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  • Never Forget This if You’re in an Auto Accident

    You drive to work every day, taking the same route each time. It gets easy to go on auto-pilot mentally and assume that because your commutes have been uneventful, they’ll always be that way.

    Then, it hits you. Or, more accurately, another vehicle hits you. Suddenly, your entire mindset has shifted and you’ve gone from even-tempered to stressed-out, confused and possibly even traumatized. If you’re physically hurt, that adds a whole other dimension of problems.

    Don’t Forget This Important Step After Getting Into an Auto Accident

    You’ve been told the fundamentals of what to do after getting into a car accident for years. Pull over to the side of the road, exchange insurance and other documentation, take pictures of the damage and call the police to file a report if necessary. But these are only a few of the classic steps of what to do after you get into an auto accident.

    There’s another thing to keep in mind that many people forget about in the moments following an accident: keeping your composure. For some people, this is much easier said than done, especially because you can’t always be prepared for how overwhelming the circumstance can feel.

    A vehicle accident is a jarring event that often leaves both parties in heightened states of emotion. It can be easy to lose your cool and get angry at the other person. The problem is that your words and actions can have legal and financial ramifications.

    If you’re angry and confrontational as you approach the situation, it can reflect poorly on you when it comes to police reports and insurance claims. Often, the person who remains calm and rational after an accident and is easier to deal with will be judged more favorably in the situation.

    Just like with crimes, the way you behave and the words you use can be used against you when filing insurance claims. If you want the best outcome for your situation, don’t give the police or insurance companies a reason to think you’re the person who’s at fault in the accident.

    Stay calm and cooperate. You’ll thank yourself later!

    Contact Our Auto Accident Attorneys Today for a Consultation

    If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident and are struggling to get compensation from an insurance company, we can help. The experienced attorneys at The Fell Law Firm will help fight to make sure you get the money you deserve. Call 972-450-1418 or send us a message online to schedule your consultation.

  • Why You Should Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident

    There’s no good time to be in a car accident. Depending on the severity of the incident, the results can be a nuisance at a minimum and absolutely devastating at worst.

    If you get seriously injured in a car accident, you’ll need to cover large medical expenses and potentially miss out on a paycheck because you’re unable to work. In these situations, many people seek legal help to get compensation.

    The Importance of Getting Medical Attention After a Car Accident

    If you get into an accident and the emergency responder recommends seeking medical attention, it’s important that you get to the hospital as soon as possible.

    Your health should always be the top priority, and you can’t focus on other matters until your injuries are managed. But even if you don’t suffer from major injuries, it’s still crucial to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider as soon as possible after the accident. There are a couple of reasons for this:

    • Injuries aren’t always obvious. You may seem perfectly fine on the surface, but a doctor will be able to examine and discover any unseen injuries or problems.
    • Getting medical attention from a doctor can be helpful for your personal injury case.

    How Seeing a Physician Can Help Your Personal Injury Case

    If you visit a doctor after getting into an accident, you’ll have created a medical record that can give tangible proof of your injury to support your personal injury case.

    The physician can get to know you and understand the pain and struggle you’re suffering and provide notes that could be useful when seeking compensation for your accident.

    However, the doctor-patient relationship is always a two-way street. If you don’t work with the doctor and follow their treatment instructions or you skip your appointments, it could make your recovery harder than it needs to be.

    In addition, you could run the risk of being labeled as noncompliant or uncooperative. This would reflect poorly on you in the eyes of the insurance company and be detrimental to your case.

    Injured in an Auto Accident? Contact The Fell Law Firm Today!

    If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, the most important thing is to make sure you receive proper medical attention.

    After you’ve been adequately cared for, it’s time to contact an attorney to know your options for getting financial compensation. You need an attorney who will guide you throughout the process and make sure you’re making the right moves for your case.

    The experienced personal injury attorneys at The Fell Law Firm are ready to help you get the money you deserve. Call 972-450-1418 today to request your free consultation or send us a message.

  • How Dash Cam Footage Could Help Your Car Accident Case

    Dashboard cameras (dash cams) have grown in popularity, and the market is projected to increase even more by the end of the decade. They’re legal in Texas as long as they’re not obstructing your vision, so if you’ve been interested in them, they can be beneficial in multiple ways.

    Why People Use Dash Cams

    There are numerous reasons why people use dash cams. These reasons can include hobbies like vlogging or more serious purposes such as theft protection, car safety and protection against potentially dangerous passengers.

    But another advantage of using a dash cam could include their ability to record helpful evidence that reinforces your legal case after a car accident.

    Can a Dash Cam Help Your Car Accident Case?

    Yes. If you get into a car accident in Texas, dash cam footage can be used as evidence to ensure you get a suitable settlement. There are a few reasons a dash cam can be helpful.

    First, it can provide strong visual proof of accountability. If an accident happens without witnesses, it can be tough to prove who’s at fault. A dash cam can remove this obstacle and prove whether or not the other party is to blame for the incident.

    Second, it can demonstrate that you drove safely and legally when the accident happened. This can be important in situations where it’s unclear which driver is at fault because it can prove you were a careful driver and the accident might have been out of your control.

    While dash cam footage can be helpful for building a personal injury case, there are also scenarios when it can be used against you. Suppose the footage shows that you clearly violated a traffic law leading up to the incident or during it. In that case, the insurance company can use that as evidence of your responsibility for the accident.

    Get a Consultation With Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys

    If you use a dash cam and have recently been in a car accident, it’s worth bringing the footage to an experienced attorney to help determine whether it serves as beneficial evidence in a personal injury case.

    If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the most important thing is to get medical attention first. Once your health has been prioritized and it’s time to pursue legal action, the experienced personal injury lawyers at The Fell Law Firm are here to help you. Call 972-450-1418 today to request your free consultation or send us a message.

  • What Are Common Causes of Auto Accidents?

    “239,539 persons were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021.” – Texas Department of Transportation.

    That’s a shocking piece of information to think about, isn’t it. The report has an even more startling fact: One person was killed every hour and 57 minutes on Texas roads in 2021. Driving cars, trucks and other automobiles is so common and essential to daily life that you’d expect it to be safe. Sadly, the reality is just the opposite.

    Why Auto Accidents Happen

    Automobiles are amazing works of technology that help people get places quickly. But they’re also large and made of heavy materials. Add to that the unfortunate element of user error, and you’re looking at the possibility of big damage when drivers collide with each other and other objects.

    What causes these collisions to happen? How can people get in their cars every day, gain experience and yet still end up getting into accidents? There are a number of common causes of these accidents:

    Other causes of auto accidents include speeding, defective vehicle parts, aggressive driving and more.

    What Types of Claims Do People File After an Accident?

    Auto accidents can come with devastating consequences. As a result, many accident victims file claims and lawsuits to help them move forward. Types of claims include the following:

    Personal Injury

    If you’ve ever been injured in an accident, you know the road to recovery can be long and painful. It’s even worse if you’re struggling to pay the medical bills and dealing with lost wages.

    Ideally, an insurance claim would cover the financial burden, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Depending on the policy, the insurance coverage could be limited. This is why many people get the help of a lawyer to negotiate fair compensation.

    Property Damage

    Cars can receive varying levels of damage from accidents. But whether a vehicle receives a few minor dings and scratches or gets completely totaled, someone needs to pay for the damage.

    People file property damage claims in order to cover the cost of getting their vehicle repaired or to completely replace their car or truck. But these claims can also take care of costs for things you might not expect, such as the price of a rental car or even the cost of possessions inside the vehicle that were damaged during the accident.

    Need Financial Compensation After an Auto Accident? Contact Our Attorneys Today!

    If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident and are struggling to get compensation from an insurance company, we can help. The experienced attorneys at The Fell Law Firm will help fight to get you the money you need. Call 972-450-1418 or send us a message online to schedule your consultation.

  • What to Know About Auto Insurance in Texas

    Driving is a big deal for people. It means independence. It allows people to have broader options in their daily lives. But it also means responsibility, especially if you have the misfortune of getting into an auto accident.

    No matter how skilled a driver you are, accidents can happen and lead to serious vehicle damage, injuries and even death. Many people think about how this would affect them, but what’s just as important is how it affects the driver and passengers of the other vehicle. This is why having adequate insurance coverage is so important. 

    Do I Have to Have My Vehicle Insured in Texas?

    Yes, you need to have auto insurance in Texas. If you’re driving and get into an auto accident, you’re legally required to show proof that you can pay for the damages.

    What Kind of Auto Insurance Do I Need?

    You need to be able to pay for the other driver’s vehicle damage and their medical bills if you’re the one who caused the accident. This means that, at minimum, you’ll need liability insurance with what’s referred to as 30/60/25 coverage.

    This type of coverage means your insurance covers up to $30,000 for each injured person, $60,000 total per accident and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

    However, this is only the required minimum, and there are some pretty compelling reasons to get more coverage. If you get into a big accident and the minimum doesn’t cover all the costs, the other driver could sue you for damages.

    Other types of insurance options include collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, medical payments coverage and more. If you need to know all of your options, get in touch with an insurance company as soon as possible. This isn’t something you should delay.

    Can I Get in Trouble for Not Having Auto Insurance?

    Yes, you need to show proof of insurance if you get pulled over in Texas. If you don’t have insurance, the police officer could give you a ticket for as high as $350. If you get pulled over repeatedly, the fines can get even higher (up to $1,000) and your license could get suspended.

    What Happens if My Insurance Company Treats Me Unfairly?

    Sometimes an insurer denies a claim or refuses to pay it, while other times they fail to defend clients and compensate them according to the policy limits. In circumstances like these, people file what’s called a bad faith claim. If you find yourself in this situation, you’ll want the help of an experienced lawyer.

    Need an Attorney for Your Bad Faith Claim? Request a Consultation Now! 

    At The Fell Law Firm, our attorneys represent clients with bad faith insurance claims. Whether your insurance company has denied your claim, failed to defend you or refuses to compensate you, we can take action and fight for you. Call 972-450-1418 or send us a message online to schedule your consultation.

  • Is Texas a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

    The law on car accidents and car insurance is complicated. It’s common to hear many terms tossed about when you’re purchasing insurance. And, if you’ve been involved in an accident, friends in other places may try to give you their best advice. However, the law on car accidents is state specific. Texas is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Here’s what that means.

    No-Fault vs. At-Fault

    When it comes to the law on car accidents and insurance coverage, some states are “no-fault states” and some states are “at-fault states.”

    • No-fault states: In no-fault states, drivers are required to carry insurance that insures themselves in a crash, at least up to a set financial limit. This type of insurance is also called Personal Injury Protection (PIP). If the crash occurs, the driver’s own insurance covers the damage, no matter who caused it. 
    • At-fault states: Also called “tort states,” at-fault states require the insurer for the driver who caused the accident to cover the damages. In at-fault states, the law allows personal injury victims to hold drivers accountable for the harm they caused.

    Only 12 states have no-fault insurance laws. Like the majority of states, Texas is an at-fault state for car accident insurance coverage.

    How Our At-Fault Insurance Laws Work in Texas 

    Texas law requires drivers to carry certain minimum limits of insurance coverage on their vehicles. The coverage goes to pay for damage to property or injuries the driver may accidentally cause in an accident. 

    When one driver clearly caused the accident, things remain straightforward. However, most accidents involve some degree of fault by more than one driver. For example, one driver may have caused the crash, but the other may have contributed to it by speeding.

    When both drivers are partly at fault, Texas law accounts for the scenario by applying partial fault liability (also called comparative fault liability). In these cases, the court determines the percentage each driver was at fault, and then apportions the damages accordingly. 

    Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable for the Harm They Cause

    In an at-fault state, the law reflects a strong belief in holding people accountable for their actions. If you need help forcing a negligent driver to take responsibility for the harm they caused you, contact our Texas law firm for a confidential consultation. We have the experience necessary to get you the compensation you deserve under Texas law. Just call us at 972-450-1418.

  • What Does a Car Accident Do to Your Body?

    Car accidents can cause serious injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to life-changing paralysis, brain injury and wrongful death. Even car accidents that seem relatively minor can have serious implications. That’s because it’s not just your body that’s affected by the accident. Your brain is affected, too, commonly releasing adrenaline into your system.

    Adrenaline, a powerful hormone released by your adrenal gland, helps prepare your body to respond in stressful or dangerous situations. The release of adrenaline can give you the energy it takes to get through the situation, but it often masks the pain caused by car accident injuries. Only when the adrenaline wears off and things calm down, do many car accidents survivors notice the true extent of their injuries.

    Most Common Car Accident Injuries

    Each car accident is different, but some car accident injuries are more common than others. Whiplash and minor cuts and bruises are actually the most common injuries, making up as much as half of all car accident injuries.

    The kidneys and liver are the organs that are most commonly injured in car accidents. Injuries to the kidneys, liver or other organs can cause internal bleeding that, in turn, can lead to very serious complications.

    According to recent car crash statistics, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, other back injuries, burns and fractures are some of the most common serious injuries that car accident survivors sustain.

    How Long After a Car Accident Is it Typical for Your Body to Hurt?

    The length of time that you’ll hurt after a car accident depends on the type of injuries you sustained. More serious injuries can require a longer time to heal. However, even minor injuries can take time. It’s common to feel sore from relatively minor car accident injuries for as long as six weeks after the accident. That’s why it’s important to be patient with yourself, follow your doctor’s advice and attend all your follow-up appointments. It’s essential that you fully participate in the ongoing care necessary to help you feel your best after the accident.

    If You Have Been Hurt, Get Medical Care and Talk With a Lawyer

    Because car crash injuries can be very serious, it’s important to see a doctor after an accident—even if you feel fine. Getting medical care is the way to protect your health and give yourself peace of mind after an accident. And if you need help taking legal action after a car accident, reach out and talk with a personal injury lawyer at The Fell Law Firm. Just call us at 972-450-1418 for a free consultation.

  • The Physical and Mental Damage Caused by Car Accidents

    Millions of people in Texas drive automobiles each day. It’s a privilege many take for granted, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming that everything will always go smoothly on the road. As a result, drivers can get too confident or careless behind the wheel, leading to accidents. In fact, 239,539 persons were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021.

    People are warned about car accidents routinely, but nothing can truly prepare them for the experience when it happens. This is especially true of the physical pain and mental harm that many people suffer after a traffic incident.

    What Physical and Mental Harm Do Car Accident Victims Suffer?

    Car accidents can lead to pain and misery on multiple levels depending upon the severity of the situation. While there are many types of afflictions possible, some common types that people experience include:

    • Dull headaches, aches and pains: These often come with minor fender benders. While people often feel compelled to “walk it off,” these types of injuries can still qualify for a lawsuit.
    • Whiplash after a rear-end collision: While most people recover after a few weeks, there are others who have suffered from chronic pain for months or even years after a rear-end collision. If the pain is severe and limits your range of motion, it could indicate that you’re in for a longer and more complicated recovery period.
    • Major physical impairment: This includes broken bones, paralysis, disfigurement and loss of limbs. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were over 15,000 serious injury crashes in 2021 with over 19,000 people sustaining a serious injury.
    • Death: Unfortunately, there are far too many people killed in Texas car accidents and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. The 2021 death toll was 4,489, which was an increase of 15.22% compared to 2020.

    These types of injuries can require physical therapy and surgery and may entail a long road to recovery. But beyond bodily harm, people can suffer a different type of trauma from car accidents—mental anguish.

    Victims of car accidents can experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and varying degrees of anxiety. Mental trauma may be an invisible ailment to outsiders. This is especially true if the victims try to keep it to themselves and suffer silently. But these conditions can be debilitating and life-altering, and the victims deserve to receive financial help to cope with the pain and try to find a path forward.

    Injured in a Car Accident? Get a Free Consultation With The Fell Law Firm

    Physical and mental injuries can ruin people’s lives. If you’ve been harmed in a car accident, you may qualify for financial compensation. Call 972-450-1418 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation with the experienced attorneys of The Fell Law Firm.

  • 3 Potential Types of Financial and Property Loss After a Car Accident

    Generally, people do their best to drive safely and respect others on the road. But some people drive recklessly. They can forget the sheer size and speed of their automobiles, experience road rage or ignore traffic laws, which inevitably leads to accidents.

    When people think of car accidents, the first thing that comes to mind is the physical repercussions. How badly did the person get injured? Did anyone die? Questions like these tend to come up right away, but there’s another type of damage to consider after an auto accident—loss of finances and property.

    Types of Financial and Property Loss People Experience After a Car Accident

    Finances can take a major hit after a car accident. Property loss can be drastic and have a huge impact on the victim’s daily life. If you or a loved one have been in an accident, here are three possible types of financial and property hardships that could qualify you for financial compensation:

    1. Medical Expenses

    Most people would expect initial payments for immediate care, but what about in the future? It’s impossible to know how much medical attention will be required, perhaps even long after the accident. These could include basic follow-up appointments, larger surgeries, physical therapy and more.

    2. Lost Wages and Decreases in Earning Capacity

    Some people have a decent sum of money saved up in case a situation arises where they’ll miss work for an extended period. Sadly, plenty of others don’t have the same safety net.

    For those who work in manual labor, the service industry and a multitude of other fields, getting an injury can prohibit them from earning a living. Paid time off and disability only last for certain durations and severe injuries can outlast these benefits—assuming the person is lucky enough to have these benefits in the first place.

    3. Property Damage and Loss

    Accidents will generally put cars out of commission for varying lengths of time depending on the amount of damage. If the crash was a major wreck and the car is totaled, the financial loss can be devastating.

    Losing access to a personal vehicle can lead to increased expenses due to renting vehicles or dependency on Ubers, Lyfts and public transportation. When these payments are added to a potentially decreased ability to work, a person can rapidly fall further into debt.

    Get a Free Consultation With The Fell Law Firm

    If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be qualified to receive compensation for financial loss. The experienced attorneys of The Fell Law Firm can help you by fighting to get the money you need. Call 972-450-1418 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation.

  • Should I Seek Compensation for Minor Car Accident Injuries?

    Car accidents are known to cause serious injuries. However, they also result in minor bumps and bruises. Can you still seek compensation for minor car accident injuries? Absolutely.

    Pursuing Compensation Is Your Legal Right

    Pursuing compensation from the at-fault party for your injuries or losses after an accident is your legal right. It doesn’t matter how minor or severe the accident or your injuries. 

    After your accident, you will receive some form of medical attention which will cost you. You should be able to recoup those costs, especially since the accident wasn’t due to your negligence.

    Not All Injuries Show Up Immediately After a Crash

    Some injuries may seem minor at first but may become severe over time. Other injuries don’t show symptoms until days or weeks after your accident. For example, whiplash pain may not begin until a few days after your accident and can persist for weeks or months.

    Filing a claim for your injuries will help you cover the cost of the medical treatment you receive now and in the future. This includes everything from the emergency care you receive right after your accident to treatments such as extended physical therapy.

    What Damages Are You Able to Receive in Texas?

    To receive compensation for your injuries in Texas, you’ll need to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance. However, you may need to file a legal claim if you’re unable to receive the compensation you need from the insurer.

    In Texas, there are various types of damages you can receive, including compensation for your medical bills, lost wages from being unable to work, and repairing your vehicle.

    Other compensation is available, such as for pain and suffering. This includes damages for the physical pain you’ve endured as well as the emotional trauma of the accident.

    To determine what types of compensation you can pursue, we recommend reaching out to an experienced car accident attorney. They can guide you through each step of the filing process, whether you’re working with an insurance company or the court.

    Injured? Reach Out to the Fell Law Firm Today.

    If you’ve been injured in an accident in Texas, the attorneys at the Fell Law Firm are here to support you. We understand the nuances of seeking compensation and have the experience necessary to help you pursue what you deserve.

    To learn more about compensation or to schedule a consultation, give us a call at 972-450-1418  or send us a message.

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