Best Car Accident Lawyers in Richardson, TX

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Richardson, Texas?

  For non-emergency matters, the Richardson Police Department can be reached at (972) 744-4800.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Richardson, Texas?

  You can retrieve a copy of your car accident report by dropping by the Records Unit of the Richardson Police Department situated at 200 N Greenville Ave, Richardson, TX 75081. Submit your request form and pay a fee of $6. You can also obtain your document by visiting this website https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/Purchase/app/home/welcome.

• What are Richardson's statistics for car accidents?

  In 2021, there were a total of 1,629 motor vehicle collisions in Richardson. These crashes led to:

  • Serious injury accidents: 72 people were reportedly critically injured in 63 suspected serious collisions
  • Fatality accidents: 7 collisions that resulted in 7 fatalities
  • Minor injury accidents: 343 suspected minor collisions that injured 440 suspected minorly car occupants
  • Possible injury accidents: 533 possible injury wrecks, leading to 881 possibly injured individuals
  • Non-injury collisions: 3,097 car passengers were not hurt in 605 non-injury collisions
  • Unknown severity accidents: 18 collisions with undetermined severity

• Which intersections in Richardson are the riskiest?

  Among the most dangerous junctions in Richardson are:

  • Central Expressway and Spring Valley Road
  • Central Expressway and Beltline Road
  • Central Expressway and Campbell Road
  • Central Expressway and Arapaho Road
  • Central Expressway and Renner Road
  • Coit Road and Spring Valley Road
  • President George Bush Turnpike and Central Expressway
  • Coit Road and Arapaho Road
  • Central Expressway and Main Street
  • Central Expressway and Galatyn Parkway

  In 2021, 555 car accidents—or more than 30% of all traffic collisions in the city—occurred at these intersections.

• What does it imply when your car is declared a total loss by the insurance company?

  If your car is labeled as "totaled" or a "total loss" by the insurance company, it indicates that the expense of restoring it to its pre-accident condition would exceed the value of the car. The insurance provider will give you an evaluation of your car's value after deciding that it is a total loss. This estimate should be investigated by your Richardson car accident attorney to make sure you are getting compensated fairly for your losses. With the assistance of your attorney, you can contest the insurance company's evaluation.

• Can minors in Richardson be held responsible for damages they cause following a car accident?

  Since driving recklessly is dangerous, minors in Richardson are typically held to the same standards by the law. However, it also depends on the child's exact age. Children under the age of seven will not be held accountable for any unintentional injury. Once they are a little older and are able to distinguish between right and wrong, children can be held accountable for intentional behaviors. They will be held to the same standards as an adult driver during their late teenage years.

• How much is my Richardson car accident case worth?

  The value of your car accident claim in Richardson will depend on the facts of your case, the physical injuries you sustained, and any other damages. Your attorney will be able to give you an approximate range of values after reviewing these factors. The most frequent types of damages in car accident claims include lost wages, mental anguish, medical expenses, and physical pain.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.