If you or a family member have been injured in a car accident in El Paso, you probably have a lot of questions. You may be wondering who is at fault or how you are going to pay for your mounting medical bills.
At Khattar Law, PC we understand that you need to focus on your recovery. Let one of our experienced El Paso car accident attorneys fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
What Steps Should I Take Following An Auto Accident?
The moments and days following an automobile accident can be full of fear and uncertainty. Regardless, there are some steps you can take during these critical moments to best protect your physical and legal health. These include”
- Stay calm and attend to the injured. Panic in the aftermath of an accident creates a risk of further danger. Instead, stay calm and attend to the injuries of anyone hurt in the crash. Contact law enforcement and, if needed, emergency medical services.
- Gather information. Exchange contact and insurance information with the involved parties. Then take pictures of the crash scene, the vehicles involved, and any injuries suffered. You can also gather the contact information for any witnesses or bystanders who may be able to provide relevant testimony. Once you get home and have a moment to reflect, write down a detailed narrative of the accident. Memories fade over time and having this written account can help you once you contact a lawyer and begin telling your story.
- Seek qualified medical assistance. As soon as possible, you should seek treatment for any injuries sustained in the crash. The medical records produced from your visits will be evidence of how your injuries are related to the accident as well as of the costs.
- Talk to an injury lawyer in El Paso. Before you talk to the insurance companies or another party’s legal counsel, you should seek the advice of an El Paso car accident lawyer to discuss the circumstances of your case and hear your legal options. Insurance companies will often make lowball early offers with the hope that an injured party will jump at the first chance of compensation.
- Obtain an accident report. Contact the law enforcement agency that responded to your accident to obtain a copy of the accident report. This document will be necessary in any future settlement or legal proceeding. A lawyer in El Paso can help you understand all of the information contained in the report.
How Much Compensation Will I Receive For My Injuries?
Every car accident in El Paso is different and the compensation every victim may be entitled to will be determined by looking at the totality of the circumstances surrounding the accident. Regardless, injured persons regularly recover economic and noneconomic damages for injuries suffered in car accidents including:
- Medical expenses. Past and future medical expenses for injuries sustained in an auto accident may be recoverable in a personal injury suit.
- Lost wages. Serious injuries often leave injured persons unable to work during their recovery. Sometimes, injured parties can never return in the same capacity. In a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover for these lost wages as well as for your reduced earning capacity going forward.
- Property damage. Often in addition to physical injury, auto accidents also leave victims with the expense of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle.
- Pain and suffering. Noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering address the discomfort, anguish, and trauma injured victims suffer.
- Replacement services. When you are injured and cannot do the things you used to, you may be able to recover for the costs of hiring daycare, cleaning, driving, and related services.
Under the legal doctrine of modified comparative fault or modified comparative negligence, any damage award may be reduced if the injured party is found to be partially responsible for his or her injuries. For example, let’s say that Mary is involved in a car accident in El Paso. A jury may find that her total damages are $50,000. They may also find that Mary is 20% at fault because she was texting at the time of the accident. In this case, her damage award of $50,000 could be reduced by 20% or $10,000.
If you have been in an auto accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. An El Paso personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options following the accident. They can also help you file a claim for damages and negotiate a settlement with the other party involved.
How Much Time Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Claim?
Texas, like most states, has a statute of limitations that governs the amount of time following an accident that an injured person has to bring a claim for damages. This statute says that an injured party has two years from the date of injury to bring suit.
There are exceptions to this two-year limitation such as the shortened window within which you can bring a claim against a governmental entity. To determine what statute of limitations applies to your case, talk to an El Paso motor vehicle accident lawyer today.
Will I Have To Go To Court?
As with any legal claim, there is always a chance of a trial. However, the vast majority of auto accident personal injury claims are settled out of court.
Our lawyers at Khattar Law, PC will negotiate with the insurance companies and their attorneys to get you the best settlement possible. When we can’t reach a fair settlement, we will fight for your rights in court.
Hire An El Paso Car Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have a limited window within which to file a claim. The experienced lawyers at Khattar Law, PC can guide you every step of the way. Call us at (210) 985-7616 and complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation.