If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by negligent behavior, Sorey & Hoover, LLP is here to help. We have been representing injury victims in Texas for more than 15 years. Our firm is qualified to represent car accident cases involving all types of injuries, from broken bones to paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, and other catastrophic injuries. Our attorneys are dedicated to advocating for our clients’ rights and ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable, both financially and legally, for their actions.
If you would like the help of our Longview auto accident lawyers in pursuing justice and compensation, call us at (903) 230-5600.
Protecting Your Case After a Car Accident
After an accident, it is important that you take careful measures to protect your financial recovery. Exchanging insurance and contact information with the other driver is the first step you should take. If you can speak with any witnesses, collect their information, and take any photos, that can also be helpful.
However, we understand that if you are severely injured and taken to the hospital, it may be difficult to document your accident. Seeking medical attention and having a medical record is also essential to your case, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
“…I knew nothing about Sorey & Hoover, LLP but I did know I needed good lawyer after my car accident in 2017. His firm handled everything from car rental, repair, making sure I recovered, paperwork, helping me dealing with the other person insurance…” – J.W.
What Are Common Types of Car Accidents?
Car crashes can occur in many different ways, and most are caused by driver error. Common types of car accidents include the following:
- Rear-end collisions: This is one of the most common types of car accidents, particularly in congested areas. A rear-end collision occurs when the vehicle behind collides with the rear of the vehicle in front. This type of accident is often caused by distracted driving or tailgating. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries associated with rear-end crashes. It is caused by the whip-like motion of the head and neck when a vehicle is hit from behind.
- T-bone accidents: Also known as broadside or side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents occur when one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. This type of accident often occurs at intersections, such as when a left-turning driver violates the right-of-way of a motorist traveling straight through the intersection, or when someone runs a red light. T-bone collision injuries can be severe, as vehicle doors provide very little protection for occupants, as compared to the front and rear ends of the vehicle. Severe injuries are often sustained to the head, neck, back, chest, abdomen, pelvic region, or limbs.
- Head-on collisions: Although less common than other types of car accidents, head-on collisions are among the deadliest. This type of crash occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide head on. Head-on collisions are often fatal or catastrophic. They can occur when a driver falls asleep at the wheel and drifts into oncoming traffic, passes improperly on a two-lane highway, or travels in the wrong direction on a one-way road.
- Rollovers: Vehicle rollovers can cause fatal or serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe neck and back injuries, and fractured bones. They may be caused by speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and other factors. Some types of vehicles have a greater tendency to roll over because of their higher centers of gravity. These include SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Our Longview accident attorneys handle all types of auto accident cases, including:
Determining Fault in a Texas Car Accident
If the other driver was completely to blame for your car accident and injuries, then he or she is liable for your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. Keep in mind, you won’t receive this compensation until your case is resolved, which means you are responsible for covering on-going medical attention.
If you were partially at fault for the collision, Texas law adheres to a “modified comparative fault” rule when parties involved in a crash share the blame. According to this rule, the injured party’s monetary damages are reduced by a percentage equal to his or her share of the blame.
For instance, if you are awarded $300,000 for the accident to cover your economic and noneconomic damages, but you were 35% at fault for the accident, you are entitled to receive 65% of the total $300,000, which comes out to $195,000. However, if you are more than 50 percent to blame for the accident, you will receive nothing.
What Should Be Done After a Car Accident?
A car accident can be a frightening, stressful, and confusing experience—whether it’s your first or subsequent time. Many people feel scattered when at the scene of a crash, which can result in potentially compromising your claim. It is important to remain calm and focused when handling a car accident. The following are the proper steps to take:
- Obtain immediate medical attention: Check to see if you, your passengers, or anyone involved in the accident requires emergency medical care. If your injuries are not of a serious nature, make sure you visit a doctor as soon as possible.
- Contact law enforcement: Whether you were involved in a minor fender-bender or a major crash, you need to call the police so they can fill out an accident report and document the scene. A police report is considered a valuable pic of evidence for your claim and helps establish who is at fault.
- Gather information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. This includes full name, phone number, home address, make and model of the vehicle, insurance company and policy number, driver’s license, license plate number, and location of the accident scene. If there are any witnesses at the scene, obtain their names and contact information, as well. Furthermore, get the police officer’s name and badge number.
- Document the scene: Using your cellphone camera, take pictures of the accident scene. Take pictures of the cars involved (both interior and exterior), the damages suffered, the injuries sustained, the road and weather conditions, and the overall scene itself. Take several photos from multiple angles to capture the complete picture of the incident.
- Contact your insurance company: Start the claims process by contacting your insurer. The representative will tell you exactly what to do to process your claim. Only provide the basic facts of the accident – not the details.
- Contact a lawyer: If you have suffered an injury, you need to obtain legal help from an experienced car accident attorney. He or she can help protect your rights and best interests throughout the claims process to maximize your settlement.
What Can I Be Compensated For?
In a car accident or personal injury case, the damages refer to the cost of your injuries. There are two types of damages — economic and noneconomic. Economic damages compensate the injured party for actual losses, such as medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, lost earning potential, and other measurable damages. By contrast, noneconomic damages are not quantifiable. They may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Depending on the circumstances of your crash, our attorneys may be able to help you seek compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment or disability
- Lost income
- Vehicle repair costs
- Wrongful death
Recovering Maximum Compensation for Our Clients
Our firm has years of experience handling personal injury cases of all types, including car accident claims. We have an excellent track record, both for our recoveries and for our compassionate representation. Our Longview car accident lawyers and legal team are prepared to protect your best interests and help you pursue the compensation you need. If you would like our help in pursuing justice and compensation after an accident with a delivery driver, bus, or any other automobile, call Sorey & Hoover, LLP at (903) 230-5600.
Don’t wait to get help. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.
Schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys in Longview and Gregg County when you contact us at (903) 230-5600.
