Car Accidents

Car Accident Attorneys in Amarillo

Compassionate & Tenacious Legal Representation

Accidents on our Nation’s roadways are a serious threat to the traveling public and are the leading cause of death for those under the age of thirty-four.

Annually, over 40,000 people are killed in approximately five million motor vehicle accidents, many involving teen car accidents.

In 2002 alone, nearly 43,000 people died in highway accidents nationwide. That equates to over 115 fatalities per day. The economic costs of these accidents is staggering, over $150 billion per year.

Unfortunately, during your lifetime you are likely to be involved in at least one auto accident. You should know what to do in order to protect yourself and your legal rights.

Call Wood Law Firm, LLP today at (806) 304-0447 to schedule your free initial consultation. Our Amarillo car accident lawyers are here to help however we can.


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man driving car with one hand on the steering wheelWhat Do I Do After a Car Accident?

First, call the police (and paramedics if necessary). It is imperative that the police report is accurate and that it reflects your recollection of the events. If you happen to have a camera, try to photograph the scene prior to moving the vehicles (only if safe to do so).

Additionally, someone should interview all witnesses and record their comments. Such interviews should be completed as soon as possible as witnesses’ memories tend to fade with time.

Your Amarillo car accident attorney may hire a professional investigator to sift through the paperwork and determine insurance information and other mundane facts.

In preparing your case, your attorney may find it helpful to diagram the scene, noting the traffic, weather and pavement conditions at the time of the accident. Try to accurately record as much of this information as possible.

As far as your injuries are concerned, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If treatment is delayed, the Defendant may argue that it was not his negligent driving that caused your injury, but rather something that occurred between the time of the accident and your visit to the doctor.

Contacting an auto accident lawyer should also be a top priority. This step will help you protect your rights and ensure that you do not miss any details as you try to navigate the complexities of Texas car accident law.

should you hire a car accident lawyer infographic

Should I Get a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident?

It can be difficult knowing when to hire an attorney after a car accident. However, there are a few questions you should ask yourself before preparing to go it alone:

  • Were you injured in your accident?
  • Is there disagreement about who caused the accident?
  • Has your insurance claim been denied?
  • Will your injuries require ongoing medical treatment?

Sometimes even minor car accidents can result in injuries that prevent you from going right back to work, or may require expensive medical procedures. By hiring a lawyer to represent your case, you can help improve your chances of winning your case and getting a fair settlement.

How Is Liability Determined?

Since Texas is a fault state, that means that the party who is found to be responsible for the accident is responsible for paying for all damages (usually through their insurance company). Fault is usually determined based on driver error. Ultimately, whoever caused the accident to occur will be found liable for any damages.

Proving Negligence In a Car Accident

In order to win your case you will need to be able to prove that the other driver behaved in a manner that was reckless or negligent, and ultimately resulted in your accident and your injuries. Some of the best forms of evidence in car accident cases include:

  1. Police reports
  2. Video footage from security cameras
  3. Eye-witness reports
  4. Photos taken at the scene of the accident
  5. Medical bills to prove what treatment you have received

Types of Damages Available After a Car Accident

After a car accident, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages. And not just compensation for the damages you have already suffered, but also your future damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are your monetary expenses and losses, such as medical bills, lost income, and out-of-pocket expenses. Calculating and proving your projected future economic damage is a complex process that requires the help of experts, and it is crucial to recovering the money you will need to cover the costs of your injuries for the rest of your life.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages are the harms that probably mean the most to you, and they are much more difficult to pin down and to prove. These include things like your physical pain and suffering, emotional pain and suffering, and the inability to participate in other activities you used to enjoy, like playing with your children or simply going out to dinner.

Our car accident lawyers in Amarillo, TX are familiar with the many contributing factors when it comes to determining liability. We can help you find the liable party in your Amarillo accident, and help you begin the process of recovering the compensation that you need.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can be caused by a variety of different situations resulting from negligence:

Whether you were hurt in an accident with a rideshare driver, or hit by an uninsured motorist, Wood Law Firm, LLP is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in a variety of different types of injuries. Some of the most common include soft-tissue injuries such as torn or sprained muscles, whiplash, broken bones, and concussions. Some of the more serious injuries can include brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, and more.

It's important to remember that sometimes a car accident injury won't become apparent until several days, weeks, or even months after your accident. This is why you should always be examined by a medical professional following your accident.

Should I Talk to My Insurance Company After A Car Accident?

While you are required to notify your own insurance company when an accident occurs, it's important that you don't share any more information than necessary. Additionally, if you receive a call from the other driver's insurance company the best course of action is to tell them to speak to your lawyer.

When speaking to the insurance company, you should avoid the following:

  • Admitting fault
  • Giving any official statements
  • Saying you are uninjured
  • Accepting a settlement offer
  • Providing private medical records or case details
  • Making guesses about what happened

If you have been seriously injured in an automobile accident it may be important to contact a car accident lawyer in Amarillo who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.

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Visit some of our latest blog posts for helpful information regarding your car accident claim and injuries.

Car Accident FAQ

  • Q:What is the statute of limitations on car accident lawsuits in Texas?

    A:A "statute of limitations" refers to the time limit placed on victims for filing a lawsuit after their accident. In Texas, car accident victims may file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit against the responsible party for up to 2 years after the accident. If you don't file a lawsuit within that timeframe, you essentially give up your right to pursue a personal injury claim.

  • Q:How long do car accident settlements take?

    A:The length of your personal injury lawsuit will depend on several factors: 1. How willing the other party is to negotiate a fair settlement. 2. How severe your injuries are and how much compensation you will need to get back on your feet. 3. How difficult it is to prove negligence in your case. Accident lawsuits can last anywhere form a few weeks to several years. If you speak with our team we can give you a better idea of what to expect if you choose to move forward with a car accident lawsuit.

  • Q:Will my car accident claim go to court?

    A:While the majority of accident cases settle outside of court, that isn't true for every case. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement after diligent attempts to negotiate, our team is prepared to take your claim to court to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

  • Q:How do I get a police report for a car accident?

    A:A police report can be crucial to proving your case. This is something that the responding officer should fill out at the scene and should become available for you to purchase from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) within 10 days of your accident. Crash reports usually cost less than $10. These reports are usually kept confidential and are not available for the general public, so you will need to show proof of your involvement in the accident.

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