Motor vehicle accidents fall into various types, but the most general fall into single and multi-vehicle crashes. The latter may involve just two vehicles or many in a pile-up.

Types of motor vehicle accidents include:

• Head-on collisions
• Hit and run
• Rear-end collisions
• Rollovers
• Side impact – also known as T-bone
• Sideswipe

Any of these motor vehicle accidents can result in fatality or serious, perhaps permanent, injury.

While driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major reason for motor vehicle accidents, it is far from the only one. Distracted driving – including the use of a cell phone, texting or eating- is a growing problem.

Other common causes of motor vehicle accidents include:

• Animal crossings
• Auto design defects
• Dangerous curves
• Disregarding traffic lights, stop signs and signals
• Distractions within the vehicle
• Fatigue
• Failure to yield
• Improper turns
• Negligent backups
• Lane change issues
• Road conditions
• Road rage
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Tire blowouts or other vehicle issues
• Unsafe passing
• Weather conditions
• Wrong-way driving

If you are involved in a car accident in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, call the police immediately and seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you were hurt, it is important to consult a physician. Certain types of serious injuries may not become apparent for some time after the crash. The police and doctor’s reports are part of the evidence involving the crash.

You should also contact your insurer as soon as possible. Do not, however, provide a statement – verbal or written – to the insurance company without consulting a lawyer. Calling an attorney is the next step in the process after you have performed these other duties.

Of course, if you were badly injured in the crash, someone else must notify the police and your insurance company. The hospital will document your injuries. If you are not capable at the time, a family member or trusted person must contact an attorney on your behalf.

When someone is killed because of a driver’s negligence or recklessness, there may be grounds for a wrongful death suit. The dead person may have been the driver of another vehicle or a passenger in a vehicle. The driver responsible may face criminal charges, but a civil lawsuit is necessary to collect damages. Nothing will make up for the loss of a loved one, but financial compensation can help the dead person’s family have a better future. In Texas, plaintiff may receive several different types of compensation in wrongful death lawsuits.

These include:

• Funeral expenses
• Medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Loss of companionship/care
• Pain and suffering

Your attorney will provide experts to testify about the value of the victim’s future income, as well as related financial matters.

In 2015, a total of 3,531 people were killed in Texas motor vehicle accidents. There were 13,616 serious injury crashes, with 17,011 people sustaining a serious injury. A total of 246,335 people received injuries in motor vehicle accidents that year. In Dallas County alone, there were 239 fatal crashes resulting in the deaths of 259 people. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the statewide statistics break down to:

• 1 person killed every 2 hours 29 minutes
• 1 person injured every 2 minutes 8 seconds
• 1 reportable crash occurring every 61 seconds.
• There has never been a day in which someone was not killed on a Texas road.

If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle accident, call the Bonneau Law Firm today at (972) 325-1100 for a free consultation.