Accidents can happen anywhere, even if you follow the rules of the road. If you were in a crash on Interstate 20, a DeSoto highway accident lawyer can help you hold the other driver accountable.
The personal injury claims process can be stressful, especially if you are recovering from a car crash. An I-20 accident lawyer in DeSoto from The Texas Law Dog can assist with your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How a DeSoto I-20 Accident Lawyer Can Help
Legal representation can make the difference between a fair settlement for your highway accident and walking away empty-handed. Specifically, a DeSoto car accident lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the crash: A lawyer can gather police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to establish what happened and who is at fault.
- Calculating your damages: A lawyer can evaluate your losses and help make sure they are all included in your claim.
- Handling insurance negotiations: A lawyer can manage communications with adjusters and work to negotiate a fair settlement.
- Providing representation: If a settlement isn’t possible, a lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Why Crashes Happen on I-20 in DeSoto
The I-20 corridor in DeSoto is a high-speed roadway with constant merging traffic. Common causes of accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, GPS use, and in-car distractions divert drivers’ attention from the road.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Drivers often exceed posted limits, especially during low-traffic hours.
- Unsafe lane changes: Sudden merges without checking blind spots are a frequent issue on the highway.
- Tailgating: Following too closely leaves little room to react to sudden braking.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use significantly increases the likelihood of a crash.
- Fatigued driving: Long-distance travelers and commercial drivers may lose focus or drift between lanes.
DeSoto I-20 Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Common Injuries in Highway Accidents
High-speed crashes on Interstate 20 often result in serious injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Concussions and more severe brain trauma can affect memory, mood, and cognitive function.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine may cause chronic pain or even paralysis.
- Broken bones: Fractured arms, legs, ribs, and hips are common.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Neck and back injuries often require ongoing physical therapy.
- Psychological trauma: Anxiety, sleep issues, and post-accident stress are frequently reported after serious crashes.
Recovery from these injuries can take months or even years, which is why it’s crucial to work with a DeSoto personal injury lawyer who can help you obtain compensation for your medical expenses.
What to Do After a Highway Accident in DeSoto
The steps you take after a highway accident matter. It’s important to:
- Call law enforcement: A police report provides an official record of the crash, which will be important for your claim.
- Document the scene: If you can, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Collect witness information: Statements from others can help confirm what happened.
- Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, some conditions aren’t immediately apparent. It’s also important to document your condition for your claim.
- Avoid admitting fault: Statements at the scene can be misinterpreted later.
- Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurer of the crash, but avoid going into detail or discussing fault.
- Talk to an attorney: A DeSoto I-20 accident lawyer can help you build the strongest possible claim.
What Types of Compensation Can You Recover?
A variety of damages may be available in your highway accident case, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover compensation for emergency care, surgery, hospital stays, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income: You can recover wages you missed out on due to an inability to work during your recovery.
- Future earning capacity: You can recover additional compensation if your injuries impact your career prospects.
- Property damage: You can recover repair or replacement costs for your vehicle.
- Pain and suffering: You can recover compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You can recover additional damages if your injuries limit your daily activities.
- Punitive damages: You can pursue additional compensation in cases involving extreme negligence or reckless behavior.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Texas
Texas has a strict deadline for filing personal injury claims related to car accidents. In most cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the crash. If your claim is not filed within this timeframe, you will probably lose the right to recover damages.
Different deadlines may apply in cases involving government entities or delayed discovery of injuries. An I-20 accident attorney in DeSoto can help you file your claim on time.
Who Is Liable for a Highway Accident?
Multiple parties can share liability in a highway accident case. Those who can potentially be held responsible include:
- Negligent drivers: Drivers who were speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise careless may be held responsible for causing the accident.
- Commercial trucking companies: Trucking companies may be liable if they failed to train drivers properly, enforced unrealistic schedules, or neglected vehicle maintenance.
- Vehicle manufacturers: Manufacturers may be responsible if defective brakes, tires, steering systems, or other faulty components contributed to the crash.
- Construction contractors: Construction companies may be held accountable if unsafe work zones, poor traffic control, or missing warning signs created hazardous driving conditions.
- Government entities: Government agencies may share liability if dangerous road conditions, poor highway design, or lack of maintenance played a role in the accident.
Consult an I-20 Accident Attorney in DeSoto
Highway accidents happen fast, and the aftermath can be extremely overwhelming. If you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver, a DeSoto I-20 accident attorney from The Texas Law Dog can collect evidence to strengthen your claim and help obtain the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
Book a free case review to learn more about your legal options.
