Have you or a loved one recently been injured in an auto accident? Our team at The Edwards Law Firm is here to help you get the justice you deserve. Reach out today for a free consultation with one of our experienced McAllen auto accident lawyers.
Every day in McAllen, auto accidents occur, often leading to significant injuries for drivers, passengers, and others involved. Even seemingly minor collisions can cause considerable property damage, and injuries might not become apparent until weeks or months later. Victims of car crashes have the right to seek financial compensation for all the impacts they have endured due to the accident. By partnering with a knowledgeable McAllen auto accident lawyer, they can ensure that all their damages are appropriately addressed.
At the Edwards Law Firm, we have a strong history of securing fair compensation for our clients. With over a century of combined experience in personal injury law, our attorneys have achieved numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. We strive to help car accident victims obtain the compensation they need to move forward and meet their ongoing needs. We recognize the severe impact of auto accident injuries, including long-term disabilities and wrongful deaths, and we are committed to defending the rights of those affected.
Auto accidents in McAllen, Texas, can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
Distracted driving is a significant cause of accidents, often resulting from the use of mobile phones for texting, calling, or browsing while behind the wheel. Other common distractions include eating, drinking, interacting with passengers, adjusting the radio, and using in-car technologies. These activities divert the driver's attention away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
Speeding is dangerous because it involves exceeding the posted speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions, such as during rain or fog. Higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of collisions, making speeding a significant contributor to traffic accidents.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction times. This includes both alcohol impairment and drug impairment, whether from prescription medications or recreational substances, all of which significantly increase the likelihood of accidents.
Reckless driving involves aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, and exhibiting road rage. Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs also falls under reckless driving, and these dangerous behaviors often lead to severe accidents and injuries.
Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or snow, can significantly reduce visibility and road traction. Drivers who fail to adjust their driving to accommodate these conditions increase the risk of accidents, as they may not be able to stop or maneuver their vehicles safely.
Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs can result in severe collisions, particularly at intersections where vehicles often cross paths at high speeds. This reckless behavior is a common cause of severe traffic accidents and injuries.
Driving while tired or drowsy can be as dangerous as driving under the influence, as it significantly impairs reaction times and decision-making abilities. Fatigue-related accidents often occur when drivers nod off behind the wheel or fail to react to road hazards in time.
Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, and a lack of proper signage, can lead to accidents by making it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. Construction zones and debris on the road also pose significant hazards that can contribute to crashes.
Vehicle defects, including mechanical failures like brake or tire malfunctions, can lead to accidents by preventing drivers from controlling their vehicles properly. Additionally, manufacturing defects or unresolved recalls can cause vehicles to fail unexpectedly, increasing the risk of accidents.
Inexperienced drivers, particularly teens, are more likely to make poor decisions and have slower reaction times in challenging situations. Their lack of experience on the road can lead to accidents, especially in complex driving environments or under adverse conditions.
Understanding these common causes can help McAllen drivers take proactive steps to prevent accidents and stay safe on the road.
To make it easier for your McAllen auto accident lawyer to get a fair settlement or verdict for you, consider taking these steps immediately after an accident:
At the Edwards Law Firm, we handle a wide range of car accident cases to ensure that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Here are some of the most common cases we see that fall under the umbrella of auto accidents.
Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions are commonly caused by distracted driving or tailgating. These accidents can lead to whiplash and other serious injuries, as the impact from the rear can jolt occupants unexpectedly, often without warning.
Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of accidents, frequently resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. The force of impact is significantly higher in these accidents, as both vehicles are typically traveling toward each other at speed.
T-Bone Accidents: T-bone accidents, which are common at intersections, occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another. These accidents can cause significant injuries to the occupants, particularly to those on the side of the vehicle that is struck.
Sideswipe Accidents: Sideswipe accidents happen when two vehicles traveling in the same direction collide with each other's sides. These accidents often result from lane changes or merging errors, and while they can cause less damage than other types of collisions, they still pose serious risks.
Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: Multi-vehicle pile-ups involve several vehicles and often lead to complex liability issues and extensive injuries. These accidents can create chain reactions where one crash leads to another, complicating the determination of fault.
Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents, often involving SUVs or trucks, are particularly dangerous because the vehicle flips over. These accidents can cause serious injuries, especially if occupants are not wearing seat belts or if the vehicle’s roof structure fails.
Hit-and-Run Accidents: In hit-and-run accidents, the at-fault driver flees the scene, leaving victims to deal with the aftermath alone. These accidents complicate the process of seeking compensation, as the responsible party is not immediately available to be held accountable.
Drunk Driving Accidents: Drunk driving accidents involve drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, leading to potentially severe consequences. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, making these accidents particularly dangerous.
Distracted Driving Accidents: Distracted driving accidents occur when drivers focus on their phones, GPS devices, or other distractions instead of the road. These distractions can lead to severe accidents, as the driver’s attention is diverted from driving safely.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents: Due to their size and weight, commercial vehicle accidents involving trucks, buses, or other large vehicles can result in more severe injuries. The impact of a collision with a commercial vehicle can be devastating for smaller passenger cars.
Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for motorcyclists compared to car drivers. Without the protective shell of a car, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to severe injuries in a collision.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Pedestrian and bicycle accidents occur when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian or cyclist, often leading to significant injuries. These accidents are hazardous because pedestrians and cyclists have minor protection against the impact of a vehicle.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Accidents: Uninsured or underinsured motorist accidents involve cases where the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance to cover the damages. Victims in these accidents may struggle to receive adequate compensation for their injuries and property damage.
Uber/Lyft Accidents: Uber and Lyft accidents involve rideshare vehicles and can present complex insurance and liability issues. Determining responsibility in these cases can be challenging, as both the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s coverage may be involved.
Our experienced McAllen auto accident lawyers are equipped to handle these and other types of car accident cases, providing dedicated support and legal expertise to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
In 2021, McAllen, TX, experienced a total of 2,386 motor vehicle accidents, averaging over 6.5 collisions daily. These incidents included 8 fatal crashes resulting in 10 fatalities and 34 serious injury crashes that caused severe injuries to 42 people.
Additionally, there were 409 minor injury crashes leading to 578 minor injuries and 1,033 possible injury crashes that potentially injured 1,889 people. Meanwhile, 842 accidents were classified as no-injury crashes, leaving 4,163 individuals unharmed, while 60 accidents had unknown severity, affecting 235 people with undetermined injuries.
McAllen has many roadways notorious for their high accident rates. US Highway 83/Interstate 2 and Business 83 stand out due to their significant crash densities. Highway 83 is particularly well-known as one of Texas's most perilous roads.
These six roads alone accounted for nearly 40% of all accidents in McAllen in 2021.
Texas is a fault state when it comes to auto accidents. This means that the driver who is found to be responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for the resulting damages. Here’s how the fault system works in Texas:
As a fault state, Texas allows the injured party to seek compensation through several avenues. You can file a claim with your own insurance company, which may then seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurer. Alternatively, you can file a third-party claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If insurance claims do not cover your damages or a fair settlement cannot be reached, you also have the option of filing a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which affects how compensation is awarded:
Knowing that Texas is a fault state is crucial for several reasons. First, it’s essential to understand the minimum liability insurance requirements in Texas, which are $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
This knowledge helps ensure that you meet the legal requirements and are adequately protected. Additionally, being aware of the claims process, including how comparative negligence can affect your claim, is essential for navigating the compensation process effectively. Finally, recognizing the importance of consulting with a knowledgeable auto accident lawyer is key, as they can help you navigate the complexities of fault determination and work to maximize your compensation.
If you’ve been involved in an accident in McAllen or anywhere in Texas, our experienced auto accident lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and options under the state's fault-based system. We can guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you've been involved in an auto accident in McAllen, TX, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, known as damages. These can be broadly categorized into economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Here’s an overview of the damages you may be eligible to claim:
These damages cover financial losses directly related to the accident and can include:
These damages compensate for non-financial impacts of the accident, such as:
In cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. These are less common and typically awarded in severe cases.
If you were involved in an auto accident in McAllen, TX, hiring an experienced auto accident lawyer can provide numerous benefits and significantly improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation. Here’s how a lawyer can assist you:
Understanding your rights is crucial after an accident, and a lawyer can explain the types of compensation you may be entitled to. They can also guide you through complex legal procedures, ensuring that you meet all necessary deadlines and helping you navigate the process with confidence.
Gathering evidence is a critical part of building a solid case, and lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation by collecting crucial evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photos. They may also consult with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and other experts to strengthen your case and ensure that all aspects of the incident are thoroughly examined.
Lawyers can manage all communications with insurance companies, using their negotiation skills to pursue the maximum settlement on your behalf. They also protect you from being pressured into accepting a lowball settlement that doesn’t adequately cover your full range of damages, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
A comprehensive evaluation by an attorney ensures that all your damages are accurately calculated, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. They also consider future costs, making sure that long-term medical care and potential loss of earnings are factored into your compensation so you are fully covered for both present and future needs.
Litigation is a crucial step if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our lawyers are prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury. They will develop and execute a legal strategy tailored to the specifics of your case, maximizing your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
Managing paperwork can be overwhelming, but a lawyer takes care of all the legal documents and administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Having a professional manage your case also provides peace of mind, knowing that your legal matters are in capable hands during a stressful time.
Our team of experienced McAllen auto accident lawyers is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation. We have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients and are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate this challenging time. Our experienced McAllen auto accident lawyers are dedicated to securing the maximum compensation for our clients. We offer a comprehensive approach, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary.
In Texas, the statute of limitations sets a time limit on how long individuals have to file a lawsuit. Understanding these limitations is crucial in pursuing legal action. In personal injury cases, which include car accident cases, the statute of limitations in Texas is generally two years from the date of the injury.
It's important to consult with our experienced attorneys at the Edwards Law Firm to ensure your rights are protected within the specified time frame.
Our team at The Edwards Law Firm is dedicated to helping auto accident victims obtain the total and fair compensation they deserve for their injuries. To schedule a free consultation and receive legal assistance with your case, call us at 361-320-6752.
We take all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we will never ask you to pay us upfront to begin work on your case, and you will only owe legal fees if we win.
