The aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be challenging to deal with. When multiple vehicles are involved in the crash, the legal aspects of your recovery can be even more overwhelming and confusing. If a rideshare vehicle is involved in the crash, even more insurance companies will be involved in arguing liability. During this difficult time, the assistance of a Corpus Christi Uber accident lawyer is vital to ensuring your rights are protected.
Comparative Negligence Laws in Texas
After a multi-vehicle accident in Texas, the laws of comparative negligence play a vital role in how much money you can recover for your damages. This law specifies that each party involved in an accident can be assigned a percentage of fault based on their actions leading up to the incident. This allocation of fault determines how much compensation each party may receive from each person involved in the crash.
Unlike some states with strict contributory negligence rules, Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. Under this system, parties can still recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the accident, as long as their level of responsibility does not exceed 50%.
Consulting with a Texas car accident attorney after a multi-vehicle accident is vital. They will help you understand your rights and responsibilities under these laws and how they can impact the outcome of any potential legal proceedings.
Determined Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Accident
In Texas, fault is typically assigned based on negligence. This means that the driver who acted carelessly or failed to follow traffic laws may be held responsible for the collision.
Factors such as witness statements, police reports, and physical evidence like skid marks or vehicle damage are crucial in establishing fault. The events leading up to the crash are carefully analyzed to determine each driver’s actions and responsibilities.
Insurance companies and personal injury lawyers often play a crucial role in investigating the accident and determining liability. They assess all available information before concluding each party’s degree of fault. Your Corpus Christi Uber accident lawyer can help you prove that other drivers involved in the crash were negligent so you can recover the maximum compensation for your damages.
Possible Parties Responsible for Car Crash Damages
After a motor vehicle accident, several parties can be held liable for any resulting damages. Potentially liable parties include:
Drivers
The driver is the most immediate and common party responsible for car crash damages. Negligent actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or running red lights can result in accidents, making the driver liable for the damages caused.
Uber and Rideshare Companies
With the prevalence of rideshare services like Uber, the responsibility landscape can become more intricate. The driver and the rideshare company might share liability if the crash involves an Uber driver. Rideshare companies typically have insurance coverage, but the specifics can vary based on the driver’s status during the accident. Our knowledgeable Corpus Christi Uber accident lawyer can help you hold rideshare companies accountable for their negligence.
Government Entities
Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or other infrastructure issues can contribute to accidents. In such cases, responsibility may fall on government entities responsible for road maintenance. Claims against government entities can involve navigating specific legal procedures and time constraints.
Trucking Companies
Accidents involving commercial trucks often implicate the trucking company. Issues like driver fatigue, inadequate maintenance, or improper loading can contribute to accidents, making the trucking company potentially liable for damages.
Part Manufacturers
Defective vehicle parts or components can lead to accidents and injuries. The manufacturer may be liable for damages if a faulty part causes a car crash. Product liability laws come into play in these cases.
Once the liable parties are identified, you can demand compensation for your damages.
Damages That Can Be Recovered
After the fault is assigned for your crash, you can seek compensation from those responsible for the damages you face. There are several damages you can recover. These include:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are incurred due to injuries suffered in a car crash. These expenses can include both immediate and long-term care expenses.
Property Damage
This damage includes any money needed to repair or replace property damaged or destroyed in the accident. This can include damage to vehicles involved, other vehicles or structures nearby, and any other property damaged or destroyed due to the crash.
Lost Wages
Lost wages refer to the income that an individual misses out on due to injuries suffered in a car crash. This can occur if the victim cannot work temporarily or permanently due to injuries.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Loss of earning capacity refers to reducing an individual’s future earning potential due to injuries from a car crash. This can occur if the victim is unable to work in the same capacity as they did before the accident or if they are forced to change career paths or industries to accommodate their injuries. A financial expert can help accurately calculate the anticipated earnings that a victim would incur over their lifetime.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refer to the physical and emotional pain and discomfort a person experiences due to injuries from a car crash. Pain and suffering are not easy to determine, but they can have a significant impact on the overall quality of life for the victim.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress refers to the emotional trauma and psychological suffering that a person experiences as a result of a car accident.
Loss of Consortium
Loss of consortium refers to the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy caused by injuries sustained in a car crash. Loss of consortium can have a significant impact on the emotional well-being of both the victim and their partner.
A Texas car accident attorney can help you seek compensation for these and other damages following your crash.
Call Our Texas Car Accident Attorney Today
The Burkett Law Firm is dedicated to providing support and legal representation for car accident victims in Corpus Christi. Our team of experienced lawyers understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car crash can take on an individual’s life, and we are committed to fighting for their rights.
Contact us for assistance if you have been involved in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence. We offer free consultations and will work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the fair compensation they deserve. Trust our Texas car accident attorney to guide you through this challenging time and help you achieve justice.
