This blog was brought to you by Carabin Shaw – Corpus Christi Personal Injury Lawyers.

Car Accidents Are Very Common

No city in the United States is free from negligent drivers and car accidents. In fact, because of the heavy flow of traffic in larger cities, crashes tend to be more common. Whether you’re passing through or you live here, every driver needs to be aware of the dangers of the road and how state and local laws address these incidents. Corpus Christi, one of the largest cities on the Texas Gulf Coast, sees its share of serious collisions along corridors like I-37, SPID, and US-77. You can learn more about our Corpus Christi car accident lawyers here.

Dangers on the Road

A large share of road accidents can be traced back to drunk driving or other alcohol-related causes, making it one of the most common factors in serious crashes. Impaired driving is an especially significant problem among younger drivers, which is part of why alcohol remains such a persistent danger on the road.

Negligence and Fault in Texas

Texas treats driver negligence as the central question in most car accidents. Whoever is at fault can be held responsible for the physical injuries and property damage the other party suffers. To recover, though, the party making the claim must establish a strong causal link showing the other driver’s negligence caused the crash. Texas also follows a proportionate responsibility rule: if you’re found partly at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, and if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover at all.

Hazards on the Road

As a large coastal city, Corpus Christi carries plenty of traffic, and with that traffic comes vulnerability to accidents. Rollovers, particularly involving SUVs, are among the most dangerous types of crashes and frequently produce the most severe injuries. Under Texas law, a party who suffers harm in a car accident can sue for damages including lost income (whether temporary or permanent), medical expenses, funeral expenses, and other economic losses, as well as compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering.

Proving Fault

Texas negligence law looks at whether each driver kept a “proper lookout” — the duty to pay attention and observe what a reasonably careful driver would. To make a successful claim, you must prove the other party’s fault, which is rarely simple. That’s why it’s so important to have a Corpus Christi car accident lawyer handle your claim and build the evidence needed to establish liability.

And of course, the best case is the one you avoid: pay attention, don’t drive negligently, avoid excessive speed, and never drink and drive.

The Verdict

Larger cities tend to be more prone to car accidents, and knowing the dangers you may face on the road can save you a great deal of trouble. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash in Corpus Christi or anywhere in Nueces County and the Coastal Bend, the team at Carabin Shaw is ready to help. Call us today at (210) 222-2288 for a free, confidential consultation.