Manvel Car Accident Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights After a Crash
Car accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence in Manvel and the surrounding areas of Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were over 3,600 motor vehicle crashes in Brazoria County in 2020 alone, resulting in 34 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. In the aftermath of a serious car wreck, it is crucial to seek experienced legal representation to protect your rights and help you navigate the complex process of securing fair compensation. Rodney Jones Law Group, a trusted personal injury firm serving Manvel and nearby communities, is dedicated to fighting for the rights of car accident victims and their families.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Manvel
Car accidents can happen in a variety of ways, but some causes are more common than others. Understanding these factors can help drivers stay alert and practice defensive driving techniques to minimize their risk of a crash.
1. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving refers to any behavior behind the wheel that shows a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others. Examples include:
- Excessive speeding
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Street racing
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding alone contributed to 26% of all traffic fatalities in 2019. Reckless drivers who cause accidents can face criminal charges as well as civil liability for the damages they cause.
2. Skidding
Skidding occurs when a vehicle’s tires lose traction with the road surface, often due to:
- Wet or icy conditions
- Loose gravel or sand
- Bald or underinflated tires
- Taking turns too quickly
Proper vehicle maintenance, including regular tire rotations and replacements, can help prevent skidding accidents. When driving in adverse weather conditions, it’s important to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden maneuvers.
3. Truck Accidents
Large commercial trucks pose unique dangers on the road due to their size and weight. Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Improper loading or securing of cargo
- Equipment malfunctions
- Inadequate driver training
Federal regulations govern the trucking industry, setting standards for driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement. When trucking companies or drivers fail to follow these rules, serious accidents can result.
4. Overloaded Trailer Accidents
Overloaded or improperly loaded trailers can cause a truck to jackknife or rollover, putting nearby vehicles at risk. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that improperly loaded trucks are responsible for around 4% of all truck crashes.
Both truck drivers and loading companies have a responsibility to ensure that cargo is properly distributed and secured. When they fail in this duty, they can be held liable for any resulting accidents and injuries.
5. Sun Glare While Driving
Bright sunlight, especially during sunrise and sunset, can create a blinding glare that impairs driver vision. Sun glare contributes to thousands of car accidents each year, particularly during peak commute times.
To minimize the risk of a sun glare accident:
- Invest in polarized sunglasses
- Keep your windshield clean
- Use your sun visor
- Increase your following distance
- Pull over if the glare becomes too severe
Damages and Compensation in Manvel Car Accident Cases
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including future treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the at-fault driver and deter future reckless behavior.
| Type of Damages | Description |
|---|---|
| Economic Damages | Objectively measurable losses, such as medical bills and lost income |
| Non-Economic Damages | Subjective losses, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress |
| Punitive Damages | Awarded to punish egregious behavior and deter future misconduct |
The Role of a Manvel Car Accident Lawyer
An experienced Manvel car accident lawyer can be an invaluable ally in the fight for fair compensation. Your attorney will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident
- Gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and expert analyses
- Identify all liable parties, which may include drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or government entities responsible for road maintenance
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical needs and lost earning potential
- Negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement
- Represent you in court if a trial becomes necessary
Insurance companies are primarily concerned with protecting their own bottom line, not ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Having a skilled car accident lawyer on your side levels the playing field and gives you the best chance of securing a favorable outcome.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Manvel
The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident can have a significant impact on your health and your ability to recover compensation. If you’ve been involved in a crash, be sure to:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor
- Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report
- Document the accident scene with photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved
- Contact a Manvel car accident attorney to discuss your legal options
Avoid admitting fault or apologizing to the other drivers, as these statements could be used against you in future legal proceedings. It’s also best to refrain from posting about the accident on social media, as insurance adjusters may scour your accounts for information they can use to undermine your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most car accident lawsuits is two years from the date of the crash. This means that you have two years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, or you may lose your right to seek compensation through the court system.
It’s generally advisable to consult with a car accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company. Initial offers are often lowball attempts to settle the case quickly and cheaply, without taking into account the full extent of your damages. An attorney can help you evaluate the offer and negotiate for a more favorable settlement.
Many car accident lawyers, including those at Rodney Jones Law Group, work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you pay no upfront costs, and your attorney only collects a fee if they secure a settlement or judgment on your behalf. The fee is typically a percentage of the total recovery, so you never have to pay out of pocket for legal representation.
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Texas, you may still have options for recovering compensation. Your own auto insurance policy may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can help pay for your damages. An experienced car accident attorney can help you explore all potential sources of recovery.
The timeline for a car accident lawsuit can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the parties to negotiate a settlement. Some cases may resolve in a matter of months, while others may take a year or more to reach a conclusion. Your attorney can provide you with a more specific estimate based on the unique circumstances of your case.
For more questions and answers, visit our FAQ page.
Conclusion
Car accidents can be traumatic, life-altering events, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. By seeking the guidance of a skilled Manvel car accident lawyer, you can protect your rights and maximize your chances of securing the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Rodney Jones Law Group has a proven track record of success in handling car accident cases, with over $100 million in settled cases. Our team is available 24/7 to provide free consultations and answer any questions you may have about your case. We also offer bilingual services for our Spanish-speaking clients.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Manvel or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to contact Rodney Jones Law Group at 832-37RJLaw. We’re here to fight for you every step of the way.
Contact Us
Reach out to Rodney Jones Law Group at 832-377-5529 for immediate assistance and a free consultation. For more information on various practice areas and legal services, visit our website at Rodney Jones Law Group. Your path to recovery starts here!
Main Points
| Main Points |
|---|
| 1. Car accidents are common in Manvel and surrounding areas, with over 3,600 crashes in Brazoria County in 2020. |
| 2. Seeking experienced legal representation is crucial after a serious car accident to protect your rights and secure fair compensation. |
| 3. Common causes of car accidents in Manvel include reckless driving, skidding, truck accidents, overloaded trailer accidents, and sun glare while driving. |
| 4. Injured victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in cases of gross negligence. |
| 5. A Manvel car accident lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, identify liable parties, calculate damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent clients in court. |
| 6. After a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention, report the accident to police, document the scene, exchange information with other drivers, and contact a car accident attorney. |
| 7. The statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in Texas is two years from the date of the crash. |
| 8. It’s advisable to consult with a lawyer before accepting any insurance settlement offer. |
| 9. Many car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no upfront costs. |
| 10. If hit by an uninsured driver, victims may still have options for recovering compensation through their own insurance coverage. |
| 11. The timeline for a car accident lawsuit varies depending on the case complexity and willingness of parties to settle. |
| 12. Rodney Jones Law Group has a proven track record of success in handling car accident cases, with over $100 million in settled cases and 24/7 availability for free consultations. |
Why Clients Trust Us
The Rodney Jones Law Group is a family-based law firm built on trust, dedication and experience. We protect and fight for our clients as if they are a part of our family. This relationship gives them confidence that we will fight our best to win their case.
- 832-377-5529
- 832-37RJLaw
- calls@rjoneslawgroup.com
- www.rjoneslawgroup.com
- 6464 Savoy Drive Suite 800, Houston, TX 77036
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