Two-Vehicle Crash Kills 1 On South FM 973
One recent morning saw a two-vehicle crash on FM 973, where a Dodge RAM suddenly crossed the center line and struck a Ford F150 head-on. The driver of the F150 was pronounced dead at the scene, and while the RAM driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries, law enforcement has not yet stated whether or not any charges would be filed against him. If you have been in this type of head-on collision, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the other driver, if you believe that their negligence was the prime mover in the harm you suffered.
Infrequent But Serious
The Insurance Information Institute estimates that in their most recent available data, head-on collisions made up approximately 10 percent of all fatal crashes. However, fatality rates have been shown to be higher, for a variety of reasons. This is especially true for accidents in which one vehicle is significantly larger than the other – for example, a large pickup truck versus a small car. The FM 973 accident had two vehicles of roughly similar sizes involved, but the force that results can nonetheless be lethal.
Head-on collisions are statistically more likely to cause injury to those in the front seat, as one might imagine. Even while wearing a seatbelt, drivers and front-seat passengers have higher death rates, as well as higher rates of non-fatal injury such as whiplash, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries. If you are injured in this type of crash, you can, as a general rule, expect high medical bills and extensive repairs to your vehicle, and if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to hold them accountable.
Bringing Suit
If you are contemplating whether or not to bring suit against a negligent driver after a head-on collision, you do generally have the right to do so, but it is a good idea to determine whether or not it will be worth your while, so to speak. Texas requires all drivers to carry a certain amount of auto insurance, but your coverage amount may not be enough to cover your bills – in this case, it might be a good idea to file suit against an allegedly negligent driver so that they can cover the rest. However, if you were struck by an uninsured motorist or someone who is otherwise judgment proof (that is, they lack assets that could be used to pay off a jury award) it may not be worth your time to sue.
If you do bring suit, you should be aware that there are certain criteria that have to be established in court in order to establish the defendant’s liability. Every motorist on Texas roads is required to exercise reasonable care toward other motorists, and a failure to do so, plus a showing that the defendant’s actions were the immediate cause of your injuries, establish a prima facie case of negligence. This can even hold true if you are found partially responsible for your own injuries; Texas law still allows recovery if you are found less than 50 percent at fault.
Call A New Braunfels Head-On Collision Attorney
If you have been involved in a head-on collision, your injuries are no doubt severe. Contacting an experienced skilled New Braunfels head-on collision lawyer from the Bettersworth Law Firm is a good first step toward seeking compensation for your injuries. Do not hesitate to contact our offices at 888-392-0039 today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
https://patch.com/texas/downtownaustin/austin-police-id-driver-killed-2-vehicle-wreck
