Category: Car Accidents

2021 Was the Second-Deadliest Year Ever on Texas Roads
Last year produced the second-highest number of fatal vehicle crashes Texas roadways have ever seen, according to data released by the Texas Department of Transportation.

TxDOT’s tracking showed a total of 4,480 people killed on Texas roads in 2021. Only 1981 was deadlier, with 4,701 fatalities recorded that year. The agency has been keeping track of crash deaths since 1940.

The increase in fatalities in Texas last year is consistent with nationwide trends, which show an uptick in road deaths. Nationwide, an estimated 20,160 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the first half of 2021, up 18.4% over 2020. In Texas specifically, 2021’s fatalities were up 15% from the previous year.

Driver Behavior Is a Major Cause of—and Major Solution to—This Problem

As Dallas car accident and wrongful death lawyers, we have represented numerous grieving families who lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligent or reckless driving.

Many of these fatal accidents could have been avoided if the other driver had simply paid more attention behind the wheel. We urge all drivers to do the little things to keep themselves and others safe:
- Don’t speed: TxDOT says 1,522 of last year’s deaths were caused by speeding. Excess speed is the leading cause of all auto accidents.
- Buckle up: A whopping 1,219 people were killed because they were not wearing their seatbelt. Make sure you buckle up every time, even on short trips.
- Don’t text: It takes about five seconds to read a text. At 55 miles an hour, your car will travel more than the length of a football field while your eyes are off the road.
- Use hands-free calling: Ideally, none of us would take phone calls from the road, but if you must, you should only do so hands-free to reduce the level of distraction.
- Never drink and drive: Wherever you are in the Dallas area, an Uber or Lyft is never far away. There’s simply no reason to drive yourself anywhere if you’ve been drinking.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Auto Accident?

Texas law specifies who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The list includes the decedent’s surviving spouse, the children, and parents. Surviving siblings, unfortunately, are not able to file a claim.

The lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of the death. There are some rare exceptions to this rule, but it is best to assume that your suit will need to be filed within the two-year window.

If successful, your wrongful death case can allow you to recover damages for mental anguish, lost earning capacity, loss of care and support, loss of companionship, and other types of losses.

Get Advice From a Dallas Auto Accident Attorney

The lawyers of The Fell Law Firm have decades of experience handling serious car, truck, and motorcycle accident cases, including fatal wrecks. We will fight for the maximum compensation available to you.

To get started, please call 972-450-1418 or send us a message. Our Dallas-based team represents clients throughout East Texas. Your initial consultation with our team is free.

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July 14, 2022
Texas Tied for #1 in Worst Drivers: Careless Driving and Speeding a Problem

For the past 10 years, the website Car Insurance Comparison has analyzed vehicle accident data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association CrashStats and Fatality Analysis Reporting System. They use that data to come up with their Worst Driver ranking each year.

2022 is not looking good for Texas. We’re tied for #1 (with New Mexico) for worst drivers. Texas was particularly bad for careless driving and speeding. In our state, 30.7% of fatal car accidents involved speeding. That adds up to a lot of heartaches for families of loved ones lost to a car or truck crash.

Texas also had the highest percentage of fatal vehicle crashes involving a driver with an invalid driver’s license (19.1%), and the highest number of alcohol-related fatal crashes (79.56%).

Texas didn’t always rate this bad but it’s been climbing in the “worst driver” ratings for the past several years.

The pandemic increased accident and fatality rates nationwide. In 2020, fatal car accidents increased 7% across Texas. And according to an article in The Mercury, police in Richardson said the increase in fatalities continued in 2021, as well as a 20% increase in injuries in vehicle crashes.

Waterview was the site of many car accidents in Richardson. In Plano, some of the worst intersections for car accidents are Custer Road and W Parker Road, and Dallas Parkway and West Parker Road. In fact, in 2019 there were more than 100 car accidents along Dallas Parkway.

But that wasn’t the most dangerous road in Plano. That same year saw almost 130 car and truck crashes along Colt Road.

If you’ve been injured by a careless driver, a drunk driver, or a speeding driver, talk to a personal injury attorney as soon as you can after the accident. A family member can also make the call if the injured person cannot do so themselves.

Proving fault in a car accident or truck accident may require some investigation. Yes, the police do some investigation at the site of the accident when they arrive, but so will a personal injury law firm. Sometimes we seek the help of an accident investigator or an accident reconstructionist if that’s what it takes to prove who caused the accident and why the injured person should get compensated.

The Fell Law Firm represents injured people and the family of those who have died in a car or truck crash in the Dallas-Richardson-Plano area. Mr. Fell can review your situation and can advise you on the next steps to take to ensure you get full and fair compensation. Call 972-450-1418 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation.

May 19, 2022
Pain & Suffering, Loss of Consortium & More: Car Accident Damages Explained
Car accidents can leave you reeling from pain, emotional trauma and piles of medical bills. You don’t have to try and make it through the aftermath alone. An attorney can help you file a car accident claim to pursue damages that will help you move forward.

Common Car Accident Damages Explained

We know that now is not the time to get lost in legal jargon, so let’s address it. The term “damages” simply means a sum of money or compensation awarded for a loss or injury. It’s the cash you may receive by filing a claim after your accident.

Under the umbrella of damages are many other terms that specify each type of compensation you may receive. Some are relatively simple; others, not so much. Let’s dive into the most common damages available.
- Disfigurement: Disfigurement refers to a permanent change to an individual’s body. Often, this relates to scars or injuries that may change your appearance. Disfigurement may increase the compensation available to you.
- Loss of earning capacity: This damage may be available if you lose your ability to work and earn a living for the foreseeable future. It could be the result of a disability or injuries that require extensive rehabilitation.
- Loss of consortium: Loss of consortium is typically filed by the spouse or family member of an accident victim. The claim is that the victim can no longer provide the same comfort or care as they did before the accident.
- Loss of use of vehicle: Lack of transportation is costly, especially if you need to travel back and forth to doctor’s appointments or work. This damage covers that.
- Lost wages: Lost wages differ from loss of earning capacity. Instead, it covers the actual amount you lost due to being off of work.
- Pain and suffering: This refers to the actual physical pain you feel resulting from your injuries as well as the emotional trauma sustained.
Which Damages Will I Receive?

We can’t predict which damages you may receive for your specific claim. Each accident is unique and requires a personal touch. We recommend reaching out to an attorney who can review your case and determine which compensation is best to pursue.

Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident? Call an Attorney Today!

If you’ve been injured in an accident, the attorneys at The Fell Law Firm are available to help. To learn more about how to file a claim or to discuss your concerns, give us a call at 972-450-1418 or send us a message. We’re here to support you.

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April 15, 2021
The Most Severe Car Accident Injuries & How to Avoid Them
Some car accidents result in a bit of vehicle damage and some stiffness in the days to follow. Other car accidents result in serious life-threatening injuries.

The Top 3 Most Severe Car Accident Injuries

According to the CDC, about 3 million people are non-fatally injured in vehicle crashes within the US each year. Unfortunately, some of these injuries are severe and require immediate medical attention.

1. Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries due to force can lead to permanent disabilities such as vision or speech loss. And if left undiagnosed, they can also lead to death. Traumatic brain injuries include internal hemorrhages, skull fractures, brain contusions and hydrocephalus.

2. Spinal Cord Injuries

Your spinal cord is critical to your ability to move freely and feel. Injuries to your spinal cord can result in paralysis of your extremities or your body as a whole. Most spinal cord injuries are caused by disc ruptures or bone fragments from breaks. It’s also possible for the spinal cord to tear due to force.

3. Internal Injuries

Your skeletal system helps to protect your internal organs such as your lungs, heart and kidneys. Unfortunately, broken bones and the sheer force of the accident can lead to internal injuries to these critical organs.

How to Protect Yourself in the Event of a Car Accident

While completely preventing an accident is impossible, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
1. Wear your seatbelt: Your seatbelt is meant to hold your body in place. Make sure the belt isn’t twisted and that the lap belt portion is positioned flat across your hips.
2. Adjust your seat: You should be able to comfortably reach the pedals without being too close to the airbags.
3. Practice good posture: Don’t slouch or lean while driving—sit upright. Otherwise, your vehicle’s safety mechanisms such as your seatbelt and airbags won’t work as they should if you’re hit.
Involved in a Car Accident? Call The Fell Law Firm Today!

Sometimes, even practicing safe driving can’t prevent a serious accident, especially if it’s the fault of someone else. If you’re the victim of a car accident, you deserve support from an experienced attorney. Reach out to our team today by calling 972-450-1418 or send us a message.

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March 15, 2021
What If the Insurance Company’s Offer Isn’t Enough After a Car Accident?
Car accidents can cause severe property damage and life-altering injuries. Unfortunately, car accident repairs and injuries can result in bills that don’t seem to stop rolling in. In Texas, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for covering these expenses. Even still, their settlement may not be enough to cover them all. If you’ve received a low settlement offer, there are some things you can do.

You Have the Right to Negotiate With the Insurance Company

When you’re in the thick of trying to heal and pay your bills, any offer might feel like much-needed relief. Unfortunately, the insurance company is trying to do what’s best for their bottom line. This often results in early settlement offers that don’t cover all of your expenses, including:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Loss of use of the vehicle
- Disfigurement
If their offer is too low, you don’t have to accept it, even if the company tells you otherwise. It’s your right to negotiate for fair compensation. It’s also your right to ask how they calculated their offer amount.

Why You Should Call a Personal Injury Attorney

If you receive a low settlement offer, you shouldn’t try to negotiate on your own. We recommend reaching out to an experienced personal injury attorney, who can negotiate on your behalf.

There are many benefits to hiring an attorney. For example, your attorney can help you calculate the compensation you need for all expenses. They’re skilled in forecasting and can help you pursue what you need now and in the future.

Your attorney can also help you properly reject the offer and create a counteroffer that explains your reasoning behind the rejection. This is a critical part of pursuing additional compensation.

Additionally, your attorney will manage all communications with the insurance company, which can allow you to focus on healing.

Will I Need to Go to Court?

The insurance company may reject the counteroffers you and your attorney put forth. To pursue additional compensation, there’s a chance you may need to go to court. Your attorney will assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action.

Call the Attorneys at The Fell Law Firm Today

If you’re struggling with the aftermath of a car accident, we can help. For assistance in dealing with the insurance company or to speak with an attorney, give us a call at 972-450-1418 or send us a message.
February 22, 2021
How to Handle Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident
Car accidents are notorious for causing life-changing injuries and expensive medical bills. For example, you might need a hospital stay, oversight in a clinic setting and continued physical therapy. Mounting costs are a source of stress at a time you should be focused on rest and recovery.

Allow us to give you some peace of mind by explaining how to handle your bills after a car accident and while you wait for a settlement.

How Do Your Medical Bills Get Paid in Texas?

Texas is an at-fault state, so the guilty party is the one who pays your bills. If you aren’t more than 50 percent at-fault for your accident, the other party’s insurance company will be responsible for paying your medical bills and costs associated with property damage.

Often, the other party’s insurance company doesn’t cover all of your costs. They may also offer a low-ball settlement to try to end negotiations. If this is the case, you must consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney who can help you file a claim.

By filing a lawsuit, you may be able to recover a wide range of damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Loss of use of the vehicle
- Mental anguish
What If the Other Party Isn’t Insured?

If the at-fault party isn’t insured, you can look to your own auto insurance. If you purchased uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, these policies could cover your medical expenses and sometimes property damage, depending on your policy.

What Should You Do While You Wait for Your Compensation?

There will be time between your accident and when you receive compensation. It’s important to receive the medical care you require to ensure you’re able to heal. For now, your bills should be sent to your health insurance or auto insurance company, depending on your available coverage.

If you receive a bill in the mail, make sure your attorney has a copy. You should also keep a copy for your records, as well as any receipts of payment. To help with the burden, check your hospital or clinic for payment plan options or reduced service rates. These can be a great help while you wait for payments to come through.

Call The Fell Law Firm Today for Experienced Advice

The Fell Law Firm in Dallas helps many car accident victims receive the compensation they deserve. We can help you too. Learn more about our legal services or talk to an attorney about your potential case by calling us at 972-450-1418or send us a message.
January 10, 2021
5 Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents During the Holiday Season
The holidays are fast approaching. And while many people lose their lives all year long due to serious car accidents, the busyness of the holiday season increases the number of fatalities.

Fatal Car Accidents Increase During the Holiday Season

According to the newest data compiled by the CDC, approximately 90 people lose their lives each day due to car accidents. Unfortunately, this number increases greatly during the holidays. On Thanksgiving Day alone, approximately 405 people die in car accidents across the country.

5 Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents During the Holidays

There are many reasons for the increase in fatal car accidents. Wintry weather conditions make roads treacherous to drive. Plus, the holidays are busy, resulting in an increase in travel for many. To keep yourself and your family safe this year, follow these safe driving tips:
1. Keep your eyes on the road: You are your first defense against a car accident while on the road, so don’t drive distracted. Avoid using your phone to text or call until you arrive at your destination. Trust us, whatever it is can wait.
2. Drive sober: The holidays are a time of celebration. And in some cases, this may include alcohol. Remember, even buzzed driving is drunk driving. If you partake, be sure to have a designated driver. It’s impossible to focus on the roads the way you need to while under the influence.
3. Drive awake and alert: The holidays are busy, and with the rush of the season comes exhaustion and fatigue. Driving drowsy can result in serious crashes should you fall asleep or nod off on the road. If you’re traveling a great distance, stop off for some rest. Or drive with someone else who you can switch places with periodically to rest.
4. Use caution during winter weather: When driving on roads covered in snow or ice, drive slowly and accelerate or decelerate slowly. Also, keep a safe distance between you and other drivers in case you slide.
5. Wear your seatbelt: Although the most basic tip here, it’s the most important. Your seatbelt can help protect you if you suffer a car accident. Make sure putting on your seatbelt is the first thing you do when you enter your vehicle.
972-450-1418 – Car accidents tend to be fatal during the holiday season. To learn how to avoid them, visit us today.

Need Help After an Accident? Call Fell Law Firm Today.

Have you been involved in a car accident? You don’t have to go through this alone. Let the attorneys at Fell Law Firm help support you during this time. To learn more about car accidents or to discuss your case, give us a call at 972-450-1418 or send us a message
November 24, 2020
How Much Can a Car Accident Cost You?

A car accident is a traumatizing experience. After a motor vehicle accident, medical bills and auto repairs add up over time. Even the smallest fender bender can cost you in ways you haven’t considered.

The Overwhelming Costs of a Car Accident

In Texas, the total cost of traffic crash deaths in 2018 was $5.70 billion, according to the most recent data compiled by the CDC. Unfortunately, these costs don’t take into consideration the other traffic crashes that fortunately don’t involve a fatality. Here are the costs you’re potentially facing should you get into a car wreck.

Auto Repairs

Depending on the severity of your crash, auto repairs could cost you thousands. For example, the standard cost to repaint your vehicle can range between $1,000 and $4,500. You may require other repairs, including bumper repair, dent repair and windshield replacements, each costing anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand.

Medical Bills

For many accidents, medical bills make up the majority of the costs associated with a car accident. For example, if you suffer injuries that result in a hospital stay, the average cost of a 3-day stay is around $30,000. If you require an ambulance, you can expect to pay a fee for pick-up between $500 and $1,000 and $10 to $30 for every mile required to the nearest hospital.

Other medical costs include surgical intervention, physical therapy, follow-up care and other treatment needs.

972-450-1418 – A car accident can cost you thousands, depending on the severity. To learn more about the costs of an accident, visit us today.

Lost Productivity & Work

One of the costs that often goes unnoticed is your inability to work and provide for your family. After an accident, you’ll require ample time to rest and recover from your injuries. This means you’ll need to stay home from work for an extended period of time. Even when you return to work, you may need to take time off for follow-up appointments.

Insurance Not Offering Enough to Cover Your Bills?

Sometimes, your insurance may not offer enough compensation to cover all of these bills. For full compensation for your injuries, repairs and more, we recommend reaching out to an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Reach Out to Fell Law Firm Today

Have you suffered a car accident? The experienced legal team at Fell Law Firm can help. To learn more about your rights or to speak with an attorney, give us a call at 972-450-1418
or send us a message.

October 24, 2020
Is Compensation Available After an Accident That’s Partially Your Fault?
Car accidents happen all the time. And, often, fault does not lay with a single driver. If you end up in such a situation, do you know if you will be responsible for paying for your medical bills and repairs on your own?

In Texas, there is potential for you to get compensation for property damage and losses related to injury, even if you’re partially at-fault for a car accident.

Texas Is a Modified Comparative Negligence State

Texas is a “modified comparative negligence” state. This means a judge or jury will need to determine the levels of fault for you and the other party involved in the accident. If the judge finds you’re less at-fault than the other driver, you may receive compensation. The court will then reduce your damages based on your percentage of fault.

For example, say you can receive $80,000 in damages. If the court finds you’re 20% at-fault for the accident, your damages will be reduced by $16,000 to $64,000.

972-450-1418 – Are you partially at-fault for a car accident? There’s still compensation available to you. To learn more, visit us today.

What Types of Compensation Are Available to You?

Regardless of who’s at-fault, each car accident claim involves some mix of the following types of economic damages:
- Repairs
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages due to injury
- Disfigurement
- Rental vehicle expense
- Future medical expenses
- Household assistance such as cooking and cleaning
Other damages such as pain and suffering, mental anguish and disability may also be available. It’s important to note that you only have two years to file a claim for your injuries and property damage, however. Don’t wait.

A Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Even if you’re partially at-fault for an accident, there’s still assistance available to you. Yet, you’ll need a solid case. A car accident attorney can help by gathering evidence and recreating the accident to help strengthen your case. Plus, they can help support you as you continue to heal.

Partially At-Fault for a Car Accident? Call The Fell Law Firm Today.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, the attorneys at The Fell Law Firm can help. To learn more about our legal services or for answers to your questions, give us a call at 972-450-1418 or send us a message.
September 4, 2020
What Compensation Is Available After a Car Accident?
Car accidents often result in costly injuries. Medical bills and an inability to work can leave you feeling overwhelmed. In Texas, there’s compensation available for you after a car accident.

Texas & Modified Comparative Negligence

The state of Texas follows the rules of modified comparative negligence after car accidents. This means that the judge will determine what level each party involved is at fault for the accident. If your level of fault isn’t higher than the other party, you’re eligible for damages.

The court will reduce the compensation available depending on your level of fault. For example, if the other party is found to be 70% at fault, you can receive up to 70% of the available damages.

Types of Car Accident Damages Available

There’s a wide range of damages available to you such as economic damages which may include:
- Property damage: Does your vehicle need repair? Compensation is available for property damage to your vehicle as well as other personal property.
- Lost wages: If you’re unable to work after your accident, you can receive lost wages to help provide for your family.
- Medical bills: Car accident injuries may require hospital stays, surgeries and more. Compensation is available for those expenses as well as tests, medications, doctor’s visits and more.
- Household services: While you rest after your accident, you may require household assistance such as cleaning and cooking services. Compensation is available for these expenses as well.
972-450-1418 – Car accidents can result in medical bills, loss of work and more. There’s acciddent compensation available to you. Visit us today.

There are other types of damages you may be entitled to, including non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and disability. If the car accident resulted in a loved one’s death, there are wrongful death damages you may be entitled to as well, including loss of companionship.

Consider Reaching Out to a Car Accident Attorney

In Texas, you have two years to file an accident claim. If you plan to file a claim, you must do so quickly. Consider reaching out to a car accident attorney who can help you take the next best steps. There may be additional damages available you haven’t considered. Your attorney can help you determine the level of compensation you need and secure it on your behalf.

Call the Fell Law Firm Today

The team at Fell Law Firm can help you receive the compensation you deserve after your car accident. To learn more about damages or to speak to an attorney today, give us a call at 972-450-1418 or send us a message.
August 4, 2020