Texas Personal Injury Claims: Information Every Victim Needs to Know
Suffering a serious injury can be, without a doubt, one of the most frightening experiences an individual may have to go through in his or her life. Indeed, regardless of the type of injury sustained, whether it be a brain injury, broken bones, spinal cord damage or severe lacerations, there always exists the uncertainty that a victim may never fully recover – both physically and emotionally.
Sadly, however, for many victims, their injuries are just the beginning of their problems. For instance, while victims should be focused on the treatment of their wounds following a severe accident, many find themselves stressing over their growing medical debt. To make matters worse, many victims have limited options when it comes to paying off these bills since they are unable to work and earn an income due to their injury.
Legal recourse and potential damages in Texas
Thankfully, there may be legal remedies available for personal injury victims in Texas – remedies that not only can help cover medical expenses but alleviate many other concerns as well. In fact, legal recourse may be a viable option for countless victims in Texas, including many of those who suffer injuries as a result of car accidents, motorcycle collisions, pedestrian accidents and even some workplace mishaps.
Depending on the circumstances, however, medical expenses may not be the only form of damages available to victims. For example, damages for lost income, loss of earning capacity and pain and suffering may also be pursued following many types of injuries.
Although, filing a successful legal claim against the negligent individual that caused the injury in the first place can be a difficult proposition, fraught will many complexities and substantial burdens of proof. Fortunately, there are several suggestions that may actually help bolster a victim’s legal claim.
Important things to remember after a Texas personal injury accident
Following a personal injury, particularly a severe one, chaos may ensue. But, it is important that an injury victim stay as calm as possible during this period, especially since decisions made during this time may literally have life or death consequences.
First and foremost, a victim needs to seek necessary medical attention immediately following an accident, which is crucial for several reasons. For example, not only is medical treatment essential to the physical well-being of the victim but it is also often the only way for an individual to assess, and document, the full degree of his or her injuries. In fact, if the injury is an internal one, such as a brain injury, medical treatment may be the lone option for ascertaining the actual severity of the harm done, not to mention that the medical records produced may be vital to proving any potential legal claim.
Secondly, it is important to gather evidence as soon as possible following an accident. Given that the passage of time can make it more difficult to locate and/or identify pertinent evidence, waiting to collect this vital information can doom a legal case before it ever begins. Indeed, delaying in taking photographs of the accident scene may result in the loss of evidence as weather or even human intervention can alter the location.
The process of collecting relevant evidence may also include taking photos of the injuries sustained, identifying any witnesses to the accident as well as obtaining any relevant police records. Moreover, a victim should always write down his or her recollection of the accident before his or her memory fades with time. Ultimately, the success of a case may hinge upon the evidence collected, which means the importance of this particular task cannot be stressed enough.
Although, it should be pointed out that the suggestions listed above are merely some basic guidelines for injury victims to bear in mind when they suffer an injury at the hands of another. In truth, many other factors may need to be addressed by victims depending on their specific circumstances, which is why many injured individuals seek the advice of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney following their accidents.
Oil field accidents: A plague in Texas
While injuries related to motor vehicle collisions are quite common nationwide, there is one specific type of accident that is particularly common – and deadly -among those living and working in Texas; namely, oil field accidents ( link to child article-oil accidents).
In fact, according to a report compiled by the Houston Chronicle, 65 workers perished in Texas oil and gas field mishaps in 2012 alone, which represented an almost 60 increase from the year before. Sadly, the same report also found that from 2007 to 2012, approximately 40 percent of all U.S. oil field deaths occurred solely in Texas.
However, Texas oil field workers fortunate enough to survive their accidents may still suffer devastating injuries. For instance, in 2012, 675 Texas oil field workers suffered broken bones, 79 lost limbs and 92 experienced burns while on the job.
Importantly, individuals injured while working may be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits to help cover medical expenses. However, it is also important to note that if negligent third parties caused their injuries, they may be able to seek additional compensation as well, but it all depends upon the circumstances.
As oil production increases in Texas, so does trucking
Unfortunately, the oil industry in Texas has also helped elevate the risk of trucking accidents ( link to child article-trucking accidents) on Texas roadways. For example, given that the oil industry in Texas is currently experiencing a boom, oil companies are clamoring to get more trucks on the road in order to transport the oil, not to mention trucks to haul water for fracking.
The tragic reality is that as the number of trucks on the road increases, the risk of trucking accidents also rises. And, since other vehicles are often only a fraction of the size of trucks, the consequences of trucking accidents can be particularly devastating for the occupants of these smaller vehicles.
Moreover, the quantity of trucks on Texas highways is not the only potential problem for Texas motorists. In fact, as truck drivers become more and more in short supply, companies need to ensure that they only hire qualified candidates to operate their trucks. If companies negligently hire dangerous drivers, or fail to properly maintain their trucks, they may also face liability should a motorist be injured as a result. Ultimately, however, potential liability may be different in each situation, which is why each accident must be analyzed individually.
Expert legal guidance often necessary after a personal injury
Alas, oil field injuries and trucking accidents are merely a few of the hazards that Texans need to be wary of in today’s world. Tragedy can strike almost anyone at any time. Given the countless ways in which an individual can suffer a personal injury in Texas, it is impossible for this article to address everything a victim may need to know following his or her accident. Consequently, the information contained herein should not be relied upon as legal advice.
However, when an injury victim’s legal rights are in jeopardy, there is simply no substitute for the counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney. A skilled and knowledgeable attorney can fully explain your rights and options and help investigate the circumstances of your accident. Let your attorney worry about your legal issues so you can concentrate on your medical treatment.