Proving Liability for Your Injuries After an Auto Accident in Midland

Car accidents are often traumatic, and they are happening with more frequency than ever in our state. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that there was an accident every 59 seconds in 2017. Midland County is particularly dangerous for drivers, too. Data from the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance (MOTRAN) shows that accidents here account for more than half of the crashes in the 12-county area. If you were in a Midland auto accident, a licensed attorney could sue for compensation on your behalf.

The numbers surrounding West Texas accidents are astounding. In early 2019, MOTRAN reported that crashes in the Texas Department of Transportation Odessa District increased by 67% from 2016 to 2018. Within this timeframe, accident-related fatalities went up by 97%. This leap is among the biggest in the state.

The increase in wrecks is due, in part, to the thriving oil industry. As more work comes to the area, roadways become more congested. MOTRAN states, “From 2005 to 2018, the Odessa district, recorded the seventh-largest increase in registered vehicles and was ninth in increased population among the 25 Texas Department of Transportation districts around the state.” A growing economy has been excellent for the area in more ways than we can count. However, Midland auto injury lawyers know that the rapid population increase has had harmful effects on our roadways’ health.

On this note, commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) pose a serious threat to Midland drivers, too. Semi-trucks that transport goods and machinery throughout the county are the most dangerous fixtures on the road. While the Odessa District is home to only 1.6% of the state population, nearly 15% of all Texas-wide CMV fatal accidents happened here. MOTRAN is still determining how to address driver behavior and safety concerns, and until they figure out a solution, Midland motorists face great risk on the road.

If you were in a Midland auto accident, you might need a lawyer to help make things right.

Negligence and recklessness are the principal causes of car crashes. Negligent drivers might change lanes without signaling, run stop signs or red lights, or fail to yield when merging. Reckless driving is more extreme than negligence. It is a criminal charge involving a wanton disregard for traffic laws. Reckless drivers may excessively speed or drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When a car accident attorney in Midland takes on a case, he or she establishes whether the at-fault driver was negligent or reckless. This determination may affect the payment you receive.

Some common factors in negligent and reckless driving cases include:

• Aggressive driving
• Distracted Driving
• Drugs and alcohol

If your car wreck involved any of the above, call the Midland auto injury lawyers of Carabin Shaw.

The degree to which you and the other driver are at-fault will determine your settlement. Having a clear sense of what caused your accident is one of the most helpful factors in proving liability for your injuries after an auto accident in Midland. However, there are other steps you and your lawyer can take to ensure the best outcome in your Midland auto accident lawsuit. Accurate records are critical, and you’ll want to hold onto the following:

• Your medical records
• Photographs of your injuries
• Photographs of the crash scene
• The police report
• Witness statements and contact information

You should also write down everything you remember about the accident. These records will give your attorney a starting point for investigation.

At Carabin Shaw, we promise to handle your Midland car accident claim with care. While compensation might not lessen your emotional trauma, it can relieve some of the financial stress you’ve taken on following the crash.

To schedule a free consultation with an attorney in Midland, call 432-620-0544. You can also reach us toll-free at 1-800-862-1260.