Who Is Responsible for Injuries in a Texas Car Accident?

In the Lone Star State, where bustling highways meet vast rural stretches, car accidents are unfortunately all too common, leaving many individuals facing injuries and losses due to motorist negligence. Understanding who is liable for the injuries sustained in such accidents is essential for victims seeking justice and compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. 

Texas claims operate under a modified comparative negligence system, which means that the determination of fault and subsequent compensation can be influenced by the degree to which each party is found to be responsible for the accident. This system underscores the importance of seeking legal guidance from an experienced car accident lawyer at The Law Firm of Chaile Allen to thoroughly investigate the collision and gather evidence of negligence. 

Potential Liable Parties in a Texas Car Accident Claim 

The following parties may be liable in a car accident claim in Texas: 

  • Driver at fault: The most common scenario involves one driver being found at fault due to negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws. Texas law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care to avoid harming others, and failure to do so results in liability for any accidents caused.
  • Multiple drivers: In some accidents, more than one driver may be responsible. Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule allows for apportioning fault among all parties involved. 
  • Vehicle manufacturers: If a vehicle defect contributed to the collision, the manufacturer could be held liable under product liability law. This includes defects in the design and manufacturing process or failure to warn about potential dangers.
  • Government entities: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, inadequate signage, or improperly maintained traffic signals, can lead to accidents. Generally, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road might be held liable. 
  • Employers: If a driver causing an accident was working at the time, their employer might be liable. Employers are responsible for their employees’ actions performed within the scope of their employment.
  • Bars and restaurants: Under Texas’s “dram shop” laws, establishments serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons or minors who subsequently cause an accident may also bear liability. 
  • Owners of the vehicle: If the person driving the vehicle at the time of the accident was not the owner, the vehicle’s owner could also be held liable in certain situations. This is particularly true if the owner negligently entrusted their vehicle to an unlicensed, incompetent, or impaired driver.

The Law Firm Chaile Allen is prepared to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather evidence to build a strong claim, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf while you focus on recovery. 

Proving Fault in a Car Accident Claim 

Proving fault in a Texas car accident claim is pivotal for seeking compensation for injuries and damages. The process involves demonstrating that another party’s negligence or wrongful action directly led to the accident, which may include the following: 

  • Gathering evidence: Chaile Allen will handle all aspects of building your case, including obtaining detailed information from eyewitnesses who can corroborate your version of events and help establish the other party’s liability.
  • Obtaining the police report: Always call the police to the scene of the accident so they can create an official report. This report often contains the responding officer’s assessment of the collision. 
  • Traffic law violations: Violation of traffic laws and regulations can serve as evidence of the other driver’s negligence. For example, if the other driver was speeding or ran a red light, this breach of traffic laws may be used to determine fault.
  • Analyzing medical evidence: Physical evidence from the accident scene and medical records documenting your injuries can further substantiate your claim. 
  • Employing accident reconstruction experts: In complex cases, it may be required to work with accident reconstruction experts, who analyze evidence and recreate the accident scene to show how the accident occurred and who was at fault.

Consulting with The Law Firm of Chaile Allen can significantly enhance your ability to effectively prove fault and obtain the compensation you deserve. 

Speak With a Texas Car Accident Lawyer at The Law Firm of Chaile Allen 

If you have been involved in a car accident in Texas, seeking the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses can be a challenging journey. However, you do not have to navigate this complex process alone. Working with an experienced lawyer at The Law Firm of Chaile Allen can make a considerable difference in the resolution of your case. With our personalized and hands-on approach, you will rest assured your case is not just another file on a desk but a priority that receives the attention and dedication it deserves. 

As a small, local firm, we are committed to pursuing the best possible resolution, allowing for a closer attorney-client relationship and a strategy tailored specifically to your situation and needs. For a free consultation, call today at (325) 670-9282 or fill out our contact form.