Dallas Insurance Claims Attorney | Personal Injury Lawyer Richardson

Category: Car Accident Mistakes

  • 5 Mistakes To Avoid After Being Injured in a Texas Car Accident

    Being injured in a car accident can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. Medical appointments, vehicle repairs, lost income and insurance calls can quickly become overwhelming.

    In Texas, the actions you take—or fail to take—after a car crash can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Understanding the five most common mistakes to avoid can help protect your health and your legal rights.

    Mistake #1: Not Seeking Medical Attention Right Away After the Crash

    Delaying medical care after an accident can be costly. Most importantly, serious injuries can be covered up by the extreme adrenaline rush after a crash. It’s safer to get checked out by a medical professional, even if you think you’re okay.

    Second, some injuries—including concussions, soft tissue damage or internal injuries—may not present symptoms right away. Waiting to see a doctor puts your health at risk, but it also gives insurance companies an excuse to argue that injuries diagnosed later were not caused by the car accident.

    Mistake #2: Taking the Blame or Making Statements Without All the Facts

    Do you know how fast all the other cars on the road were going? Do you know if the trucking company had done proper maintenance on the semi that caused your crash? Do you know if the other drivers were texting, fiddling with their radios or dozing off?

    Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced or eliminated if you are found responsible for the accident. Apologizing, speculating about what happened or admitting fault at the scene or to an insurance adjuster can be used against you later.

    It’s best to stick to the facts you do know and avoid giving recorded statements without legal guidance.

    Mistake #3: Not Documenting the Accident and Its Aftermath

    Failing to gather and maintain evidence can weaken your claim. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions and visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and request a copy of the police report. Note all medical appointments and the information exchanged in them.

    Strong documentation can make a critical difference when establishing liability and damages.

    Mistake #4: Placing Full Trust in the Insurance Company

    Insurance adjusters may appear helpful, but their goal is to minimize payouts. Accepting a quick settlement or signing documents without understanding their implications can stop you from recovering full compensation for future medical care, lost wages and pain and suffering.

    Once you settle, you can’t go back and ask for more if your condition worsens. A fair settlement takes all past and future costs into consideration.

    Mistake #5: Not Hiring a Texas Car Accident Lawyer

    Personal injury attorneys at The Fell Law Firm understand Texas traffic laws, insurance practices and liability rules and can protect you from costly mistakes. Your lawyer can handle communications with insurers, gather evidence, calculate the true value of your claim and negotiate for fair compensation. If necessary, they can also take your case to court.

    Having legal representation allows you to focus on healing while ensuring your rights are fully protected. At The Fell Law Firm, our team has the experience to get you the results you deserve after a serious car accident. Call us today at 972-450-1418 or contact us online to discuss your case.

  • Why You Should Avoid Posting on Social Media After a Car Accident

    In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s natural to want to reach out for support. Many people instinctively turn to social media to share updates or photos or even express frustration. However, what may feel like a harmless post can significantly damage your ability to obtain fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

    If you’re considering filing a claim after a crash, the best practice is simple: Stay silent online.

    Your Posts Can Be Used Against You

    Insurance companies and defense attorneys actively monitor claimants’ social media profiles. Even if your accounts are private, your posts can be obtained and used as evidence. A seemingly innocent photo or comment can be taken out of context and used to question your credibility, the severity of your injuries or the legitimacy of your claim.

    For example, imagine you suffered back injuries but later posted a picture smiling at a family event. To you, it’s just a moment of positivity. To an insurance adjuster, it becomes evidence that you aren’t in as much pain as you claim. Similarly, posting details or opinions about the accident itself can give the opposing party material to dispute liability.

    Privacy Settings Won’t Protect You

    Many people assume that tightening their privacy settings will shield their posts. Unfortunately, this is not the case:

    • Courts may allow opposing counsel to access your online content during litigation.
    • Friends can share or screenshot your posts.
    • Even deleted content may be recoverable.

    Once something hits the internet, you lose control over how it spreads, and it can end up being a mistake that hurts your claim.

    Inconsistent Statements Can Harm Your Case

    After an accident, your attorney will help you craft clear, consistent statements that accurately reflect what happened and how the crash has affected or is affecting you.

    Posting online can lead to inconsistencies that the other side will seize upon. Even small differences between what you tell your doctor, your lawyer and your Facebook friends can weaken your case.

    Photos and Check‑Ins Create Misleading Impressions

    Images can be even more damaging than words. A photo of you standing, lifting a child, attending a social gathering or even just smiling can be misinterpreted. Insurance companies use these snapshots to argue that you’re exaggerating your injuries or that your daily life appears unaffected.

    Location check‑ins can also be problematic. If you claim you’re unable to work or perform certain activities, but your social media suggests otherwise, your compensation could be reduced or denied entirely.

    The Best Strategy: Go Silent Online

    While your case is ongoing, avoid posting anything about the accident—or anything else, for that matter. Even unrelated posts can be misconstrued. Ask friends and family not to tag you in photos or mention you online. If you must use social media, keep it minimal, neutral and free of personal details.

    Contact an Experienced Texas Injury Lawyer

    At The Fell Law Firm, we know how to protect your rights after an accident. Our attorneys can guide you through the process and help you avoid damaging mistakes. Call us today at 972-450-1418 or send us a message to schedule a consultation.

  • Why You Shouldn’t Accept Early Settlement Offers After a Car Accident

    Car accidents are incredibly stressful. A serious car crash causes a host of changes to your life, from coordinating medical care to dealing with the trauma and emotions of the crash.

    Unfortunately, insurance companies are not your ally during this difficult time. Their aim is to limit their costs after a car accident. One of the tools they use to do this is the fast settlement offer.

    An Early Offer Is Probably Not a Good Offer

    It’s important to understand how insurance companies look at your accident. Insurance is profitable when people pay their premiums and don’t make claims. It would not be a profitable business if everyone got into serious accidents and filed for benefits. They bet on you not getting into a wreck, and now they’ve lost that bet.

    At this point, you’re not a valued customer to your insurance company. You’re a problem they need to solve. Insurance companies have a lot of experience in minimizing their exposure to clients who are no longer a profit engine. They know the tricks to avoid paying you what you are owed.

    Insurance companies don’t start with the offer they believe is fair. They start with the lowest offer they think you might accept, and it can be a tiny fraction of what they owe you. If they think you might agree, it’s worth it to them to make a low offer. That’s why early offers are rarely fair.

    Misunderstanding the Cost of Your Accident

    One major issue is that most people don’t understand what it will take to truly compensate them after an accident. They see an offer that covers the medical bills they’ve received, the wages they’ve lost and the vehicle that got totaled, and they think it’s fair. But the costs can go far beyond that.

    While your medical bills might already be intimidating, there might be much more to come. Future medical expenses must be considered before accepting a settlement offer. Similarly, lost wages may or may not be a problem now, but loss of earning potential could be a problem for the rest of your life.

    Another potentially hidden cost is the non-economic damages accidents can cause. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, a drop in your quality of life and more may need to be considered for you to get a proper settlement.

    The Value of Personal Injury Representation

    Severe car accidents demand the attention of a Texas personal injury attorney. Negotiating on your own is unlikely to result in a fair settlement that provides you with everything you deserve. Without substantial experience, it’s easy to fall prey to unfair insurance company practices.

    At The Fell Law Firm, our attorneys have helped countless clients with a range of personal injury claims. We know when an offer is not what it should be. Call our offices today at 972-450-1418 or send us a message to schedule a consultation.

  • Do Safety Inspections Prevent Accidents?

    Yearly safety inspections will no longer be required to register a vehicle in Texas. Will that legal change lead to an uptick in car accidents?

    Vehicle Maintenance Is a Known Safety Issue

    A properly maintained vehicle is less likely to be involved in a crash than a poorly maintained one, all other things being equal. Things like worn-out brakes, broken lights, torn windshield wiper blades and more can increase the likelihood of an accident. They can also make the consequences of an accident worse.

    Perhaps the most common maintenance issue leading to car accidents is faulty tires. A blown tire while driving, or bald tires making the car slip and slide—tire issues can be a serious safety concern. Because tires are expensive, people may push the limits of safety before making the decision to replace them.

    Do Safety Inspections Mean Safe Cars?

    Now that safety inspections will no longer be required, will that lead to an increase in unsafe vehicles on the road?

    Obviously, car owners continue to be responsible for the proper maintenance of their vehicles. If your brake lights are out, the law requires you to replace them. The inspections aren’t what make proper vehicle maintenance the owner’s responsibility.

    Research suggests that required vehicle safety checks have a minimal impact on crash rates. Modern cars are generally equipped with systems that inform drivers of maintenance issues, reducing the need for a mandatory inspection. A broken taillight or underinflated tire now leads to a dashboard warning telling you to fix the problem.

    Many maintenance issues are handled outside of the context of safety inspections. Vehicle owners have a personal stake in making sure their cars are safe to operate. For most people, a desire for safety, rather than the results of a required inspection, will continue to drive their maintenance decisions.

    What Causes Car Accident Deaths?

    The most serious car crashes involve fatalities. Safety groups track these accidents to try to learn how to prevent them. Maintenance issues are not among the most common causes of fatal car accidents. Speeding and drunk driving are still much more common problems when it comes to the worst accidents.

    Lack of seatbelt use, while not a maintenance issue, is also a prominent cause of car accident deaths. That highlights an important issue related to maintenance.

    The safety features of your car are only effective if you use them properly. Things like backup cameras, lane departure warnings and seat belts won’t help you avoid accidents if you don’t use them. It’s important to get into good habits and use all safety features correctly.

    Contact a Car Accident Attorney After an Accident

    Identifying the cause of an accident isn’t always easy. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. At The Fell Law Firm, our Dallas car accident lawyers have the skill to represent you. Call us at 972-450-1418 to schedule an initial consultation.

  • Study Places Texas Among Biggest Offenders of Distracted Driving

    There is no shortage of car accidents on Texas roads. And while no two crashes are exactly alike, there are a handful of driving mistakes that contribute to many car accidents. Chief among these common driving errors is distracted driving.

    Distracted Driving By the Numbers

    According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,300 people died in distracted driving accidents in 2022. The NHTSA further reports that 2.1% of drivers are talking on handheld cellular devices at any given moment.

    In Texas alone, 495 traffic fatalities were attributed to distracted driving in 2022. That means more than 11% of deadly crashes in Texas are caused by distracted drivers. The numbers do not paint a pretty picture when compared to other states.

    Ranking States By Distracted Driving Incidents

    There is no place in the United States where drivers are free from the problem of distraction. Classic distractions, like your morning coffee or noisy kids in the back, have been joined by cell phones and infotainment systems. Drivers have never faced so much competition for their attention.

    While distractions are everywhere, the laws and enforcement efforts regarding distracted driving vary widely. Some states have prioritized the fight more than others. A recent study has sought to rank the various states by how much of a problem distracted driving poses.

    Texas was ranked 8th worst in the nation in terms of the impact of distracted driving. States ranking even below Texas include Louisiana, Kansas and New Mexico, which ranked worst.

    The three elements analyzed to create the ranking were as follows:

    • Distracted driving fatality percentage
    • The number of people killed per 100,000 residents by distracted drivers
    • The number of distracted drivers per 100,000 residents involved in fatal crashes

    How to Address Distracted Driving

    Part of the issue with distracted driving is that many drivers don’t take the danger of these distractions seriously. The first tip provided by the Texas Department of Insurance for avoiding distracted driving is to recognize that it’s risky behavior. Once that’s acknowledged, then the next tip—to turn off your phone—is more valuable.

    While cell phones aren’t the only distraction, they’re a major issue for many drivers. To truly avoid that distraction, you need to render the phone incapable of stealing your attention. Turning it off or placing it in the glove compartment on silent can help you put it out of your mind. In turn, you can pay better attention to the road.

    Talk to an Experienced Texas Personal Injury Attorney After a Crash

    If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you need legal help to protect your rights. At The Fell Law Firm, our skilled lawyers can answer your questions about distracted driving and the law. Call our offices today at 972-450-1418 to schedule a free initial consultation.

  • After the Car Accident: Common Mistakes That May Hurt Your Claim

    After an accident, your adrenaline will be running high. You may feel overwhelmed and struggle to think logically. All of this is completely valid after a traumatic event. However, there are some things you should try your best to avoid after a car accident, especially if you’ll need to file a claim for compensation.

    4 Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

    1. Declining Medical Care

    Even if your accident was a small fender bender, it’s important to seek medical care immediately. Many injuries such as whiplash may not show symptoms until days or weeks after your accident.

    Other serious injuries that require immediate attention such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may not show any symptoms at all.

    Not only does seeking medical care protect you from further injury, but it also helps build your case. Medical records are critical pieces of evidence you’ll need to seek compensation.

    2. Failing to Obtain a Police Report

    You should always call the police after an accident of any severity. This ensures a police report is on record for your accident. A police report is often used during cases to prove the accident occurred. Plus, the report may help prove who is at-fault.

    3. Taking the Blame for the Accident

    It’s often second nature to apologize after an accident, whether you were at-fault or not. However, whatever you do, don’t take the blame. When speaking to other drivers involved or the police, stick to the facts. Admitting fault in any way may negatively impact your case.

    4. Talking to the Insurance Company First

    After an accident, it’s tempting to reach out to insurance as soon as possible, especially as medical bills and car repair invoices start to arrive. However, we recommend reaching out to an attorney first.

    The insurance company may try to get you to accept a fast settlement. Unfortunately, this may not be enough to cover all of your damages. An attorney can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and help you seek the compensation you need to move forward.

    Involved in a Car Crash? Reach Out to The Fell Law Firm Today.

    An attorney can help you navigate the aftermath of your accident and advise you further on what to do and what to avoid. At the Fell Law Firm, we have years of experience supporting car accident victims in Texas. Reach out to us today for a consultation by calling 972-450-1418  or send us a message.

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