Dallas Insurance Claims Attorney | Personal Injury Lawyer Richardson

Author: Anthony

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Ridesharing May Be a Mixed Bag When it Comes to Crashes

    It’s natural to assume that ridesharing services are a plus from a safety standpoint. After all, isn’t ridesharing supposed to help cut down on drunk driving?

    Unfortunately, few studies have shown lukewarm results on the effect of Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing services on safety. In fact, there is some reason to think they might even be making the roads less safe.

    The Danger Points for Rideshare Drivers and Passengers

    A recent study of ridesharing services in New York points out one very clear threat when it comes to these companies. Ridesharing is at its most dangerous when you’re being picked up or dropped off. There was no statistical sign that rideshare drivers are more dangerous en route.

    Another interesting finding was that taxi services did not show the same level of danger at pick-up and drop-off points. The harm was tied to the ridesharing services that have taken over in many parts of the country.

    This suggests that either the drivers themselves are the problem or something about the way they handle the beginning and end of their journeys is to blame.

    Distracted Driving and Ridesharing Services

    If you’ve ever used an Uber or Lyft, you might recall the slightly awkward feeling you have as you’re waiting to be picked up by a person you don’t know. You’re staring at your phone and trying to spot an anonymous car in a crowd. Whereas taxis tend to stand out, the cars used in ridesharing tend to blend in. That means you, as a would-be passenger, are in an uneasy position.

    The same type of problem is there for the rideshare driver. You hail a cab or meet in one space designated for that purpose. If you request a rideshare, your driver has to find you, potentially in a crowd and potentially in an unfamiliar spot.

    Your driver is basically forced to monitor a cell phone rather than attending to the needs of safe driving. Distracted driving is always hazardous. In the case of ridesharing services, it’s also a built-in part of the process.

    Unmet Potential or a Failed Application

    Ridesharing has room to grow. It’s possible that there are kinks in the system that will be ironed out over time. Ridesharing may, eventually, fulfill the promise of vastly reducing drunk driving while not leading to increased accidents of another variety.

    It could also be the case that ridesharing services are not the boon people hoped they would be. As more time passes, it may turn out that ridesharing is an unworkable or unwise model.

    Contact a Skilled Texas Personal Injury Lawyer Today

    If you need an attorney to help you with a ridesharing accident or other car crash, we can help. Call The Fell Law Firm today at 972-450-1418 or contact us online.

  • Is Bigger Better When it Comes to Auto Safety?

    Some people buy larger vehicles solely for the carrying capacity. If you have lots of kids, a compact car might be an awkward fit for your family. Some buy larger vehicles because they need to tow a boat or trailer. However, many people buy larger vehicles because of the safety advantages. In a collision, bigger seems better. But is that really true?

    Cars Are Growing Fast

    The tendency to associate size with safety is driving a national trend: Cars are getting bigger, in general. Some of that is the result of mandatory safety equipment. Side airbags, for instance, may require a vehicle to be a few inches larger than it otherwise would have been. Some of it is just consumer preference. Size makes people feel safe.

    SUVs and Pedestrians

    There is growing data that the move toward larger vehicles is particularly harmful to pedestrians. This could be due to the height of the hood, the driver’s feeling of invulnerability or simply the sightlines and angles posed by SUVs. They pose twice the danger to pedestrians as regular cars. Big cars mean big problems for anyone traveling on foot.

    Parents face a difficult decision when their children reach driving age. You know your child is more likely to survive a crash behind the wheel of a massive SUV. Then again, your child may be more likely to cause a crash, potentially taking the lives of others in that same SUV.

    There is no question that people in large vehicles fare better in crashes. There is also no question that teen drivers are disproportionately responsible for car accidents, particularly fatal car wrecks. So when parents pick big cars for their teen drivers, they maximize the damage done by the most dangerous drivers on the road.

    Pickup Trucks and Cars

    SUVs endanger pedestrians and pickups endanger cars. Safety changes have made SUVs less deadly when they collide with cars. But those changes haven’t affected the high rates of fatality for car drivers in collisions with trucks.

    Again, consumers don’t weigh the damage they will suffer in a crash against the harm they will cause in one. Famously, most people consider themselves above-average drivers. Statistically, that’s impossible. Half of us are below average, and it just might be the half driving the largest vehicles.

    Contact an Experienced Attorney After a Car Accident

    If you have suffered an injury in an auto accident, you need to speak to an attorney about your rights. At The Fell Law Firm, we help accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Our Texas personal injury lawyers will aggressively protect your rights. Contact us online or call us at 972-450-1418 to schedule a consultation.

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

    While some states have no-fault laws for car accidents, Texas is not one of them. Texas is an at-fault state. However, the issue is not as simple as you may think. When a car accident occurs, the at-fault party may not accept responsibility, or their insurer may deny your claim.

    For this reason, you need a car accident attorney who can help you establish fault and get fair compensation. Below, we look at Texas’ at-fault laws and what you can expect if you get into a car accident.

    No-Fault vs. At-Fault: What’s the Difference

    If you’re a driver in Texas, it’s important to know the difference between no-fault and at-fault driving laws.

    No-Fault State

    In a no-fault state, you use your insurer to pay out for medical costs, regardless of the person causing the accident. Each driver’s insurance pays for their injuries, no matter who was at fault. The no-fault law streamlines your car accident claim and ensures quicker compensation for your injuries.

    At-Fault State

    In an at-fault state, the driver responsible for causing a car accident is assigned financial responsibility for the damages. The insurer of the person responsible for the crash handles the financial and personal losses of the other parties involved in the accident. The only caveat here is establishing who was at fault for the accident.

    Is Texas a No-Fault or At-Fault State?

    When it comes to car crash insurance claims, Texas is categorized as an at-fault state. Whoever is cited with causing the accident is responsible for covering the damages resulting from the accident.

    In Texas, who is at fault in a car accident is based on the principle of negligence. The Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 545, outlines traffic laws and regulations that help identify negligence in a collision. Section 545.051 states that drivers must operate their vehicles in a careful and alert manner, considering all driving conditions.

    When a car accident occurs in Texas, fault is typically determined based on the circumstances surrounding the collision. This includes factors such as:

    • Speeding
    • Failure to yield
    • Distracted driving
    • Traffic violations

    Insurance companies, law enforcement officers and sometimes the courts assess evidence and witness statements to determine fault.

    The Tort System

    Texas follows the traditional tort system for handling car accident claims. Under this system, you have the right to pursue compensation for damages. The car crash lawyer in charge of your case can file an accident claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

    If the insurer denies your claim and you can’t reach a settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit to win your case. Payouts may include hospital costs, damage to your vehicle, lost pay, or suffering and pain, as well as other damages.

    Contact The Fell Law Firm for a Free Case Review

    If you were injured in a car accident in Texas and want to know what your case is worth, contact The Fell Law Firm. Call 972-450-1418 to get a free case review from a car accident attorney in Dallas.