CAR ACCIDENTS - BEAUMONT, TX
How Car Accident Lawyers in Beaumont, TX Can Help?
You need a car accident attorney in Beaumont, who knows what you’re going through and has the expertise to get you the settlement you deserve. Call West & West today at (713) 222-9378 to learn more about our legal services.
Insurance agents aren’t on your side, and they’ll try to get you to settle for as little money as possible. Before calling your insurance company, contact West & West experienced car accident attorneys, servicing Beaumont, TX to determine how much you should receive for your injuries and damages.
Need help today? Contact the Beaumont, TX car accident lawyers of West & West Firm today at (713) 222-9378 for your free consultation.
When to Consult a Car Accident Lawyer in Beaumont?
West & West, your experienced Beaumont car accident lawyer, has recovered millions of dollars in settlements for clients since opening their Pasadena office in 1998. It is critically important that you consult with an experienced Beaumont car accident attorney shortly after your auto accident. Speaking to the insurance company before speaking to an attorney can jeopardize your case.
When you call our firm for your free consultation, you will speak with an experienced member of our car accident team. We will listen to your case, answer your questions, and give you advice on your rights under Texas law and information on how you may be able to proceed. If we can help you, we will not charge a legal fee unless and until we obtain a settlement on your behalf.
Getting Compensation for Your Car Accident Injuries in Beaumont, TX
It is critical that accident victims have an accurate estimate of all of their damages, past, and future. Many accident victims will accept unfair settlement offers from insurance companies because they do not know that they have additional losses that could be covered. They may also fail to account for losses they will encounter in the future.
Knowing about the types of damages available after a car accident in Texas is crucial to recovering all of your financial losses. You should also get the compensation you deserve for the non-financial impacts of your accident, such as the pain and suffering you felt while you recovered.
A car accident lawyer in Beaumont can use their familiarity with past cases similar to yours along with the input of medical and economic experts to provide an accurate, full accounting of all possible damages.
The following are the most common types of damages awarded after a Beaumont, TX car accident lawyer successfully represents a case:
Past and Future Medical Bills
All necessary costs relevant to treating your injury, as well as the costs of future treatment. Many injuries require long-term follow-up care and rehabilitation. Some accident victims may never fully recover, adding to the costs of future treatments and making future medical interventions likely. A complete car accident injury claim must account for all of these probable expenses.
Past and Future Lost Wages
The income you missed out on while recovering from your injuries counts as a financial loss that is directly attributable to your accident. Wages are repaid according to the language of the liability insurance policy, so some accident victims may only be able to recover partial lost wages through the insurance system.
Property Damage
Damage to your vehicle and personal effects can be accounted for and recovered through a property damage claim. Please note that a property damage claim is its own claim and does not fall under the bodily injury claim.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Your out-of-pocket expenses can be reimbursed if they are directly related to necessary costs of medical treatment or if they occurred as a direct result of the accident. Prescription costs, medical devices, and even hospital parking deck fees could all be assessed under this category.
Pain & Suffering
The physical pain and discomfort you feel as a result of your injuries can be assigned a dollar value in many cases. Accident victims must be diligent about reporting their full symptoms and can record how their injuries have affected their life to prove that they have pain and suffering damages in some cases.
Mental Anguish
A mental form of pain and suffering, mental anguish refers to the stress, anxiety, sadness, depression, and other negative emotions experienced as a result of a car accident. Some victims may be traumatized after a severe accident, resulting in extended mental anguish and a possible need for psychological counseling. To prove these damages the injured person would need to have professional medical care to document and treat such injuries.
Loss of Enjoyment in Life
Similar to the concept of lost wages, a “loss of enjoyment of life” claim places a dollar value on the difference between the enjoyment someone would have experienced had they not been injured in a car accident. This type of claim can be difficult to prove without extensive evidence and consistent documentation of how the victim missed out on typical activities and events that brought them joy. These damages represent just some of the common losses experienced as a result of a car accident. Certain cases may have other forms of compensation available depending on their circumstances. For example, you may be awarded punitive damages if your case proceeds to a court trial and the judge or jury determines that the negligent act was so egregious that the defendant must pay additional damages as a form of punishment.
How to Handle Your Insurance Company Following and Accident?
The key to having a successful car accident case that progresses smoothly is understanding how insurers think and operate.
Attorney Michael West was a former insurance defense attorney representing the interests of heavyweights in the industry. His work in the insurance industry has given our firm experience in helping our clients obtain the compensation that they are entitled to. Through his guidance, a client can benefit from a car accident attorney in Beaumont, TX who knows the exact types of evidence and arguments insurers look for when weighing the strength of a claim.
West & West has established a reputation for fighting hard on behalf of our clients. “You’re a part of our community just as much as us. We take care of our people and we want to be involved in serving them as much as possible,” asserts Michael West.
We provide you with a Beaumont car accident attorney who cares about your case and wants you to avoid common pitfalls associated not knowing how this process works.
The Insurance Company Is Not Your Friend
Filing a third-party liability claim with an insurer may seem like a simple process, but it really is not. Insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible on claims in order to make a larger profit. To accomplish this goal, they often offer accident victims low settlement amounts that fail to account for all of their full losses, past, and future.
In some cases, an insurer will attempt to reduce a claim or completely deny it using common arguments. They may allege that the accident victim received medical services that were not “necessary” in an attempt to pay for just the services they wish, regardless that they are not medical experts. They may even suggest that their policyholder was not at fault, giving them grounds to fight a claim in court.
Because of these underhanded tactics, accident victims should be cautious when dealing with insurers. They may not want to accept the first settlement offer they receive unless they have had all of their damages tabulated by an experienced legal professional. They should definitely be wary of discussing their injuries, pain, and healing process with insurers since such details can be used to allege that they are not hurt.
Choosing to have a Beaumont, TX car accident lawyer to represent you gives you an ally who knows how to handle insurers. Your attorney can negotiate on your behalf and advise you in all matters relating to insurers.
Don’t Give a Recorded Statement Without Consulting a Beaumont Accident Lawyer
One of the most effective methods insurers use to deny claims is to insist to accident victims that they should make a recorded statement. Once a victim makes this statement, the insurer can use any inconsistencies or contradictions in the accident narrative to dispute the claim’s grounds.
For example, the victim could say “I could barely walk after the accident,” and insurers can counter by saying their insured saw the victim walking just fine at the accident scene. Or, they could use statements made by the victim to allege they were partially at fault, making recovery that much more difficult, and dragging out the process needlessly.
Again, having a car accident attorney serve as your counsel and legal representative can prevent such tactics from being used effectively. Your lawyer acts as your advisor, and they can even speak to insurers for you in many instances to avoid you getting caught in a legal trap.
Types of Beaumont Car Accidents
Every case is different, and our representation is tailored to the individual needs of each client, as well as the obstacles presented in each case. While car accident circumstances may differ, some of the most frequent causes of car accidents in Beaumont are caused by:
- Rear-End Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Head-On Collisions
- DUI Accidents
- Big Truck / Tractor Trailer Accidents
- Teen Driver Car Accidents
- Chain Reaction and Tailgating
- Hit and Run
- Intersection Collisions
- Bicycles hit by cars
- Road Construction Accidents
- Rollover Accidents
- Accidents Involving Pedestrians
What are Common Injuries After a Serious Car Accident?
Car accident injuries are incredibly common in Beaumont and in Texas as a whole. A study by the Texas Department of Transportation found that were 12,107 serious injury crashes in 2020, with 14,656 people sustaining a serious injury.
The tremendous physical impact of car accidents can cause a number of serious injuries. Some injuries may require months for the victim to fully recover, while others can result in permanent effects, such as reduced use of an appendage, or even premature death.
The following are some of the most likely injuries that can occur after a car accident in Baytown:
Back and Chest Injuries
Your back and chest are exposed to major forces during car accidents. Impacts can transfer energy to vehicle seats and cause back injuries, including spinal fractures, herniated discs, and damaged nerves. Passengers’ chests are exposed to deploying airbags and debris, often resulting in painful broken ribs, cuts, and bruises.
Neck Injuries
Since the average adult human head weighs more than 10 pounds, necks have a large amount of weight supported upon them. In an accident, collision forces can cause the neck to move in a “whiplash” motion, causing soft tissue damage, painful muscle soreness, and symptoms like blurred vision or headaches.
Head and Brain Injuries
The CDC notes that motor vehicle collisions are the second-highest cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Commonly called a concussion, a TBI can lead to delayed symptoms and debilitating conditions if left untreated.
Broken and Fractured Bones
Small bones in the forearm, wrists, ankles, and chest are all vulnerable during a crash. In older adults or those with compromised bone structures, clavicles, hips, and femurs may also fracture. Major breaks can require extensive hospitalization or surgery, with risks of secondary infection and other complications.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding can be common for a number of reasons after a severe car crash. Debris may puncture or cut into vital organs, requiring emergency surgery. Some organs may also become “perforated,” creating small holes that leak blood and other bodily fluids, creating very serious internal injuries. Subtle side effects may not be noticed until the condition progresses, which is why a full medical evaluation is always necessary.
Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises
Seemingly minor accident injuries are not always insignificant. Cuts may require stitches and run the risk of infections or permanent nerve damage. Scrapes can be large abrasions that require skin grafts, similar to a bad burn. Bruises could be caused by external trauma to the skin or internal injuries. Having all of these injuries evaluated and treated is important to ensure they are not serious and to document their economic cost as car accident damages.
Always See a Doctor, Even If You Don’t Feel Hurt
Even if you are feeling fine after a car accident, it’s imperative you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not only will it ensure you get the best care for immediate and delayed injuries, but it can also help your case. Ignoring medical symptoms can only make them worse. Insurers may even allege that you were already hurt before the accident – or if you do not get medical care within a reasonable amount of time after your accident, they may also claim that you were injured after the accident. Make sure that you follow up with a doctor as soon as you can if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident.
What You Can Do to Prevent Car Accidents in Beaumont?
There are some car wrecks that are simply unavoidable on your part. Maybe a drunk driver doesn’t stop in time and rear-ends you, or perhaps another driver blows through a red light and T-bones you. Though some collisions are out of your hands, there are ways you can avoid being in (or causing) car accidents, including:
- Be patient at lights to avoid red-light runners
- Always focus on the road, even if it means listening to a song on the radio you don’t like or leaving a phone call unanswered
- Pull into traffic slowly, and make sure your path is clear before entering the roadway
- Get your car tuned up regularly to make sure your brakes and other systems are working properly
- Drive defensively, always responding to other drivers’ actions. Never rely on other drivers to respond to your own actions
- Leave room between you and the car in front of you so you can brake in time if needed
Serving the Beaumont Community since 1992
The Beaumont auto accident attorneys at West & West have been successfully helping members of the Beaumont community involved in car accidents for 20 years. If you cannot come to us, we will come to you. We also offer remote video conferencing meetings (Skype/Zoom) with our attorneys. We can also send and exchange signed documents via your cell phone, tablet or computer. We know how difficult it is in the weeks following the accident and want to do everything we can to relieve the stress that our clients are going through during this time period.
Your Consultation Is Free, and We Do Not Collect a Fee Unless Recovery
When you call or email the Beaumont car accident lawyers at West & West, your case will be evaluated by one of our lawyers. Appointments can be scheduled for evenings or even weekends, subject to scheduling and availability, and if you are unable to come to one of our conveniently located offices, we can meet you at your doctor’s office, your job, or your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do to Prevent Car Accidents in Beaumont?
There are some car wrecks that are simply unavoidable on your part. Maybe a drunk driver doesn’t stop in time and rear-ends you, or perhaps another driver blows through a red light and T-bones you. Though some collisions are out of your hands, there are ways you can avoid being in (or causing) car accidents, including:
- Be patient at lights to avoid red-light runners
- Always focus on the road, even if it means listening to a song on the radio you don’t like or leaving a phone call unanswered
- Pull into traffic slowly, and make sure your path is clear before entering the roadway
- Get your car tuned up regularly to make sure your brakes and other systems are working properly
- Drive defensively, always responding to other drivers’ actions. Never rely on other drivers to respond to your own actions
- Leave room between you and the car in front of you so you can brake in time if needed
Serving the Beaumont Community since 1992
The Beaumont auto accident attorneys at West & West have been successfully helping members of the Beaumont community involved in car accidents for 20 years. If you cannot come to us, we will come to you. We also offer remote video conferencing meetings (Skype/Zoom) with our attorneys. We can also send and exchange signed documents via your cell phone, tablet or computer. We know how difficult it is in the weeks following the accident and want to do everything we can to relieve the stress that our clients are going through during this time period.
Your Consultation Is Free, and We Do Not Collect a Fee Unless Recovery
When you call or email the Beaumont car accident lawyers at West & West, your case will be evaluated by one of our lawyers. Appointments can be scheduled for evenings or even weekends, subject to scheduling and availability, and if you are unable to come to one of our conveniently located offices, we can meet you at your doctor’s office, your job, or your home.
Joseph James2024-03-18I just used West and West to have a will done. I was extremely impressed with the quality of service they provided. I highly recommend them, and will return for any legal issues in the future.
Hea Lea2024-01-27Attorney Michael West is outstanding. He fights hard for his clients and he gets the job done. If you have a personal injury claim you can count on him to get you the money you deserve.
Laura A2024-01-19I used West & West for my personal injury claim - a slip and fall that involved a trip to the emergency room. Michael West was able to successfully get my medical bills paid and I walked away with money in my pocket. Both Michael and his paralegal were very helpful throughout the whole process.
Teresa Dupuis2024-01-11West and West did an excellent job representing our family's estate settlement during the probate process. They are skilled, up to date, and were patient with us and the beneficiaries and helped us keep everything on track during our extended process. Laura and the others were always amazing with us too.
Audy Trammel2024-01-10The employees here are all extremely kind and friendly, and they explain everything in a way that's easy to understand. Mr. & Mrs. West are some of the kindest people I've ever met. If I ever need a lawyer again, I have them on speed dial.
Alison Thomas2024-01-07
Catherine Davis, SLP2023-12-31
Nicolas Rutledge2023-12-27I hired West & West back in June when I was T-boned by another driver. Hiring West & West was the best thing I could have done. They treated me like family and not just another case in the books. Michael West is an excellent attorney. I highly recommend this law firm to anyone who has been in a car accident, or anyone seeking legal help. Amazing law firm and staff!!!
Sonia Emmons2023-08-12I enjoyed dealing with a local law firm with strong roots in the community. Probating my Uncle's Will was emotional and personal, but the staff made the process easier than I ever imagined. The process was smooth and easy. The care shown by the staff is knowledgeable and caring.
