Austin Area Car Accident Lawyer
Severe car accidents almost always cause catastrophic injuries, many of which result in fatal accidents, or injuries so debilitating that lives are forever changed. Needless to say, these types of accidents are devastating to the individuals involved, and to their surviving family members.
Insurance companies often pressure families to accept payments that are likely to be far less than they deserve. It is understandable that insurance adjusters are hired by insurance companies to work on their behalf by paying out the least amount possible, but it can leave the victims and their families in financial ruin. Before you sign off on a settlement agreement with an insurance company, you will want to check with car accident attorneys at Shaw Cowart LLP who specialize in severe or fatal injuries to ensure that you and your loved ones are receiving a fair and just compensation. Just as the insurance adjusters work for the insurance companies, an Austin car accident lawyer will advocate for you, and work aggressively to protect your rights.
Damages Covered in Car Accident Claims for Severe or Fatal Injuries
Shaw Cowart has assisted clients throughout Austin, Houston and Beaumont in receiving financial compensation for the following:
- Emergency transportation to a medical facility
- Hospital bills
- Prescriptions
- Physicians bills
- X-rays
- Physical therapy
- Medical equipment (wheel chairs, crutches, etc.)
- Loss of work
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of lifestyle
- Loss of ability to earn an income
- Funeral expenses
- Wrongful death
Can I Pursue Damages for a Loved One’s Severe or Fatal Car Accident?
When someone else’s negligence results in serious injury, victims may be entitled to seek compensation through legal action. Under specific circumstances, a family member may be able to file on behalf of a living loved one.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, you can seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims seek damages for end-of-life expenses, projected future financial contributions and wages, loss of companionship, and more.
The best way to learn if you have cause to file suit is through a one-on-one consultation at our Austin or San Antonio office.
How Much Compensation Can I Pursue for a Severe or Fatal Car Accident?
Three types of damages can be sought in a personal injury lawsuit:
- Special Damages. These are provable damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and home modifications
- General Damages. These are subjective damages and include things like physical pain and emotional suffering
- Punitive Damages. These seek to punish particularly egregious behavior
In the state of Texas, there is no cap on special damages. Under most circumstances, Texas does not cap general damages in personal injury cases either. The amount of compensation you can pursue is, therefore, reliant on the specifics of your case.
Punitive damages are typically capped at $200,000 but can reach $750,000 depending on the particulars of the claim. Punitive damages are rarely awarded in the state of Texas.
How Soon After a Car Accident Should I or My Loved One File a Claim?
It is best to file a claim as soon as possible after a car accident. Establishing liability requires an investigation into the accident. The sooner this can be performed, the higher the chances of uncovering all causes and the better the chances of building a rock-solid case.
The statute of limitations for a personal injury in Texas is two years. You must take action within this time frame to seek compensation beyond an insurance settlement offer. And remember, if you accept an offer from an insurance company, you will not be able to seek additional compensation through a personal injury claim.
During your free case review, we will assess your claim, provide straightforward information about your rights, and help you determine how best to move forward with your claim.
How Long Does a Severe or Fatal Car Accident Case Take?
It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to resolve a car accident claim. Factors that will influence this include the complexities of your case and the willingness of all involved to compromise during mediation.
Claims that go to trial take much longer than those that settle during negotiations.
While it can take longer to seek compensation through a trial, this is sometimes the best option. We will stay by your side every step of the way, no matter which route is taken, to fight for every penny you are due.
Why Choose Shaw Coward LLP for Your Severe or Fatal Car Accident?
Our firm is known for taking on complex cases and has a long and proud history of securing significant verdicts and settlements for our clients. We have the resources and tenacity of a larger firm, but maintain a small-firm feel, remaining personally invested and involved in each case we take and helping to ensure our clients never feel alone or unsure during the process.
We remain available to our clients at all times, getting to know the ways an accident has and will continue to impact daily life. This enables us to craft personalized representation and to fight for the specific needs of the individual. Tireless, thoughtful, and effective, we welcome the opportunity to meet with you free of obligation and cost to discuss your case and help you decide how best to move forward.
Austin Car Accident Litigation Attorney
Monetary values can never be placed upon your injuries, and more assuredly the loss of a loved one, that is due to someone’s carelessness or negligence. However, receiving the compensation you deserve can assist you in receiving the medical care you desperately need in order to recover from your injuries, and sustain your family during the recovery process. In the case of a fatality accident, and the loss of a loved one, financial compensation can mean the difference of being able to remain in your home or being forced to move into an apartment. In addition, if your loved one was the sole breadwinner in the family, it could mean that your children will still be able to go to college, while you and/or your family maintain the lifestyle you had before the loved one was killed.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a severe car accident that was due to the negligence or carelessness of someone else, contact Shaw Cowart LLP online or call 512-499-8900 to enlist the advocacy of our Austin car accident attorneys today. We will review the case with you and offer our expertise in determining if you have a strong claim. You can count on our impeccable reputation to ensure your rights and interests are protected.