A debilitating car accident can turn even the simplest tasks into overwhelming challenges. Imagine missing weeks of work due to a severe neck injury, all while medical bills stack up and your insurance company delays your payout.
It is not unusual for accident survivors to struggle to afford necessary treatments and vehicle repairs to feel impossible to overcome, but your dedicated Sugar Land car accident lawyer with Lowe Law can offer you and your family the support and legal experience you need to start rebuilding your life.
Having recovered millions in damages and settlements, we have an in-depth understanding of the physical, emotional, and financial tolls that car accidents can take. Whether you need help negotiating your insurance claim or are ready to demand the negligent driver be held accountable in civil court, our team is here for you.
Schedule your free consultation with a leading Sugar Land personal injury lawyer from our firm today to take some of the burden off your shoulders.
Car Accidents Are Alarmingly Common in Sugar Land
Car accidents are a significant concern in Sugar Land, Texas, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities each year. According to the Texas Motor Vehicle Crash Facts for 2023, there were 1,368 single-vehicle, run-off-the-road crashes across the state. Additionally:
- Texas recorded 4,283 motor vehicle traffic fatalities, a 2.81% decrease from the previous year.
- There were 15,219 serious injury crashes and 18,752 critical injuries.
- The estimated economic loss due to motor vehicle traffic crashes in Texas for 2023 was approximately $56.2 billion per the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
These statistics demonstrate not only the frequency of car accidents but also their profound impact on injury victims and communities across the state.
For example, intersections with high crash rates are often linked to distracted driving and speeding. By understanding these trends, we can identify patterns of negligence and determine liability in motor vehicle accidents more easily.
How to Recover Maximum Compensation After a Car Accident
Recovering compensation after a car accident often involves exploring several legal options based on the circumstances of your case. These can include filing an insurance claim, negotiating directly with the at-fault party, or pursuing a lawsuit in civil court.
Connect with your Sugar Land personal injury lawyer from Lowe Law to learn more about each step of the claims process to ensure you understand your rights and maximize your financial recovery.
Filing a Claim with the Insurance Company
In Texas, the at-fault driver’s insurance is typically responsible for covering damages resulting from a car accident per Transportation Code Chapter 601. Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act.
To initiate a claim, victims must promptly report the accident to the at-fault driver’s insurer, providing all necessary documentation, such as police reports and medical records. It is important to note that insurance companies may employ tactics to minimize payouts, such as disputing the extent of injuries or the necessity of certain medical treatments.
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, insurers are required to acknowledge claims within 15 days and accept or deny them within 15 business days after receiving all necessary information.
However, delays and denials can still occur. In fact, in 2023, the Texas Department of Insurance received numerous consumer complaints regarding delays and denials in auto insurance claims.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Civil Court
When insurance claims or direct negotiations do not get you the fair compensation you deserve, filing a car accident lawsuit in civil court may be your next best option, along with how to find a good personal injury lawyer.
This will involve seeking full compensation for the damages you suffered and presenting evidence to support your claim against the liable party. Texas law imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims stemming from car accidents under Tex. Civ. Pract. & Proc. Code § 16.003, so you will typically need to file your lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident.
Potentially Recoverable Damages in Sugar Land Car Accidents
After a car accident in Sugar Land, understanding the types of compensation that may be available to you is crucial. Texas law recognizes three primary categories of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Your Sugar Land car accident attorney with Lowe Law is committed to doing everything possible to help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve and ease the burdens you are facing.
Economic Damages (Special Damages)
Economic damages refer to tangible, quantifiable losses resulting from the accident. These include medical expenses (both now and in the future), loss of income, property damages, and any other expenses.
It is important to note that insurance policies typically cover only medical bills and vehicle repairs, so any remaining damages can be sought through your car accident lawsuit.
Non-Economic Damages (General Damages)
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that cannot be calculated through receipts or financial records per Tex. Civ. Pract. & Rem. Code § 41.001(12). These damages address the emotional, physical, and psychological impact of a car accident on the victim’s life. Examples of non-economic damages could include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety or depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Scarring or permanent disfigurement
- Damage to reputation
Punitive Damages (Exemplary Damages)
Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct and to deter similar actions in the future. In Texas, punitive damages awards can only be issued under specific circumstances.
According to Texas law, exemplary damages may not exceed an amount equal to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages, plus an amount equal to any non-economic damages found by the jury, not to exceed $750,000 or $200,000.
Turn to a Premier Car Accident Lawyer in Sugar Land for Help Today
A car accident can disrupt every part of your life, from your daily routine to your long-term plans. Having to rely on friends, family, or public transportation because your car is totaled or losing sleep over insurance companies disputing your claim can have a debilitating impact.
Your respected car accident attorney in Sugar Land with Lowe Law can take on these burdens so you can begin to pick up the pieces of your life, so fill out our online contact form or call us to schedule your free consultation today.
