El Paso Car Accident Lawyers

Our clients at Flores Mendez Law often come to us with injuries and damage sustained in car accidents. In some cases, they need to recover the costs of vehicle repairs. In other, more severe cases, they need to pay for significant medical bills, rehabilitation, and foregone wages. No matter the severity, car accident victims from all over El Paso have depended on our car accident attorneys to help them collect the compensation they deserve.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident in El Paso?

Immediately following a car accident, call 911; not only does New Mexico law mandate reporting the accident in the event of injury, death, or property damage above $500, but you also need to seek out medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries—like whiplash or internal bleeding—might only show symptoms later on. Additionally, the medical records generated from this call will support your claim for compensation.

Once you have dialed 911, document the accident scene by taking photos of the vehicles, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Collect contact information from witnesses and exchange insurance details with the other driver. Document your recollection of the accident via a voice memo on your phone or a written note.

How Can You Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident?

To prevent any accusations of delays, report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible; however, avoid volunteering any unnecessary information to the insurance adjusters or speculating as to the cause of the accident. Insurance adjusters have an incentive to get you to admit fault or twist your words against you to lower your compensation amount; answer their questions respectfully and truthfully.

Make sure to avoid talking about the accident on social media. The insurance companies and any opposing attorney teams will use anything you say on these platforms against you to lower your overall payout.

Attend all medical appointments, keep detailed recovery records, and consider hiring a seasoned personal injury attorney to litigate your claim.

What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?

In El Paso, car accidents often result in various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. The nature of the accident, speed, and impact force all play a significant role in determining the type of injuries sustained. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash: A neck injury caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head during a collision.
• Broken Bones: Fractures are common, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs.
• Head Injuries: These can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), depending on the severity of the impact.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in long-term disability or paralysis.
• Cuts and Bruises: These can occur from shattered glass or impact the car’s interior.

Seeking immediate medical attention after an accident is essential to properly diagnose and treat these injuries.

What Are Common Types of Car Accidents in El Paso?

Car accidents in El Paso can occur in many forms, each posing different levels of danger to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Understanding the common types of car accidents can help raise awareness and potentially prevent future incidents. Some of the most frequent types include:

• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another, often caused by tailgating or sudden stops.
• Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as T-bone accidents, these happen when the side of a vehicle is hit, usually at intersections.
• Head-On Collisions: One of the most dangerous types, these occur when two vehicles collide front-to-front, often at high speeds.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Typically occurring on highways, these involve several vehicles and can cause significant damage and injury.

Each type of accident presents unique risks, making it crucial to stay vigilant and drive defensively to avoid dangerous situations.

What Types of Compensation Can You Pursue After a Car Accident?

Victims can claim two types of damages in the legal aftermath of a car accident: economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover the quantifiable dollar amount of fixed expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages, however, seek to compensate for damages that do not have an assigned dollar amount. These include pain and suffering and the loss of companionship.

In some instances, the court may award punitive damages in which the at-fault driver behaved particularly recklessly or egregiously. Though rare, judges assign punitive damages to punish the driver and deter them from similar behavior in the future.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Texas?

To preserve the evidence and get witness testimony as close to the event as possible, Texas law gives you two years from your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit, formally called the “statute of limitations,” potentially disqualifies you from seeking claims in court if you fail to file within the deadline.

However, Texas law contains exceptions that can extend or shorten this two-year deadline. For instance, if the injured party gets into the accident before they turn 18, the court might pause the countdown for the statute of limitations until the plaintiff turns 18. Similarly, if the at-fault driver leaves the state, a judge may pause the statute of limitations until the driver returns. However, if a government vehicle, such as a city bus or law enforcement vehicle, causes the accident, the law requires you to file a notice of the lawsuit within 90 days.

Protect Your Interests With the El Paso Car Accident Lawyers at Flores Mendez Law

From the immediate aftermath of a car accident to the in-court proceedings, you need a dedicated, experienced personal injury attorney to gather all the required evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and litigate your claim successfully. The El Paso car accident lawyers at Flores Mendez Law have your back. We know the ins and outs of the New Mexico legal system and will ensure you meet all the deadlines to file your best personal injury claim. Call us at 915-308-9999 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.