your accident. They can find out how it happened and what caused it. Determining who can be liable for your injuries is the first step in an Arlington car accident claim.
Establish the value of your claim
A skilled Arlington, TX, car accident lawyer can assess the extent of your injuries and other losses. They can work with medical professionals, certified life planners, vocational experts, economists, and others. This will help establish the value of damages you can demand from the at-fault party.
Gather evidence
A plaintiff must prove they sustained injuries because of the at-fault party’s actions. A resourceful car accident lawyer in Arlington can collect the evidence needed to support your claim. To prove that the at-fault party caused the accident and you suffered losses, lawyers can help you gather the following:
- Medical records
- Photos of the accident scene
- Eye witness testimonies
- Expert witness statements
- Security camera footage
Provide legal advice
One of the benefits of hiring an experienced lawyer is that they can guide you through the entire process. They can also communicate with the
Negotiate a settlement with the insurers
A seasoned car accident lawyer in Arlington knows how to negotiate a fair settlement. The
An Arlington personal injury attorney can negotiate aggressively with the
Take your case to trial (when necessary)
Negotiation or mediation resolves most personal injury cases in Texas. Still, you cannot entirely rule out the possibility of litigation when claiming damages.
An experienced civil lawyer can take your case to trial if necessary. They can make compelling arguments before a jury or judge and recover the damages you deserve. It’s one of the reasons why you must hire a car accident lawyer in Arlington, TX, with extensive litigation experience.
Find an Experienced Arlington Car Accident Lawyer Through The Personal Injury Center
When it comes to personal injury claims, effective legal representation could make a significant difference. It will help you recover full and fair compensation instead of walking away with whatever the
We at The Personal Injury Center know how challenging it can be to choose a lawyer to handle your case. We can make your job easier by connecting you with experienced car accident lawyers in your area. We can ensure that you find lawyers who have handled cases similar to yours.
The best part of working with us is you do not have to pay a dime. We offer a free case evaluation to match you with the most suitable lawyer for your case. Get in touch with us today and acquire the legal help you need.
Get the compensation you deserve in a negligent car accident. Contact The Personal Injury Center today to find a seasoned Arlington car accident lawyer.
FAQs on Car Accident Lawyers in Arlington, Texas
What are the various types of car accidents?
The different types of car accidents include the following:
- Head-on collisions
- Side-impact or T-bone collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Rear end collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Ridesharing accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
How much will I need to pay a car accident lawyer in Arlington?
Car accident lawyers in Arlington may work on a contingency fee basis. This means they will not charge you any amount upfront. They get a share out of your settlement or jury award. Their fees and other claim-related expenses will usually range from 30% to 40% of your settlement.
How long does resolving an Arlington, TX, car accident claim take?
The length of a case can vary according to several factors, such as your attorney's negotiating skills and evidence-gathering capabilities. The nature of your injuries, the claim size, and the number of liable parties involved may also affect the process.
However, suppose your attorney has built a strong case and is fully prepared to go to trial. In that case, the insurance may be more willing to offer a reasonable settlement. In such a case, you can settle your case in a couple of months. Otherwise, settling your accident claim can take up to a year or more if your case goes to trial.
