While Interstate 35E is critical for transportation and commerce, it is also the site of serious traffic accidents. If you were involved in a crash on this highway, a DeSoto highway accident lawyer can help you recover damages.
Though accidents on I-35E can happen in a matter of seconds, the effects can last for years. If you were involved in one, an I-35E accident lawyer in DeSoto from The Texas Law Dog can help you obtain compensation for your injuries and other losses.
The Role of a DeSoto I-35E Accident Lawyer
After a highway accident, it’s natural to be unsure how to seek justice. A DeSoto car accident lawyer can help with every aspect of your case, including:
- Investigating the accident scene and collecting evidence
- Identifying all liable parties
- Calculating the value of your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Handling communication with insurers and opposing attorneys
- Filing a lawsuit if settlement negotiations are unsuccessful
Common Types of I-35E Accidents
Several types of crashes occur on Interstate 35E in DeSoto. Common ones include:
- Rear-end collisions: Stop-and-go traffic often leads to drivers crashing into vehicles ahead of them, especially during rush hour.
- Multi-vehicle pileups: Chain-reaction crashes involving several vehicles can happen when traffic suddenly slows or visibility is poor.
- Rollover accidents: SUVs and pickup trucks may roll over during high-speed crashes or sudden steering maneuvers.
- Sideswipe accidents: Unsafe lane changes and merging errors commonly cause sideswipe collisions on crowded highways.
- Head-on collisions: Wrong-way drivers can cause catastrophic head-on crashes that result in severe injuries or even fatalities.
DeSoto I-35E Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Steps to Take After an Accident on I-35E
The steps you take after a highway accident matter for your claim. You should:
- Call law enforcement: Police officers will investigate the crash and prepare an official accident report.
- Gather evidence: Photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, injuries, and debris can serve as important evidence in your case.
- Exchange information: Collect insurance and contact information from all drivers who were involved in the accident.
- See a doctor: Prompt medical care can help identify internal injuries and create medical records that connect your injuries to the crash.
- Avoid admitting fault: Statements made at the accident scene could later be used against you by insurance companies.
- Speak to an attorney: The sooner you get help from a DeSoto personal injury lawyer, the stronger your claim will be.
Who May Be Liable for a Highway Accident?
The answer as to who is liable for a highway accident depends on the circumstances surrounding the crash. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Negligent drivers
- Commercial trucking companies
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Government agencies responsible for road maintenance
- Employers of negligent drivers
- Cargo loading companies
A DeSoto I-35E accident lawyer can collect evidence to prove who is responsible for paying your damages.
How Weather Conditions Cause I-35E Accidents
Texas weather can create dangerous driving conditions on Interstate 35E. Heavy rain is particularly hazardous because it reduces visibility and increases the risk of hydroplaning. Other weather-related hazards include:
- Fog
- Strong winds
- Flash flooding
- Ice during winter storms
- Wet pavement
Drivers who fail to adjust their speed during poor weather may still be considered negligent, even if the weather contributes to the accident.
What Types of Damages May Be Available?
The compensation available to you after an I-35E accident depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the crash. You may be able to recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
In cases involving extreme negligence from the at-fault party, punitive damages may also be available to you.
What If I’m Partially At Fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system for personal injury claims. This means you can still recover compensation if you were partially responsible for the accident, provided you were not more than 50% at fault. However, if you share liability, your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies frequently use comparative fault arguments to reduce payouts, but an I-35E accident attorney in DeSoto can help make sure you aren’t assigned fault unfairly.
How Long Do You Have to File a Highway Accident Claim in Texas?
Texas law generally gives accident victims two years from the date of a car crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation entirely.
However, certain circumstances may affect your case’s deadline. For instance, claims involving government entities or minors often have different rules. Our attorneys can help make sure you file on time.
How Insurance Companies Handle Highway Accident Claims
Although insurance adjusters may sound helpful after an accident, their primary goal is to minimize your settlement. Insurers often:
- Dispute liability
- Minimize the severity of injuries
- Delay the claims process
- Offer low settlements early in the case
If you accept the first settlement offer, you may discover later that it doesn’t cover all of your losses. Our lawyers can handle the insurance company and help negotiate a fair payout.
Speak to an I-35E Accident Attorney in DeSoto
Everything you do after an accident matters. If you were injured in a crash on I-35E, a DeSoto I-35E accident attorney from The Texas Law Dog can explain your options, assist with your claim, and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
Book a free case review to find out how you can get justice.
