Brownsville Car Accident Attorneys

At Kenny Perez Law, we know that car accidents can damage your life.

The crash itself only signals the start of a lengthy process of filing a claim, establishing fault and liability, and getting the compensation that the victim deserves. It can intimidate anyone, especially car accident victims who are still recovering from their injuries. However, there’s no need for accident victims to take on both the law and insurance companies without any professional assistance.

The Brownsville car accident lawyers at Kenny Perez Law has aggressively fought for the rights and interests of car accident victims for years. We’ll review your case, discuss your legal options, and help you understand the process. If we feel you have a strong case, we’ll build your claim to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Car Accidents in Brownsville, TX

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Texas has some of the most fatal car accidents in the country. In a bad year in the Brownsville area, the Texas Department of Transportation estimates that at least one fatal car accident occurs every 20 days.

As the city’s population grows, a corresponding rise in the number of car accidents follows.

Here are some of the most common accident sites in the county:

• City roads, including E. Harrison Street
• County roads, like Paredes Line Road
• Farm to market roads—which are winding and narrow roads that are unique to Texas—such as FM 511 and FM 803
• U.S. highways, like U.S. 77 and state highways like TX-4
• Interstate highways, including I-2 and I-69E

Brownsville can be a dangerous place to drive, putting even the most careful drivers at risk. After all, there’s no way for them to prevent other drivers from causing an accident.

The number of inexperienced or aggressive drivers, the heavy commuter traffic, and a range of other potential car accident causes increase the chances that residents will get into a car accident that results in serious injuries or deaths.

Causes of Car Accidents in Brownsville

According to the NHTSA, speeding causes approximately one-third of all car accidents. Going beyond the speed limit increases the risk of an accident. Drivers cannot control their vehicles properly when they violate the speed limit, as they need more time and distance to slow down or stop the car. Collisions at higher speeds are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries or deaths.

Here are some of the other top causes of car accidents in Brownsville:

• Driver fatigue: When a driver is on the road without enough sleep or while severely fatigued, they put the lives of other people at risk. Being drowsy—or worse, falling asleep behind the wheel—slows down their reaction time and damages their judgment.
• Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a recipe for disaster. These substances impair the driver’s judgment and driving ability. It can cause the driver to speed, swerve, or make other bad decisions. Drunk drivers are dangerous not only to themselves but to other motorists.
• Distracted driving: Talking or texting while driving, eating, personal grooming, and interacting with passengers—any activity or object that takes the driver’s attention off the road can cause an accident.
• Poor weather and road conditions: Inclement weather can make driving difficult. Rain, sleet, snow, or ice can impair the driver’s ability to properly control a vehicle. Similarly, improperly maintained roads can deteriorate to the point that they become a safety risk to motorists and pedestrians. Potholes, uneven pavements, and poorly designed construction zones are traffic hazards.
• Defective or failing automobile parts: Numerous car and car parts were recalled in recent years due to defects in their production or design. This is because defective car parts or systems—including ignition or steering systems, brakes, tires, and airbags—can cause serious accidents. Car owners must maintain their vehicles in top working condition through regular maintenance.
• Teen or elderly drivers: Teen and elderly drivers are statistically responsible for too many car accidents in Brownsville because of overconfidence, poor perception due to inexperience, or age-related decline in cognition and vision.

Most car accidents are preventable. Proper vehicle maintenance, careful driving, reduced distractions, and safety precautions can reduce the risk of an auto accident. By making changes in personal habits, anyone can significantly lower the risks of these accidents and save lives.

If, however, someone failed in their duty to drive responsibly and injured you, give us a call. We can help.

A Brownsville Car Accident Lawyer Answers Your Questions

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) estimates that more than 5,000 car accidents occur each year in Brownsville and Harlingen combined. Many of these accidents lead to serious, sometimes fatal, injuries. If you have sustained serious injuries in a Brownsville car accident, it is not unusual if you are overwhelmed, angry, sad, and uncertain about your next steps. It is best to contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Until you have the chance to meet with an attorney, the answers to some frequently asked questions about car accidents in Brownsville offer some general information to help you understand the legal process of recovering damages.

Do I Have to Report a Car Accident to the Brownsville Police Department?

Yes. If you suffered injuries, Texas law requires you to report the accident to the Brownsville police or the police department where the accident occurred, and the Texas Peace Officer must file a report with TxDOT within 10 days. Emergency response teams likely came to the scene of the accident, and an officer made a report. If this was the case, you do not need to file an additional report. You should contact them to ensure there is legal documentation of the accident.

I Did Not Go to the Hospital After the Accident, But Now I Feel Sore. What Should I Do?

After suffering serious injuries in a Brownsville car accident, most take an ambulance ride to Valley Baptist Medical Center or Valley Regional Medical Center for emergency room treatment. If you were conscious and could walk, you might have made the mistake of denying medical treatment.

If you feel soreness or experience any other symptoms, even if it has been a few days or weeks since the accident, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Soreness can signal internal injuries that could threaten your life if left untreated. A doctor can examine you for common accident injuries, get you the treatment you need, and document your medical record to support your claim.

How Long Do I Have to Bring a Lawsuit After a Brownsville Car Accident?

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations period for car accident lawsuits. You must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident, or you risk losing the opportunity to recover damages related to the car accident and your injuries. In rare cases, you might convince a court to pause the time clock. For example, if your lawyer cannot serve papers to the defendant because they fled the area, a court might grant you an extension. Severe injuries that leave accident victims incapacitated sometimes warrant an exception. You should take action as soon as possible and consult with an attorney if you are worried about missing the statute of limitations deadline.

What Damages Can I Get Compensated for After a Brownsville Car Accident?

If you prevail in your Brownsville car accident claim, you could receive compensation for damages from a settlement or jury verdict in your favor.

Exact damages vary with each case, but those commonly pursued after a car accident include:

• Medical treatment costs
• Rehabilitation costs
• Estimated future medical treatment costs
• Lost wages
• Estimated future lost wages for permanent injuries
• Replacement services such as lawn care, cleaning services, or other help to maintain a household
• Pain and suffering
• Diminished quality of life
• Loss of consortium
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Punitive damages

Can I Receive Compensation if an Uninsured Driver Caused My Brownsville Car Accident?

Yes, but your insurance policy limits and the ability to collect from an uninsured driver might make it difficult to collect the full value of your claim. Texas does not force motorists to carry uninsured motorist (UM) insurance. However, if you have this coverage, you can file a claim with your own carrier to recover damages up to your policy limit after an uninsured driver causes injuries. If you do not have a UM policy, you will have to absorb the losses from the accident unless you directly sue the uninsured driver. In most cases, uninsured drivers would have insurance if they had the financial means to pay. Even if you win your lawsuit, collecting the award from the driver could be difficult.

Can I Receive Compensation for My Injuries if I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident?

In Texas, it depends on how much you are at fault for an accident. Never take the blame for anything after a car accident, and do not assume you cannot recover damages. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Even if you contributed to the cause of a car accident, you may still have the legal right to seek compensation for your injuries. The insurance company or the court might reduce the amount you receive based on your percentage fault. Your attorney can evaluate your claim and give you a better idea of your eligibility for recovering damages.

Will I Have to Go to Court for My Brownsville Car Accident Claim?

The majority of traffic accident injury claims settle before going to court; however, sometimes settlement is not an option. Both sides have the motivation to avoid costly litigation, so reaching an agreement is ideal for everyone involved. Yet, car accidents that involve catastrophic injuries, major liability disputes, and multiple defendants can make settling difficult. Although it is not as likely that you will have to go to court, you should prepare for the possibility. Your Brownsville car accident lawyer can evaluate your claim and advise you on the aspects of your case that might complicate settlement negotiations.

Can I Afford to Hire a Brownsville Car Accident Lawyer?

Our car accident law firm takes on new clients on a contingent fee basis. If you prevail in your claim, a contingent fee agreement allows your lawyer to deduct attorney fees from any settlement money or court-awarded damages you receive for their efforts. Contact us today if you suffered preventable car accident injuries.