Rear-End Collision in Laredo, Texas - 5 Steps to Maximize Your Injury Compensation

Laredo, Texas’s busy shipping port puts numerous trucks on the city roads daily. A rear-end crash with one of these big rigs can be a devastating experience. Accident victims often face debilitating injuries and long recovery periods. In addition to unspeakable pain, these incidents can be quite costly for victims and their families.

The Laredo car wreck attorneys at Carabin Shaw witness the consequences of these accidents daily as we help victims maximize compensation for their injuries and losses. If you are injured, call us 24/7 at 800-862-1260 for a free consultation in English or Spanish.

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident in the U.S., according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), accounting for nearly one-third of all accidents. The top causes of these accidents include:

• Following too closely
• Failure to stop safely
• Driver inattention or distraction

Tragically, these causes may all be avoidable by simply following traffic laws. When you are injured by another driver’s negligence, these steps can help you maximize damages to ensure you are covered for all your losses and expenses.

Rear-end crashes in Laredo, Texas, often cause serious injuries, including:

• Whiplash and neck pain
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Severe lacerations and facial fractures
• Fractured ribs and chest injuries

Always seek medical attention immediately following an accident, even if you don’t think your injuries are severe. Some damage may not be evident right away without a medical examination. Prompt treatment also documents your injuries, which is critical for your claim.

Unless you are too injured to do so, gather as much evidence as you can at the accident scene. Take photos or videos of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions. Collect names and contact information from eyewitnesses and other drivers involved in the crash. Texas law requires drivers to call police if there are injuries or more than $1,000 in vehicle damage. The police will complete a report that you can get a copy of to help build your personal injury case as well.

An experienced personal injury attorney is invaluable for maximizing your damages. Your legal counsel can:

• Help you navigate Texas vehicle accident laws
• Conduct a thorough accident investigation
• Negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies
• Correctly evaluate the extent of your damages
• Provide access to medical professionals and other experts
• Represent you in court if a settlement isn’t reached

Texas operates under the proportionate responsibility rule, which holds all responsible drivers liable for a portion of the total damages according to their percentage of fault. If you contributed to the accident in any way, you may receive a reduced settlement based on your fault. Your lawyer will minimize proportionate responsibility claims to protect your compensation.

Personal injury claims can seek economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Expenses like transportation and personal care assistance

These expenses require careful record-keeping to ensure you are appropriately reimbursed for all costs. Your legal team will calculate your non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

You may think an auto accident settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company is a straightforward process. However, insurance adjusters look for ways to reduce or deny claims to save their employer’s bottom line. You may inadvertently say something to an adjuster that would affect your settlement, such as apologizing for the accident or downplaying your injuries. Your legal team can handle all communication with insurance companies to protect your rights and ensure you receive the maximum compensation.

If you were recently rear-ended due to the carelessness of another and are suffering injuries as a result, contact Carabin Shaw now. Our lawyers offer their services on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay no money upfront and nothing at all unless we win your case. Check our client reviews to see how we’ve maximized damages for accident victims, and then call us toll-free at 800-862-1260 to book your complimentary case evaluation.

For more information:

• NHTSA
• Texas Statutes 550
• Texas Statutes 33