In Texas, to collect damages for an accident, you must prove the other party or parties were at fault for causing the accident. This is not always as easy as it sounds. At Springer & Lyle, if you were in an accident, we will investigate the case and help you in proving fault. The party from whom you are trying to collect damages may claim that you were at least partially at fault. For example, if you were a pedestrian and hit by a car, and you claim the driver was negligent, the driver may allege you were also at fault because you were crossing in the middle of the road and not in a … [Read more...]
Personal Injury Claim: Settle or Go to Court
The process of collecting on your personal injury claim is stressful. There is a long wait for compensation along with the uncertainty of whether you will win your case at trial. Almost all personal injury claims end in settlement. At Springer & Lyle, we work with you to determine whether settlement or going to trial is in your best interest. There are pros and cons to accepting a settlement before trial. Only you, with the advice of your attorney, can make an informed decision that is best for your case. Pros of Settling Before Trial Cons of Settling There are not … [Read more...]
How Do I Prepare for a Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney?
Most personal injury attorneys provide a free consultation. At Springer & Lyle, we have some suggestions for you that will help you make the most of this time so you can move forward with choosing the attorney who inspires your trust and confidence. The attorney will ask questions about your case, but this is also your opportunity to ask the attorney some questions. You should also take any documents you have relevant to your case that may help the attorney evaluate whether you should pursue it. Documents to Take with You You need evidence to prove your case. Some documents to … [Read more...]
Tips for Taking Photos of a Car Accident Scene
If you are in an accident with another vehicle, photos you may be able to take at the scene may help your case if you claim the other driver was at fault. At Springer & Lyle, we have some tips for you when photographing the accident scene. Tips for Photographing an Accident Scene Most people have a phone with a camera. Taking photos at the scene can limit your own liability, protect you against fraud, and help you prove who was at fault. Some photographing tips include: If possible, take photos before the vehicles are moved.Protect yourself. Don’t risk danger and be sure you … [Read more...]
Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Personal Injury Claim – Part 1
Accidents are scary. Your heart races and adrenaline flows. If you are injured, you are in physical pain and unsure about what will happen next. At Springer & Lyle, we have some advice about avoiding doing or saying things that may affect your personal injury case. 1) Admitting the accident was your fault. You may apologize for the damage that is apparent right after the accident, which is tantamount to an admission of fault. You should not do this before an investigation even if you sincerely believe it was your fault. You may think you caused the accident by pulling out in front of … [Read more...]
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim After a Road Rage Accident?
Road rage is a serious problem on U.S. highways causing car crashes by aggressive and reckless drivers. In many unfortunate situations, the instigator of the road rage may pull out a gun and may possibly wound or kill another driver or passengers. At Springer & Lyle, we want you to know what to do if you are the victim of road rage. It may be possible to file a personal injury claim against a driver who caused you to be injured in a car crash due to the driver's road rage. Common Types of Road Rage In 2020, there were 1,383 road rage crashes in Texas. The numbers are increasing. … [Read more...]
Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?
If you were injured in an accident and have a pending personal injury case, you are quite curious about whether your case will actually go to trial. Recent statistics show that approximately 95 percent of personal injury cases settle out of court. That means only about 5 percent find their way to the courtroom. There are reasons why some cases settle, and why others require proving the case in court. Most Common Reasons for a Case to Settle Before Trial There are good reasons for a case to settle without going to trial. The most common ones are: The defense attorney believes that … [Read more...]
The Importance of an Event Data Recorder in a Personal Injury Case
Event Data Recorders (EDR) are devices installed in motor vehicles that capture the functioning of the vehicle and action of the occupants in the moments just before, during, and after a crash if the crash is severe enough to release the airbags, or there is an excessive rate of deceleration. According to the Automobile Association of America (AAA), 95 percent of cars currently on the road have an EDR installed. At Springer & Lyle, we can use the EDR information to help prove fault in a personal injury case. Information Captured by the EDR Although the data captured by the EDR is … [Read more...]
Things You Must Tell Your Personal Injury Attorney
It is vital to your personal injury case that you be scrupulously honest with your personal injury attorney. Anything you say is confidential unless you agree that it can be disclosed. You can be sure the insurance adjuster or opposing counsel will discover these things. If your lawyer knows about them before being confronted with them by the other side, he or she will be ready to dispute the allegations or explain them away. Here are a few things you need to be sure you share with your lawyer. Disclose any previous accident injuries. The insurance adjuster will discover any previous … [Read more...]
Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in Texas
The statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit on when a person involved in a dispute with another person, business, or municipality, can initiate a legal proceeding. The statute of limitations varies by jurisdiction. It also varies depending on the nature of the claim. Our attorneys at Springer & Lyle offer a free consultation, so they can evaluate your potential claim and determine when the statute of limitations expires. Statute of Limitations in Texas for a Personal Injury Claim In general, Texas law requires a personal injury claim to be brought within two years … [Read more...]
