Best Car Accident Lawyers in Abilene

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Abilene Police Department is (325) 673-8331.

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

  You can obtain a copy of your Abilene crash report online at the following website: https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/Purchase/. This service is provided by the Texas Department of Transportation, and it allows you to purchase and download a copy of the report for a fee. To access the report, you will need to provide some basic information about the crash, such as your name, your vehicle identification number, or your TxDOT crash ID. Note that it can take up to two weeks from the crash for your incident to appear in the website's search results.

• Can a plaintiff sue government entities like the military for injuries in an Abilene car accident?

  Yes. Abilene residents looking to press legal action against government entities for injuries caused by a military vehicle should file suit under the government's Federal Tort Claims Act. Car accident victims should note that they cannot press claims against various members of the Air Force, Navy, or Army but against the U.S. government. There may be a higher incidence of car accidents involving military vehicles near or on the Dyess Air Force Base, the top employer in Abilene with over 19,200 workers.

• What types of evidence can an Abilene attorney obtain to prove the liability of various parties in an icy road-related car accident?

  An Abilene attorney can take videos and photos of the crash scene as well as recover surveillance footage from nearby buildings to establish the liability of negligent parties. Legal practitioners may also work with accident reconstructionists to show how various factors like road defects and winter weather conditions resulted in a collision. Other types of evidence include police reports, medical records, and repair statements.

• Can parents be liable for an Abilene car accident involving a teenage driver?

  Yes. An Abilene attorney must prove that a car accident involving a teenage driver happened because of parental negligence. The attorney can obtain evidence that shows the teenager's parents provided driving privileges to their child despite being aware of their previous unsafe driving behavior. Car accident victims can receive compensation up to $25,000 for property damage from the at-fault party's parents, based on chapter 41 of the Texas Family Code.

• What makes Interstate 20 dangerous for Abilene motorists?

  As per the officials of the Texas Department of Transportation, the wintry months often lead to a decline in road conditions, rendering the crossing of Interstate 20 a daunting task for Abilene motorists. Moreover, the high traffic density on this roadway further complicates matters by impeding the prompt response time of emergency vehicles and tow trucks in the event of accidents. One towing company even stated receiving "hundreds of service calls" during the winter months.

• Are there deadlines for filing wrongful death lawsuits against at-fault parties in an Abilene car accident?

  Yes. Texas law allows surviving family members of a deceased victim in a car accident two years to initiate legal proceedings against the liable party. If a wrongful death claim is not filed within three months of the victim's death, the personal estate administrator or representative may act on the deceased's behalf. These representatives are either named in a will or appointed by the court. However, if surviving family members decline legal action, the personal representative cannot file a claim.