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  • Mistakes That Can Derail Your Texas Car Accident Claim

    We like to think that seeking compensation after a car accident is pretty straightforward. Insurance companies simply look at the facts surrounding the accident, right?

    Wrong. The things you do even days or weeks after the crash can help or harm your case. Sometimes even facts from months later can affect what compensation you receive.

    Following the right course of action and getting the help of a Texas auto accident lawyer can give you a much better result. Here are our tips.

    5 Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident

    If you’ve been injured in an accident, we want you to be able to receive the maximum compensation possible. To do that, try to avoid these common mistakes.

    1. Failing to Call the Police

    Even if the accident seems minor, or if the other driver tries to convince you to keep insurance out of it, always call the police. A police report provides an official record of what happened and often includes key details that can help establish fault.

    Without it, it becomes your word against theirs, which is not a good position at the bargaining table or in court.

    2. Failing to Seek Medical Attention

    Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away or appear minor at first. Still, it’s important to see a doctor right away, just in case.

    If you seek treatment later, it makes it easier for the insurance company to argue that your injuries were caused by something else, rather than by the accident. See a doctor immediately and follow any recommendations they give you. This creates a clear medical record linking your injuries to the crash.

    3. Trusting the Insurance Company

    The insurance company is not on your side—even your own insurance company. The job of every insurance professional is to minimize payouts. A win for the insurance company is generally a loss for you.

    Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that can weaken your claim so they can deny it. Consulting with a personal injury attorney before giving any statement can make a big difference in your case.

    4. Discussing the Case on Social Media

    A major event like a car accident may seem like a prime topic for social media. But if you’ve been in an accident, it’s best to avoid posting anything, even about unrelated topics.

    Insurance companies often monitor social media accounts. Even posts unrelated to the crash can be twisted to suggest you’re not actually hurt. When in doubt, stay silent online until your case is resolved.

    5. Not Hiring an Experienced Texas Car Accident Attorney

    Trying to handle your car accident claim on your own can be a costly mistake. Texas personal injury law is complex, and insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their bottom line. Without legal representation, you may accept a lowball offer or miss an important deadline.

    A skilled attorney can take control and ensure you receive proper compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

    Contact The Fell Law Firm Today to Get Started

    At The Fell Law Firm, our experienced attorneys can help you avoid common traps that can harm your case. After a car accident, call our team at 972-450-1418 or contact us online to find out how we can help.

  • Can AI Make Texas Roadways Safer?

    Texas is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) in an attempt to make our entire transportation system safer and more efficient. The Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan is a sprawling, multi-faceted initiative to harness the power of AI. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) believes it can use AI responsibly to accomplish its goals.

    Top Priorities for TxDOT in Using AI

    Designing the optimal transportation infrastructure for a large and growing state like Texas is no simple task. Collecting and organizing traffic and accident data is a Herculean effort. Properly analyzing that data to reach the best possible solutions may require more than even a very committed group of people can accomplish.

    TxDOT intends to use AI to analyze all the collected roadway data, including things like pavement metrics and signage to utility projects and safety hazards. As a result, it can help with data-driven decision-making.

    In addition, AI can be used to improve the process of inspecting bridges and predicting when maintenance or repair will be necessary to maintain safety. AI can inform and improve TxDOT efforts to boost safety and improve the flow of traffic. Overall, it can streamline TxDOT efforts to maintain and improve roadways in countless ways.

    The idea is not to turn control over the transportation system to artificial intelligence. Human oversight and accountability must be maintained. It’s a powerful tool, but it cannot replace human judgment.

    Training and Coordination

    Using AI effectively is not an intuitive skill. To maximize the benefits of using AI, TxDOT has included training for its personnel. In addition to the training initiative, TxDOT created the AI and Automation Community of Practice. This group exists to help staff members get answers to their questions and share the ways AI is working for them.

    The three-year plan includes a host of ideas about what AI can do to improve the experience of Texas drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Perhaps just as importantly, it also includes efforts to save money and help TxDOT carry out its responsibilities more efficiently.

    Proactive and Reactive

    Planning and infrastructure are major pieces of what AI can do. AI can also help in situations where things have already gone wrong. It can help with things like wrong-way driver alerts, weather-related warnings and road closure recommendations. Hardly any function performed by TxDOT couldn’t be improved by artificial intelligence.

    A Texas Personal Injury Attorney Can Protect Your Rights

    Eliminating or reducing car accidents is a worthy goal. These accidents result in the tragic loss of life every day. Those injured can have their lives changed in countless ways. Physical pain, loss of function, inability to work, medical bills and more can turn a life upside down.

    At The Fell Law Firm, our skilled team works to protect accident victims. If you’ve been injured in a Texas car accident, call us now at 972-450-1418 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

  • Do You Have To Slow Down For Emergency and TxDOT Vehicles?

    Car accidents are often the result of unusual or unexpected situations. Depending on your driving habits, you may go a long time without seeing any emergency vehicles, tow trucks or Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles. Knowing how to handle these situations can help you avoid a deadly mistake.

    How To Deal With Those Flashing Lights

    Texas Transportation Code 545.157 governs these types of interactions. First, let’s explain the kinds of vehicles that you could see along the road:

    • Emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire trucks
    • Tow trucks
    • TxDOT vehicles
    • Any highway maintenance or construction vehicle
    • Service or utility vehicles

    The purpose of the law is to address the dangers faced by roadside workers. Ideally, this will reduce injuries (or worse) to first responders, maintenance workers or TxDOT personnel, particularly in a state with high rates of distracted driving.

    When you see one of these vehicles, you have two options:

    • You should move over to create an empty lane between you and that vehicle.
    • If there isn’t a lane you can move into, you can slow down to 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit. (Or, if the posted limit is 25 mph or less, just slow down to 5 mph under the limit.)

    The Texas Department of Transportation is currently running a traffic safety campaign on this topic. The name says it all: Move Over or Slow Down.

    Penalties and Liability

    While the law has been in place for decades, it was changed fairly recently to increase the penalties for violations. A first offense can lead to a fine of $1,250. If a violation leads to a serious injury, the driver responsible may end up in jail in addition to paying thousands of dollars in fines.

    When these vehicles have their lights flashing or lamps on, they’re working and need other drivers to proceed with caution. Anyone who fails to obey the law will be liable for any accident that results.

    Be Alert, Stay Safe

    In general, it’s a good idea to assume that vehicles such as police cars, ambulances and tow trucks could turn their emergency lights on at any time. Even if their lights are off now, be ready to move out of the way and slow down at a moment’s notice. Avoid speeding or tailgating such vehicles. If you can, give them a wide berth.

    Making smart choices behind the wheel gets easier with practice. Over time, it can become a reflex action to slow down and move over for vehicles on the side of the road. Even if the car is just someone pulled over with a flat tire, they would appreciate more room to address the problem.

    Reach Out to an Experienced Texas Car Accident Attorney

    If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you need experienced legal guidance. At The Fell Law Firm, our skilled lawyers will help you get the money you deserve. Call us today at 972-450-1418 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

  • Motorcycle Awareness Month in Texas

    Texas is home to countless motorcycle enthusiasts. These riders all across the state deserve the same respect and deference as any other travelers on the road.

    May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in the U.S., and few states stand to benefit as much as Texas from improving driving safety for motorcycles. It’s well worth the effort to help prevent accidents and protect the rights of motorcyclists who have been hurt in accidents.

    Texas Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

    In 2024, Texas saw 585 people killed in motorcycle accidents. The more than 9,000 crashes also led to thousands of serious injuries. These numbers suggest that more work needs to be done to make riders safe.

    TxDOT has an ongoing motorcycle safety campaign called “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles.” It’s aimed at a common explanation given after motorcycle accidents: Drivers in other vehicles fail to see motorcycles until it’s too late.

    While there are some unavoidable reasons for this, looking twice is a good place to start. Paying closer attention has the potential to reduce all types of accidents, including motorcycle crashes.

    Good Driving Habits

    Motorcycles are smaller than cars. Since cars greatly outnumber motorcycles, people often only look out for objects of that size.

    What drivers need to do is rethink how they evaluate safety. Here are some good habits to get into:

    Be Observant

    Drivers must observe their surroundings more carefully. Look longer and look again at intersections, when making lane changes and in other potentially dangerous situations.

    This time of year, motorcycles become more common. Drivers should be actively on the lookout for motorcyclists. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you could avoid a tragedy.

    Only Drive When Sober

    Impaired driving is another issue that arises frequently in motorcycle accident cases. Alcohol and safe driving do not go hand-in-hand. If you’ve been drinking, you should not be driving or riding.

    Stay Calm

    Aggressive driving is also a significant factor in motorcycle accidents. Speed gives you less time to make good decisions. You don’t have time to look twice if you’re rushing around.

    Keep Your Distance

    Despite their small size, you should give motorcycles more space, rather than less. Remember, riders are in much greater danger than car passengers in the event of a collision.

    Go Back to Basics

    Finally, basic driver safety practices can strongly influence motorcycle safety:

    1. Signal turns and lane changes.
    2. Check your mirrors frequently.
    3. Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits.

    These can all help prevent a crash.

    Call a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorney

    At The Fell Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers work hard to protect accident victims. Our team handles injury cases all over Texas. If you’ve been injured, call us at 972-450-1418 to schedule a consultation.

  • Best Car for a New Texas Driver

    Parents face a host of challenges when it comes to keeping their children safe. The teenage years can be particularly challenging, as you increasingly feel the need to keep them safe from themselves as well as others.

    Picking a car for a new driver can be difficult, but the experts have weighed in. They offer some assistance on choosing cars that can help your kids avoid car accidents.

    Driving Skill Comes First

    It’s important to acknowledge this point: The conduct of the person behind the wheel has a much greater impact on safety than the type of vehicle someone drives. The vast majority of car accidents are the result of human error.

    Inexperienced drivers make mistakes. Anything you can do to help them limit or avoid those mistakes will do more to protect your teen’s safety than purchasing even the most indestructible car.

    To that end, do your best to model good driving habits. Teach your teen about the what can happen due to distracted driving or aggressive driving. Give them tips on how to handle these situations safely. Make sure they know the importance of wearing their seatbelt every time they drive.

    Unimpaired, attentive, buckled-up drivers have already eliminated many of the conditions that lead to serious car accident injuries.

    Recommended Cars

    The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports put together a list of cars to look for when choosing a vehicle for your teen driver. The list did take cost into consideration. The top choices among used cars include:

    1. Toyota Camry, 2018 or newer
    2. Genesis G80, 2017-2020
    3. Toyota Corolla sedan, 2017-2019, 2023 or newer
    4. BMW X2, 2019 or newer
    5. Acura MDX, 2017-2020

    There are many other good options in the small, mid-size, large and SUV categories. Naturally, the condition of the individual vehicle should be considered. A car in good condition is safer than an unreliable one.

    As for new cars, the list covers vehicles with a Kelley Blue Book cost below $45,000. The list includes:

    1. Honda Civic sedan
    2. Honda Accord
    3. Honda HR-V
    4. GMC Acadia

    Automatic emergency braking and effective seat belt reminders are among the features that make these cars top choices for teen drivers.

    Safety for All Ages

    Most of what makes a vehicle safe applies to drivers young and old. The list can be used by anyone looking to find a top safety pick when buying a vehicle. If safety is your number-one priority, this list can help you search for the right vehicle to meet your needs.

    How To Deal With a Car Accident

    The right vehicle can help you avoid some accidents and minimize harm when they do occur. But even the best safety tips can’t prevent every accident. Other drivers may behave recklessly, sudden weather changes can occur and animals may attempt to cross in front of you or your teen. It’s important to understand that accidents may still happen.

    If you or your teen has been involved in a car crash, you need a personal injury attorney to fight for you. At The Fell Law Firm, our Texas car accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 972-450-1418 to schedule a consultation.

  • Are EVs or Gas Vehicles Safer?

    The market for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow despite some setbacks. But should drivers expect our roads to be safer or more dangerous based on the increase in EVs?

    Things could certainly change as new companies enter the market. But right now, when looking at car accidents, EVs have a slightly better safety record than their gas competitors.

    What Does the Accident Data Say?

    Statistics gathered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that EV drivers file fewer claims for injuries suffered in car accidents. And the data was not comparing all EVs to all gas cars. Instead, the data reflects injury claims from EV drivers compared to those from drivers of the non-EV version of those same vehicles.

    The difference in rate of injury was stark. Electric vehicles were tied to 40 percent fewer injury claims than their gas counterparts.

    Plus, pickup trucks generally don’t receive top safety grades from the IIHS. The only exception from 2024 was the Rivian R1T. This shows that even EV trucks can be safer.

    There are many reasons for drivers to prefer either an electric or gas vehicle; however, if safety is your only concern, it appears that an EV is the way to go.

    What Makes Electric Vehicles Safer?

    There are several reasons why EVs might be safer than gas cars. First of all, gasoline releases huge amounts of energy when it burns. That’s why it’s able to power your vehicle. Unfortunately, when an accident releases that gasoline, the consequences can be disastrous.

    Secondly, EVs often have a lower center of gravity than gas cars. That’s because batteries are very heavy and are placed at the bottom of the vehicle. Most gas cars have their engines in the front of the vehicle, leading to a less stable configuration.

    For similar reasons, the build of an EV may help prevent injuries. The lack of an engine in the front allows EVs to be built with better crash resistance. The batteries themselves may also help shield drivers from harm.

    When Are EVs Less Safe Than Gas Counterparts?

    Early versions of EVs gained notoriety for bursting into flames that were much harder to put out than those related to gas car accidents. While still possible, that type of accident is still far less common than others, leading to superior accident numbers for EVs.

    Electric cars have posed added dangers to pedestrians due to their more stealthy nature. Gas engines make more noise. That noise can warn pedestrians and cyclists of an approaching car or truck. EVs don’t naturally make that noise. That’s why some safety efforts involve making EVs noisier to help avoid pedestrian accidents.

    Legal Help After a Car Accident

    Motor vehicle accident cases are difficult. If you’ve been involved in an accident, you need to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. At The Fell Law Firm, our skilled personal injury lawyers help people who have been involved in Texas crashes. Call us today at 972-450-1418 to discuss your situation.

  • Does the Color of Your Car Impact Safety?

    Some car buyers care more about color than others. Even if it’s not high on your list, chances are you have colors you prefer and colors you’d rather avoid. Typically, though, car safety is not a consideration—but perhaps it should be.

    Which Car Colors Are Most Popular?

    Six colors dominate the U.S. car market. These six colors, in order of popularity, made up 95 percent of the vehicles sold in 2023:

    • White
    • Gray
    • Black
    • Silver
    • Blue
    • Red

    No other color made up even two percent of the new car market. White is the single most popular color in half of U.S. states, including Texas. It’s particularly popular in warmer states in the southern half of the country.

    The Safest Color

    Several studies have attempted to determine the safest car color for avoiding crashes. The studies do not all agree, but two colors typically come out on top: yellow and white.

    It’s important to note that the gap between the safest and most dangerous colors is not that large. White cars were just 12 percent less likely to be involved in a car crash than the worst car color, black. Still, every percent can count when it comes to keeping your family safe.

    Why Do Certain Car Colors Have Less Accidents?

    When drivers see another vehicle early enough, they can perform evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision. The safest cars are visible and give other drivers time to react to them. Here’s reasoning for why these colors are safest.

    White Cars: Have you ever noticed a group of cars slowing down as they come up behind a white car? Since at least the 1950s, people have associated white vehicles with police. To avoid speeding tickets, many people slow down. And slower cars can mean fewer accidents.

    Yellow Cars: While taxis are a less common sight on roads these days, yellow was chosen for these vehicles for a reason: It draws attention. Cabs were supposed to be easy to spot by pedestrians, and they’re just as easy to spot for fellow motorists.

    Light-Colored Cars: Lighter cars are generally easier to see than darker vehicles. Black is the most dangerous color because it’s harder to see. That problem gets worse at night, in low light or on roads paved with blacktop.

    Safe Driving Beats Safe Colors

    How much importance should you place on the color of your vehicle? Probably not very much. Ultimately, accidents can be prevented by attentive and focused driving. You’ll be much better off driving a black car with your phone off and out of sight than a white car with your phone in your hand.

    Experienced Texas Personal Injury Attorneys

    No car color can prevent every car accident. If you’ve been in a collision, you may need the help of a skilled car accident lawyer to get proper compensation.

    At the Fell Law Firm, our team represents the victims of Texas motor vehicle accidents. Call us today at 972-450-1418 or submit our contact form to schedule a consultation.

  • What Does a Typical Car Crash Look Like?

    Car crashes are disturbingly common. That said, they are not an everyday occurrence for most of the individuals who experience them. Most people will experience, at most, one or two accidents in their entire lives. Quite a few will be fortunate enough to avoid ever going through the pain of an accident.

    Without direct experience, it can be easy to misunderstand the realities of a car crash. Looking at car accident statistics can give us important information about what a typical car crash entails. While every accident is unique, the elements of a typical accident can teach us what to look out for.

    The Most Common Kinds of Car Accidents in the U.S.

    According to the National Safety Council, more than 70 percent of the crashes in 2022 involved a vehicle-to-vehicle collision. Collisions with fixed objects, such as trees or traffic barriers, represented around 20 percent of accidents. This is consistent with prior years.

    Single-car accidents are more likely to be fatal than other types of crashes, but they are still the exception rather than the rule.

    The most common way that two vehicles collide is in a rear-end collision. Angle collisions are a close second place. Rear-end collisions typically occur while the lead vehicle is decelerating. Perhaps surprisingly, they also typically occurred in daylight and when the weather was clear.

    Typical Car Accident Causes

    There is no single factor that causes the majority of collisions. Excessive speed, alcohol impairment and distraction are all factors that appear in a significant percentage of crashes. Each is a likely culprit in the rear-end accidents that are such a frequent problem.

    All of these causes share something in common. They are all the result of negligent decisions made by drivers. Human error, rather than bad weather or mechanical failures, is the cause of the vast majority of car accidents. A typical car crash is one caused by a negligent driver.

    Car Accident Injuries and Wrongful Death

    There are millions of car accidents across the United States each year. The majority of these cause no injuries or deaths. Still, millions of people are hurt and tens of thousands of people die in crashes every year.

    Injuries and deaths suffered in car accidents are common. These injuries cause victims pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and more. Pursuing compensation for these damages is where personal injury attorneys come into the equation.

    Call The Fell Law Firm Today

    If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a car or truck accident, you need legal guidance. At the Fell Law Firm, our experienced Texas personal injury attorneys can help you seek proper compensation for what you’ve suffered. Contact us online or call us at 972-450-1418 to schedule a consultation.

  • Fatal Car Accidents in the U.S. Continue To Fall

    Recent data shows that a good trend in auto safety continued in 2024. Estimates from the first three quarters of 2024 show that the number of deaths from auto accidents was down from 2023. If these estimates are correct, that will mean auto fatalities have dropped for 10 consecutive quarters.

    The Trend in Fatal Car Crashes

    The National Safety Council estimates that 2023 saw more than 44,000 people killed in car and truck accidents. In Texas that year, there wasn’t a single day without a traffic fatality. Luckily, in the U.S., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that 2024 was on pace to see a 4.4 percent decrease in crash fatalities.

    Fewer traffic deaths is something to celebrate. That said, it is important to recognize that 40,000 deaths is still a tragedy for the countless family members and friends left behind. Losing someone in a car accident is incredibly painful. A positive trend does nothing to relieve the burden on the people who are suffering.

    Across-the-Board Reductions in Car Accident Deaths

    States and safety agencies around the country work hard to improve road safety. Preventing accidents has the potential to save lives and money. To that end, efforts have been made to address some of the most common causes of car accidents.

    Speeding, distracted driving and drunk driving have all been the subject of safety campaigns. It’s possible these campaigns have been effective. Fatalities tied to these types of accidents have decreased. Of course, it’s possible there is another explanation.

    The NHTSA has made a number of changes since 2021 aimed at improving safety equipment required on new vehicles. The growing number of vehicles with these features may be contributing to a decrease in all types of fatal crashes.

    Regardless of the cause, what matters most is that fewer accidents claimed the lives of Americans last year than the years before.

    Responding to a Wrongful Death Accident

    Fatal car and truck accidents are not easy to address. For the loved ones left behind, the emotional, financial and legal difficulties that follow such a tragedy are hard to handle. It’s important to know that insurance companies are not there to support you or help you through this tragic time.

    How you respond to the loss of a loved one can make a huge difference in your circumstances moving forward. Having the appropriate resources to support you and your family while dealing with your loss is vital.

    Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Now

    Having a skilled car accident lawyer on your side is important to protecting your rights. At the Fell Law Firm, our Texas attorneys have handled countless serious accident cases, including those involving fatal car accidents. To schedule a consultation, contact us online or call 972-450-1418.

  • 10 Safe Driving Tips From the NHTSA

    The beginning of the year feels like a fresh start. We use the start of a new year to focus on things we’d like to do better in the future. Most New Year’s resolutions involve self-improvement—things like creating better habits and showing more grace to others. Here at The Fell Law Firm, we believe that safer driving is a worthy goal for 2025.

    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Efforts Continue

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a government agency operating under the Department of Transportation. Its goal is to reduce car and truck accidents and make American roadways safer for everyone. As part of that effort, the NHTSA works to encourage drivers to make safer choices behind the wheel.

    10 NHTSA Safety Tips for 2025

    The tips for 2025 are not revolutionary. In fact, they’re many of the same tips auto safety experts have been pushing for years.

    The NHTSA wants the driving public to focus on the following actions to reduce injuries and deaths going forward:

    1. Wear your seatbelt.
    2. Make sure your kids are in the right car seat.
    3. Avoid impaired driving.
    4. Avoid distractions when driving.
    5. Obey the speed limit.
    6. Don’t drive when you’re sleepy.
    7. Watch out for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles.
    8. Properly respond to flashing safety lights.
    9. Help teen drivers master safety skills.
    10. Monitor vehicle recalls.

    Some of these tips can be implemented fairly easily. Others would require a more substantial commitment. But remember, while you’ll never be a perfect driver, any improvement on these 10 safety items can help prevent crashes.

    Car accidents can be tragic. Every accident prevented is hugely beneficial for the drivers and families affected.

    Drowsy, Drunk and Distracted Driving

    Three of the tips are tied to behaviors that are nearly universally condemned. Drivers can all agree that they wouldn’t want to be surrounded by drowsy, drunk or distracted drivers. The formula is simple: If you wouldn’t want the driver next to you doing it, you shouldn’t do it either.

    Drunk drivers face harsher penalties and more public condemnation than ever before. Rideshare services have further eroded the excuses that some people used to find acceptable for this dangerous activity. From a safety perspective, if you’re planning on drinking, you should not plan on driving.

    Drowsy and distracted driving are harder to combat. Most people assume they’ll be alert while driving. Rideshare services and public transportation can help when that’s not the case. If you do drive, plan to be off the road at times when you normally are asleep, and move your cell phone out of reach.

    Safe Driving in 2025 Can Be a Lifesaver

    At The Fell Law Firm, our attorneys have seen the impact of serious car accidents up close. Avoiding an accident is vital. If you’ve been injured by another driver, you need experienced legal guidance to protect your rights. Call our Dallas lawyers at 972-450-1418 to schedule an initial consultation.