Car Accident Causes in Corpus Christi

Every car accident claim starts with one question: who is responsible for your injury? Understanding what caused a crash is the first step toward answering it. The Daspit Law Firm helps injured people across Corpus Christi, Nueces County and the Coastal Bend identify the responsible party and pursue compensation. As a personal injury attorney in Corpus Christi team, we look at the driver, the vehicle, the road and any other factor that may have played a role.

Why the Cause of an Accident Matters

Personal injury cases, including car accident claims and lawsuits, hinge on liability. In a legal sense, liability asks who is responsible. If you were seriously hurt, a lawyer can help identify that party so you can seek compensation for your medical expenses and other damages. The responsible party may be the other driver, a local municipality, an auto manufacturer or another entity.

The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

Distracted Driving

Texting, using a phone or other distractions can pull a driver's eyes, hands and attention away from the road. A distracted driver endangers everyone else on the road, including passengers and people in other vehicles. Phone records and witness statements can sometimes help show distraction.

Drunk or Drugged Driving

Impaired driving puts the driver, other motorists and passengers at risk. Criminal law is designed to punish impaired drivers, but a criminal case does not by itself pay your medical bills or replace missed wages. A separate civil claim may be needed to seek that compensation.

Negligent Driving

Negligent driving covers a wide range of poor habits and mistakes, including running red lights, speeding and failing to yield the right of way. These choices can lead to serious crashes, injuries and deaths.

Fatigue, Weather and Road Conditions

Drowsy driving, heavy rain and poorly maintained roads can also contribute to a wreck. Sometimes a government entity may be responsible for a road defect, but claims against public bodies can come with special notice rules, so it is important to ask a lawyer early.

Vehicle Defects and Commercial Trucks

A crash may also trace back to a faulty part, such as brakes or tires. A product liability claim can address defective vehicles or equipment. Crashes involving large commercial vehicles raise their own issues, which we cover on our 18-wheeler accident page.

Who May Be Responsible for Your Injuries?

The Other Driver, Your Driver or Both

More than one person can share fault. If you were a passenger, you may be able to seek compensation even when the driver of your own vehicle caused the wreck. Read more about passenger injury claims.

Shared Fault Under Texas Law

Texas generally uses a modified comparative fault rule. A person found 51 percent or more responsible for an accident may be barred from recovering damages, and a lower percentage may reduce what is recovered. Because insurers may try to shift blame to you, it is wise to have a lawyer review the facts.

What Compensation May Be Available

Depending on the facts, damages in a car accident claim may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, physical impairment and other losses. If your own policy includes it, personal injury protection coverage may help pay certain costs regardless of fault. If a loved one died in a crash, you may want to learn about a wrongful death claim.

What to Do After a Crash

•         Get medical attention right away, even if you feel fine at first.

•         Call the police and take photos of the scene, vehicles and injuries.

•         Exchange insurance information, and avoid admitting fault.

•         Keep medical records, bills and proof of missed work.

•         Speak with a lawyer. Texas generally allows two years to file a personal injury lawsuit under Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 16.003.

Talk With a Corpus Christi Car Accident Attorney

The Daspit Law Firm is here to help you seek the compensation you may be owed. During a free, no-obligation consultation, a member of our legal team can go over the details of your case and explain your rights and options. John Daspit is a former insurance defense lawyer, and the firm takes your fight as far as it needs to go. Contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cause of car accidents?

Distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and failure to yield are among the most commonly cited causes. Which one applies to your crash depends on the evidence, such as police reports, photos, witness statements and vehicle data. A lawyer can help gather that information.

Can I recover compensation if the other driver was drunk?

Yes, you may be able to seek compensation through a civil claim for medical bills, lost wages and other damages. A criminal charge against the driver is separate and does not automatically pay your losses. Insurance coverage and the facts of the crash will affect your options. See our page on Corpus Christi car accident injuries for more.

What if I was partly at fault?

You may still be able to recover. Under Texas modified comparative fault rules, a person found 51 percent or more at fault is generally barred from recovery, and lower percentages can reduce an award. A lawyer can challenge unfair fault assignments.

How do I prove what caused my accident?

Evidence may include the police report, photos, video, witness statements, medical records and phone or vehicle data. Acting early helps, because video can be overwritten and vehicles repaired. Our firm can review what exists and discuss next steps.

How much does a consultation cost?

The Daspit Law Firm offers a free consultation, so you can learn about your options without an upfront cost. Any fee arrangement should be explained in writing before you hire the firm.