Types of Auto Accidents in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, known as the DFW or Metroplex, has unfortunately struggled with a high rate of dangerous auto accidents over the years. As the population booms and roads get busier, drivers face increased risks anytime they get behind the wheel.
If you or a loved one experience a motor vehicle collision in the DFW area, understanding your legal options is essential. An experienced vehicle accident attorney can help recover damages, deal with insurance claims, and most importantly, support you during a difficult time. This blog post will explore key facts about types of auto wrecks in the region and provide guidance on what to do if you are involved in one.
Accident Statistics in Dallas-Fort Worth
The statistics on road accidents in DFW reinforce why drivers need to be cautious. Some key figures include:
- In 2019, Dallas ranked 5th among major US cities for the highest rate of deadly crashes.
- Through the first three months of 2021 alone, 42 people lost their lives in auto collisions in Fort Worth.
- Speeding is a factor in a considerable percentage of fatal crashes in Dallas, according to Texas Department of Transportation data.
- Failure to stay in one lane and driver inattention are also common causes
These numbers show that a wide range of factors, from reckless driving behaviors to more innocent mistakes, contribute to the Metroplex’s elevated rate of serious and fatal wrecks. They highlight why motorists must maintain full awareness anytime they get on the expressways or other local roads.
Most Common Causes of Accidents in the Area
While every auto accident involves unique circumstances, data and observations reveal certain prevalent causes of motor vehicle crashes in the DFW Metroplex:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving due to cell phone usage, adjusting music controls, eating food, attending to children, and other diversions of focus often play a major role in wrecks in the area. Maintaining full attention on driving is critical for accident prevention.
Speeding and Reckless Maneuvers
The fast pace of DFW highways and roads contributes to frequent speed-related accidents. Excess velocity reduces reaction time, while reckless maneuvers like unsafe lane changes heighten crash risks. Obeying speed limits and driving defensively can improve safety.
Drunk Driving
Despite widespread knowledge of drunk driving dangers and strict laws prohibiting the act, collisions involving intoxicated motorists remain common in Dallas/Fort Worth. DUI wrecks often inflict maximum damage and loss of life due to impaired responses behind the wheel.
Hazardous Conditions
From icy bridges in winter storms to uneven pavement and poorly visible lane markings, dangerous road hazards exacerbate metroplex crash risks. Additionally, aggressive driving tendencies and congested traffic can create accident-prone conditions. Extra caution behind the wheel helps counter potentially unsafe roads and changing visibility or traction circumstances.
If You’re In an Auto Accident
Finding yourself injured or dealing with vehicle damage after an unexpected collision can prove stressful and confusing. By following important steps, you can look after your health, protect your legal rights, and place yourself in the best possible position to recover damages with the help of your vehicle accident attorney. Useful guidance includes:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Making emergency healthcare your top priority remains essential, even with other accident concerns swirling. Have EMS transport you to an ER or urgent care to get checked for injuries like cuts, fractures, sprains, head trauma, internal damage, and other issues. Some wounds only reveal themselves over time, so make sure to mention all symptoms and pain areas. Follow doctor guidance for tests, treatment, and medications.
Report the Wreck to the Police
Alert law enforcement as soon as possible in accordance with state laws. An officer will interview you and other motorists involved, document damage visually, take measurements, assign fault if clear, and include all details in an official crash report. Cooperate fully with the authorities and avoid guessing at uncertain accident details during your statement.
Capture Accident Evidence Yourself
Beyond the formal police report, independently document what you observe and experience from the incident while fresh. Take numerous photos capturing damage, skid marks, injuries, weather conditions, and more. Write down a thorough narrative of how the crash unfolded from your perspective including locations, vehicle movements, traffic flow, and other input. Ask witnesses for their accounts as well. Plus, gather ambulance and hospital paperwork.
How a Vehicle Accident Lawyer Can Help
An experienced car accident injury lawyer serves as your best guide for legal and claims questions following any vehicle collision. At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, we offer free case reviews and personalized counsel. You can rely on us to investigate details independently, handle communications with insurers seeing fair settlements, file court documents if necessary, and help you recover appropriate damages.
Retaining legal representation from the best car accident attorneys after getting hurt in a Dallas-Fort Worth auto collision provides vital support. An attorney’s in-depth understanding of insurance claims and injury laws strengthens your position and odds of obtaining damages owed. Specifically, our lawyers can:
- Launch an independent probe using collision reconstruction experts, subpoenaing records, tracing phone logs, acquiring video footage, and researching other evidence sources to prove fault and liability.
- Calculate all current and future financial impacts related to the crash using economist consultants including medical bills, prescription or equipment costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other category totals.
- Manage endless paperwork requirements like submitting demand letters, preparing court filings, and documenting communication trials with adjusters seeking a satisfactory out-of-court settlement.
- Appear by your side at mediations, arbitrations, or full civil court trials if the at-fault driver’s insurance provider refuses reasonable compensation.
Notify Your Insurance Carrier
After you have spoken to an auto accident attorney, call your insurance provider to officially submit your auto insurance claim, which starts the process of getting coverage for repairs or replacement and arranging rental transportation if warranted. Provide all relevant facts and don’t settle for or sign anything yet. Save all insurer communications. Send over your created evidence files to help resolve fault debates.
Don’t face the aftermath of a vehicle accident alone. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
