Motor vehicle accident law protects individuals who have suffered injuries, property loss, or emotional harm due to negligent driving. Every year, thousands of people face the overwhelming aftermath of crashes that could have been avoided. Therefore, understanding how the law works after an accident helps victims recover both financially and emotionally.
In Texas and across the United States, these laws define how liability is assigned and how compensation is determined. Moreover, they establish the rights of victims to seek justice from responsible parties. While every accident differs, legal principles remain consistent—carelessness that causes harm creates financial responsibility. Consequently, having a clear grasp of these laws can help you make informed decisions following a crash.
What Is Motor Vehicle Accident Law?
Motor vehicle accident law governs personal injury claims that arise from car, truck, motorcycle, or pedestrian collisions. Essentially, it determines who is at fault, how negligence is proven, and how victims recover compensation. Attorneys use this area of law to ensure that those harmed by reckless behavior receive proper financial relief.
Because every crash involves unique circumstances, the law applies differently depending on evidence, liability, and insurance coverage. Furthermore, Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning victims can still recover damages if they are less than 51% responsible. However, the compensation amount decreases based on the level of fault assigned. Therefore, having an experienced attorney is crucial to navigating these complex details.
Establishing Liability in a Motor Vehicle Accident
Proving liability is central to every motor vehicle accident case. The injured party must show that another driver or entity acted negligently. For instance, negligence may involve texting while driving, ignoring traffic signals, speeding, or driving under the influence. Each of these actions demonstrates a failure to use reasonable care.
Attorneys begin by collecting evidence, including police reports, medical documents, and witness statements. In addition, they often consult accident reconstruction experts who can demonstrate how the crash occurred. By combining physical evidence with expert testimony, attorneys can establish fault more effectively. As a result, victims strengthen their claims and improve their chances of fair compensation.
Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Many accidents occur for preventable reasons. In most cases, driver inattention, intoxication, or reckless behavior contribute significantly to serious collisions. However, understanding these causes can also help prevent future crashes.
| Common Cause | Estimated Share of Accidents |
|---|---|
| Distracted Driving | 32% |
| Speeding | 23% |
| Impaired Driving | 18% |
| Reckless Driving | 15% |
| Poor Weather or Road Conditions | 12% |
Distracted driving remains the leading cause, as drivers frequently use phones or multitask while operating vehicles. Moreover, speeding continues to play a major role, especially in urban areas with heavy traffic. Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, meanwhile, endangers everyone on the road.
Reckless driving behaviors, including tailgating and ignoring signals, often lead to devastating injuries. Furthermore, poor weather and inadequate infrastructure also contribute to serious crashes. Consequently, both drivers and municipalities may share liability when negligence plays a part in unsafe road conditions.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of motor vehicle accidents often face major physical and financial hardships. Therefore, compensation exists to make victims whole again and to offset their losses. Attorneys evaluate every category of damage to ensure no expense goes overlooked.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays and rehabilitation
- Property damage and repair costs
- Lost wages and reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases
Moreover, attorneys often collaborate with medical and financial experts to estimate future care costs. Consequently, settlements or verdicts reflect not only current expenses but also the long-term impact of injuries.
The Legal Process After an Accident
After an accident, the legal process begins immediately. Victims must first seek medical attention and report the crash to law enforcement. Then, attorneys step in to gather documentation, contact witnesses, and communicate with insurers.
Furthermore, Texas law sets strict deadlines for filing injury claims. Typically, victims have two years from the accident date to take legal action. Missing this deadline could prevent recovery altogether. Therefore, acting quickly ensures that evidence remains intact and legal rights stay preserved.
Once a claim is filed, both sides begin discovery. Attorneys exchange evidence, take depositions, and analyze expert reports. If negotiations fail, the case proceeds to trial. However, most cases resolve before reaching that stage through careful negotiation.
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies exist to protect profits, not victims. As a result, adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts. They may dispute fault, question medical records, or offer low settlements early in the process.
However, an experienced attorney recognizes these tactics and pushes back firmly. By presenting evidence clearly, lawyers prevent insurers from undervaluing legitimate claims. Furthermore, legal counsel ensures communication remains professional and documented, reducing the chance of manipulation. Therefore, representation often leads to higher settlements and faster resolution.
Key Statistics on Motor Vehicle Accidents
To fully understand the scope of this issue, it helps to look at national data. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of injury in the U.S.
| Statistic | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Annual U.S. traffic fatalities | Over 40,000 | NHTSA 2024 |
| Annual injuries from crashes | 2.5 million+ | NHTSA 2024 |
| Economic cost of crashes | $340 billion annually | NHTSA |
| Average settlement range | $15,000–$75,000 | Legal industry averages |
These numbers highlight the widespread consequences of unsafe driving. Moreover, they emphasize the importance of strong legal advocacy when dealing with insurers or corporations that resist accountability.
Why You Need a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Although victims may attempt to handle claims independently, the process quickly becomes complex. Insurance companies rely on their legal teams to reduce compensation. Meanwhile, unrepresented claimants often accept less than they deserve.
An experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer provides essential guidance from start to finish. First, they assess liability, gather evidence, and identify every potential source of compensation. Then, they manage communications, file paperwork, and negotiate assertively. Furthermore, they prepare for trial if necessary, ensuring no pressure forces an unfair settlement.
Therefore, legal representation not only protects your financial recovery but also relieves much of the stress associated with the claims process. With a skilled attorney on your side, you focus on recovery while they focus on results.
How Loncar Lyon Jenkins Can Help
Loncar Lyon Jenkins has built a statewide reputation for fierce advocacy and client care. Since 1988, the firm has helped thousands of accident victims recover compensation after serious collisions. Their attorneys combine deep legal knowledge with compassion and commitment.
In addition, Loncar Lyon Jenkins uses advanced investigative methods, expert testimony, and aggressive negotiation tactics to strengthen every case. Consequently, clients benefit from both strategic precision and genuine personal attention.
Furthermore, the firm’s “Strong Arm” approach means they never back down when insurers act unfairly. Their goal is simple: to maximize recovery for every client, regardless of case complexity or opposition.
Texas Office Locations
Loncar Lyon Jenkins serves clients across Texas through multiple convenient offices:
- Dallas: 424 S Cesar Chavez Blvd, Dallas, TX 75201 | +1 (214) 307-1074
- Houston: 12621 Featherwood Drive Suite 285, Houston, TX 77034 | +1 (713) 322-1337
- El Paso: 5770 Gateway E., El Paso, TX 79905 | +1 (915) 974-1788
- Lubbock: 2012 Broadway St., Lubbock, TX 79401 | +1 (806) 304-7226
- McAllen: 321 S 12th St, McAllen, TX 78501 | +1 (956) 304-6501
- Wichita Falls: 1106 Travis Street, Suite 130, Wichita Falls, TX 76301 | +1 (940) 745-2939
- Odessa: 321 N Lee Ave, Odessa, TX 79761 | +1 (432) 309-4512
- Tyler: 110 N. College Ave, Suite 1400, Tyler, TX 75702 | +1 (903) 300-5766
Each office maintains consistent standards of excellence and personalized support. Therefore, clients can expect skilled representation regardless of where they live in Texas.
Taking the Next Step
After an accident, victims often feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. However, taking immediate action preserves your rights and strengthens your claim. Contacting an experienced attorney is one of the most important steps you can take.
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, consultations are free, and clients pay nothing unless the firm wins compensation. This contingency model ensures that everyone—regardless of financial status—can pursue justice without fear of cost.
Ultimately, motor vehicle accident law exists to protect people when tragedy strikes. By working with knowledgeable attorneys who care deeply about client outcomes, victims can rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and confidence.
