REAR-ENDED CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY SERVING HOUSTON AND SUGAR LAND, TEXAS

Rear-end car accidents, or rear-end collisions, are one of the most common types of car accidents. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 33.4% of car crashes in 2015 were rear-end collisions. The majority of the accidents are not fatal, but that doesn’t mean they can’t cause an injury that seriously disrupts your life. 

A car accident, no matter how small, is still a car accident. It can still cause injuries, and the injured party still has the right to seek out compensation. Frederick K. Wilson II is an experienced Houston personal injury attorney who can help you determine if you have a case and fight for you if you do. 

Who Is at Fault?

This may seem like a no-brainer: the person who did the rear-ending is at fault, right? Well, not exactly. More than likely, the person who did the rear-ending will have to take some of the blame, but there are circumstances in which the person in front may be more at fault. Some of these circumstances could be:

• A sudden reversal

• Making a sudden turn with no turn signal

• Brake lights that are broken

• Not pulling over or using hazard lights for a flat tire

Regardless of whether you were the rear-ender or the rear-ended, every driver has a responsibility to keep a safe distance from the car in front of them. If you hit somebody, that fact could pose difficulties when trying to assess blame in your case. No matter who hit who, if you were injured in a rear-end collision you should speak to a lawyer to figure out your options.

Comparative Negligence

Comparative negligence is a rule of law applied to determine the responsibility and damages of each party in an accident. In Texas, a modified comparative fault law is also used. This means that the compensation you receive is based on your degree of fault. 

For example, if your case goes to court and a jury or a judge awards you $100,000 but you are determined to be 20% at fault for causing the accident, you would receive $80,000 instead of the full $100,000. If you are found to be 50% or more responsible for the accident, you wouldn’t be able to receive anything. This is where the modified comparative fault rule varies from traditional comparative negligence. In some states, you may be able to recover some compensation even if you are over 50% responsible, but that is not the case in Texas.

Texas Statute of Limitations

Each state has different laws regarding the time limits, or statute of limitations, concerning personal injury claims. In Texas, the limitations are set at two years. This means that you must file your claim within two years of the accident.

If you wait too long, you risk running out the limitations or not appearing as injured as you are claiming to those who matter (judge, jury, insurance adjusters, etc.). The closer to your accident that you file, the better. If you don’t know how to file or aren’t sure whether you even have a claim to compensation, speak to an experienced lawyer. 

Financial Compensation for Car Accidents

The idea of compensation exists so that a victim can get the financial support they need after an accident leaves them impaired. For vehicle accidents, you may be able to get compensation for:

• Medical bills

• Pain and suffering

• Out-of-pocket expenses

• Lost wages

• Attorney’s fees

If you and your finances were affected by a car accident, you have every right to seek compensation. Whether you shared part of the blame or none of it, medical bills are expensive and so is taking time off of work. At the very least, it is worth investigating whether you have a valid claim to personal injury compensation. An experienced local attorney can help you make that determination and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. 

If you were injured in Houston, Sugar Land, or a neighboring area and have questions about pursuing a claim, contact the Law Office of  Frederick K. Wilson II today. He fights for his clients and will be there with you every step of the way.