Not All Injuries Produce Pain Immediately

When we think of being injured in car crash, what usually comes to mind?  Often, it’s the traumatic injuries that require emergency medical help – maybe even the fire department to cut the vehicle open to remove the victim.  These certainly are common, but delayed onset injuries can often be deadlier.

Let’s check in with the Car Crash Captain and see what these injuries are, why they occur, and some of the warning signs that we should watch for to ensure major issues don’t arise down the road.

Why do Delayed Onset Injuries Occur?

We know about the fight or flight responses to danger.  Our bodies naturally go into this protective mode so we can remove ourselves from the situation where we are being threatened.  What the body doesn’t fully recognize, is that a traumatic car accident happens quickly, and flight or flight doesn’t really come into play in most of these situations.

Naturally reacting, the body sends adrenaline and endorphins to help with the fight.

Adrenaline causes a chain reaction throughout the body.  Your heart rate and blood pressure increase.  The body dumps glucose into the blood to fuel cells, and your lungs swell to bring in more oxygen.  All together you have near super-human powers for a short time.

All that adrenaline has to be processed through the body though.  When there’s no “fight or flight” you can feel light headed, dizzy, and even as though the following moments are happening in slow motion or a dream-like state.

But that’s not all that happens.  Endorphins are also released en masse.  These neurotransmitters, often associated with exercise and being happy, act as pain blockers.  Much more powerful than most pain medications, endorphins mask the pain that you may be feeling, and work in conjunction with the adrenaline that can give you an almost elated feeling.

Both of these can remain in your system and their effects can linger for as long as 48 hours.

What are Common Delayed Onset Injuries?

During those first couple of days, your body is quickly assessing damage and trying to repair anything that happened to you.  As we know, however, most injuries won’t heal within a couple of days.  But the body can continue to mask symptoms and pain as it frantically tries to fix the damage.

When it cannot fix everything, due to severity of the damage or just not enough time, pain starts to show up depending on what was injured.

Neck or Should Pain – Whiplash causes neck muscles and tendons to stretch beyond capacity.  If your neck and shoulder areas feel tight, it could be an early indicator of whiplash.

Headache – Whiplash can lead to headaches as well.  Even more serious, however, is the indication of brain injury or blood clots.  Pain from brain swelling may be delayed as pressure increases over time.

Numbness – Spinal injuries can compress disks.  When these are pinched, they can block of the nervous system, and extremities can feel numb, or have a tingling sensation.

Back Pain – Spinal issues aren’t limited to compressed, or herniated, discs.  They include a whole host of problems including damaged muscles and ligaments, broken bones, and joints pushed out of place.

Abdominal Pain – Internal bleeding is a severe issue, but if the bleeding is slow, it can take several days before symptoms begin to show.

Emotional Issues – It’s common to be shaken up after a wreck, but out-of-character mood swings or inappropriate emotional responses can indicate physical damage to the brain.  Other issues, such as PTSD, can take much longer to show up.

Much of the damage to your body won’t have indicators right away.  Aside from the very obvious broken bones, you might think you’re walking away from the wreck.  It’s important that you have a medical professional check you out right away so you can start those records for the insurance claim.

Herbert Law Group – Car Wreck Lawyer Near Dallas, Texas

Even with medical attention, doctors might not be able to determine if something is wrong until you tell them something is wrong.  If you have settled your case with the insurance company, and then issues start to arise, you’ll have little recourse to seek more compensation.

That’s why it’s important to have an experience car wreck lawyer on your side.  Herbert Law Group knows what to expect, and we know how long it can take before serious issues show symptoms.

Let us deal with the insurance companies, you focus on healing from your injuries and getting to those doctor appointments so you can be treated properly.

First, though, we need to know what happened.  Call our office at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we can have a no obligation conversation to see how we can help.

Understanding these Insurance Terms before You Need Them

Insurance is a big part of our lives.  We have health insurance, life insurance, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.  And, of course, we have car insurance.  If you have looked over your policy, you likely notice a section called uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.  On the surface it looks like a part of your plan that pays if you’re hit by someone without insurance, but there can be a bit more to this coverage than meets the eye.

Let’s check in with the Car Crash Captain, and we’ll get the scoop on what these parts of your policy actually do for you, and why they may not be enough to provide for you after you’ve been hit by another driver.

Different Parts of an Insurance Policy

An auto insurance policy can be described as either full coverage, or liability only.  To really understand what’s going on, we need to break that down a bit further.

Liability insurance is what transfers the liability of the wreck from you, to the insurance company.  This means if you are found to be at fault, your insurance will cover the damage to the other vehicle.  Damage to your own vehicle, however, is not covered and you are responsible for those repairs.

Full coverage includes your liability coverage, as well as both comprehensive and collision coverages.  These coverages help pay for the costs to repair your own vehicle if you are found at fault, or if you hit wildlife or suffer from weather related damage.

There are some more intricacies that go into your policy, so it’s best to talk it over with your insurance provider.

What is Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage?

Part of your liability policy should (we say “should” because some policies may not include this coverage) include uninsured and underinsured coverage.

This coverage helps to save your bacon if you are hit by a hit-and-run driver, a driver who doesn’t have insurance, or a driver who doesn’t have enough coverage to adequately cover your expenses.

Often, people can be confused on what their policy actually covers.  It’s worded a bit funky, sort of like most things that have to do with insurance, so let’s break it down even more.

Does Uninsured or Underinsured Coverage Pay for my Vehicle?

Most policies that have uninsured and underinsured coverage provide a boost in case your medical bills aren’t covered by the other person’s insurance.  If they have the minimum coverage, and their policy only covers a few thousand, you could be stuck if you have a six-figure medical bill.  This UI coverage will help to cover the remaining expenses.

That does not, however, mean that the uninsured or underinsured coverage will pay to fix your vehicle.  For that, many insurance companies have what is called uninsured motorist property damage coverage.  It’s often an add-on to your base policy.

We say “most” and “often” because there are some insurance companies that provide the property damage coverage as part of their base uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.  Again, you have to check with your insurance agent to see what’s actually covered.

How do I get my Property Fixed if Hit by an Uninsured Driver?

Let’s suppose your property isn’t covered and you are hit by an uninsured driver.

You really only have a couple options.

You can pay for the repairs out of your own pocket.  Which most sane people will not to want to do.  Or, you can try to sue the offending party to cover the damage.  Keep in mind that if they don’t carry insurance, they likely don’t have any assets.  Suing them for “all they’re worth” is suing them for “literally nothing.”

Herbert Law Group Helps Car Crash Victims

If you are injured, you may have some other options.  That’s why Herbert Law Group is here.  We’re on your side, to make sure the insurance companies are doing what is fair.

To know if we can help you and make sure you’re being compensated adequately, we need to know what’s going on.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll be in touch for your free conversation where we get to know each other.

Use Social Media Wisely After a Crash

Social media, used correctly, can help us keep in touch with people we otherwise would drift apart from.  Families around the world can watch as they grow and develop, grandparents can watch their grandchildren in real time, and childhood friends can stay connected even though they haven’t seen each other in years.

If you have been involved in a car wreck, it’s tempting to get on social media to ensure those who care about you know what happened, and perhaps dispel any rumors that may pop up about what occurred.  There are, however, some issues that can arise.  Let’s take a look at what the Car Crash Captain has to say about the matter.

Should I Use Social Media After a Car Wreck?

The short answer: no.

The longer answer: not until after the settlement is complete.  Anything you post online could be twisted and used against you.  If you have ever watched the TV show COPS, you’ve probably heard suspects being read their Miranda Warning.  Part of that warning says, “…can, and will be, used against you…”  Anything you post online, the insurance companies can, and will, use against you to reduce, or ultimately negate, your settlement.

Even something that seems innocent can be twisted.  For instance, you sustained a back injury and can’t engage in athletics.  But you show up to your team’s game in solidarity and support.  Even though you’re not playing, you post about it.  Now you have to prove that you actually weren’t playing.

Should I Delete my Social Media?

Deleting all social accounts can look suspicious.  It can appear that you’re trying to destroy evidence, or make it harder to access something that could go against your case.  There are, however, better ways.

Archive – Major social media platforms have ways to archive your account.  Everything about your account can be saved and downloaded to your computer (and to the cloud for a protection).

Deactivate – After archiving the account you are able to deactivate your account for a time.  For anyone looking from the outside, it will appear as though you don’t have a social media account.  Retaining your password, you can re-activate the account when the settlement is done.

Go Invisible – Reducing your visibility isn’t a sure-fire method to prevent someone from seeing your account (we’ll get to why soon).  However, you can reduce your visibility to only friends so it’s harder for a third party to find you.

Keep in mind that even if you go invisible, de-activate, or even delete your accounts the information is still out there and can be recalled with court orders.

Can I Text or Use Direct Messaging About my Wreck?

If it’s typed, it’s saved forever.  Even a document on your computer that has gone into the trash and the trash has been deleted might be able to be recalled for a time.  Anything sent through a text or through a DM is re-callable forever.

Suppose your aunt texts you and says, “I heard you were in a wreck, are you okay?” and you reply, “Yes, Aunt, I am doing well, thanks for your concern.”  It seems innocuous, but if your settlement goes to court, your text messages can be subpoenaed.  If you’re admitting to your aunt that you’re doing well, the insurance company’s lawyers may argue that you were never injured to begin with.

Keep the texts and DM’s to a minimum, don’t talk about the wreck in any written communication – except that which your personal injury lawyer says is acceptable.

What if Everything on my Social Media Accounts is Private?

Most people have their accounts set to private.  There’s no reason for strangers to see your family pictures, and for your protection an account set to private is a good idea.

But it’s not absolutely private.

Anything posted online is considered public information.  Even information posted privately.  There are actually a few ways these companies could access your private posts.

Befriend You – If you have your settings to “family and friends” only, the insurance company might sneakily try to befriend you.  If you accept that connection request, now they can see whatever private information you have posted.

Befriend a Friend – When you are diligent and won’t accept requests from unknown people, you might still be open.  If the insurance company is able to get on your friend’s good graces, they could ask them to check if you have posted recently.

Court Order – Just like those texts or direct messages, if it comes down to it, the insurance company can get a court order and force you to disclose everything on your social media.  If you don’t, they can download it right from the servers wherever the platform stores that information.

Herbert Law Group Can Maximize Your Settlement

Can you use social media after a wreck?  Sure, most of what people post isn’t going to cause issues or lead to problems.  But if there are millions of dollars on the line, it’s going to be a priority for the insurance company to twist any information they can find to deny your claim.  Even if they can’t, it drags the settlement out much longer than necessary.

As soon as you’re involved in the wreck, it’s time to get a Texas car wreck lawyer on board to ensure all goes smoothly.  That’s what Herbert Law Group is all about.

Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll call you.  We start with a free phone call to figure out how we can help, and then we’ll take it from there.

Winter Driving Tips to Avoid a Car Wreck and Stay Safe

The coldest temperature recorded in Dallas was -3 degrees.  That was back in January of 1930, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a handful of cold days every year.  In fact, there hasn’t been a year that went by where we haven’t seen temperatures below freezing at least once.  Just last year it dropped to 11 degrees shortly before Christmas.  Winter driving in Texas is rare, but not uncommon.

Sometimes those cold temperatures come with dry air and clear skies.  Sometimes, however, they come immediately following a bit of rain.  Then, things get slick and wrecks happen.  If you can avoid driving during those cold days, stay off the roads.  If you have to travel, the Car Crash Captain has a few safety tips so you can get to your destination safely.

Child Passenger Safety

Unless you have a child, you probably don’t consider child safety when driving.  Once you become a parent, suddenly it’s the most important part of hitting the road.  In the winter, when wrecks are more likely, it’s imperative to keep your little ones safe.

Use an approved, and unexpired, car seat.  Yes, car seats can expire.  There’s a tag on your car seat that shows when it was manufactured; the expiration date is six years later.  After a wreck, a car seat needs to be retired no matter how old it is.

Keep them rear-facing for as long as possible.  Risk of death or injury is reduced 75% when rear-facing.  Kids should stay facing backward as long as possible, with many experts saying up to four-years-old.

Kids should ride on the passenger side of the vehicle.  If you have multiple children, this isn’t possible, but with one, the car seat should go in the back seat, on the passenger side.  The biggest risk is a vehicle crossing the center line and striking your vehicle – this position keeps your kids as far from danger as possible.

Secure your gear in the trunk.  Items in your vehicle can become projectiles if you crash; more so if your vehicle rolls.  Keeping everything secured in the trunk keeps danger away from all occupants.

Emergency Preparedness When Winter Driving

Ice can be sneaky.  A thin layer over the top of the road can be virtually invisible when you’re coming toward it.  This black ice is slippery and can spin your vehicle right off the road.  A fortunate wreck avoids collision with other vehicles or objects, but it could leave you stranded for a period of time.  If the vehicle is disabled, running the heater isn’t an option.

Keep extra blankets in the trunk through the winter.  If there is room, you can even keep them on the back seat.

Keep extra clothing on hand when traveling.  You might not need a hat and gloves, or even a coat, when you’re dashing from a warm vehicle to a warm house.  But when it’s below freezing out there, and you have no means of staying warm, hypothermia is a real issue.

Disposable handwarmers can stave off frost-bite. If it’s 20 degrees out, frostbite can set in within minutes – especially if there’s a bit of wind.  Packing a handwarmer into your gloves or boots gives a little extra protection.

Food and water can literally save your life.  Water or Gatorade will freeze if left in the vehicle, but you can always make sure to grab a fresh one on your way out the door.  A handful of granola bars will stay fresh for a year, and can keep you alive until help arrives.

A flashlight and extra batteries can signal for help.  Dead batteries are useless, make sure you have fresh batteries in your flashlight.

Of course, all the other essentials of a vehicle emergency kit can stay in the car all year round.  Take a look at our previous article on taking a road trip and ensure that your kit is stocked, and you’re ready to travel.

Defensive Driving in the Winter

No matter what time of year, defensive driving keeps you safer on the road.  Defensive, in this sense, is the opposite of aggressive.  You’re on the lookout, and watching for other aggressors (which can be other drivers, weather, wildlife, or road conditions), and you’re ready to go on the defensive to avoid a wreck.

Allow extra time for your travels.  Slick roads mean slow down.  Slower travel time means it’s going to take you longer to arrive.  Don’t pressure yourself into driving faster than conditions allow because you’re running late.

Turn off the cruise control.  If you go into a slide, cruise control will still try to maintain a steady speed until you hit the brakes.  That extra second of acceleration can do serious damage.  Act faster without cruise on.

Expect ice on the bridges.  The ground usually keeps roadways a little bit warmer.  On bridges, there isn’t ground to radiate heat upward.  So, while the roads may be wet, the bridges can ice over.

Increase the distance between you and other vehicles.  If your car is sliding, it can’t stop as quickly.  Give a little extra room so if the vehicle ahead of you slows suddenly (or spins out) you can stop and avoid a crash.

Herbert Law Group Fights for You After a Texas Car Wreck

No matter how safe you are when winter driving, there will always be other drivers that aren’t as safe as you.  Their negligence can lead to your injury.

If you’re involved in a wreck, and you’re injured or a loved one is killed, you don’t have to suffer through the process alone.  Herbert Law Group is here to ensure that you’re treated fairly by the insurance companies, and you receive a settlement that allows you to heal.

Let’s talk about what happened, and come up with a plan to get you back on your feet.  Call our office at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll be in touch with you.  There’s no obligation, we first have to see how we can help.

Dallas Car Wreck Lawyer has Your Holiday Travel Tips

Every year millions of people hit the road to travel for the holidays.  50 million people will hop in their cars and drive to their destination; about double that will travel for Christmas and New Year’s Day.  That means you’re more likely to encounter traffic if you’re on the road for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

The Car Crash Captain wants to make sure you arrive safely.  So we’ve rounded up some of the best travel tips so you make the journey… and then wonder why you stressed so much about spending time with family that is just driving you bonkers!

Holiday Travel Tips for Thanksgiving and Christmas

No matter which holiday you’re hitting the road for, keep these ideas in mind so you aren’t caught in a bad situation.

Check Your Spare Tire

Newer vehicles are equipped with a TPMS – Tire Pressure Monitoring System.  There’s one in each of your tires, including the spare.  If your spare is low on air, you’ll get a dashboard alert.  For those with older vehicles, those built before 2007, you won’t have these equipped.  Before you hit the road, make sure your spare is in good working condition.  No sense pulling a flat tire off only to find the spare is also flat!

Stay Healthy During Holiday Travel

Long road trips can become a time of indulgence.  A quick energy drink at the gas station, some fast food, and you’re back on the road.  Combine that with the fact you’re probably going somewhere for a big turkey feast, and away from your regular gym, means that your health can take a nosedive.  Be mindful about what you eat, don’t blow a year of great habits on a long weekend of indulgence.  Water is your friend, it’s hard to fall asleep at the wheel when you really have to pee.

Turn on your Phone’s Passcode

When you’re in your element, you might not need a passcode or as much security on your phone.  When you’re in a new area, thieves and others who are up to no good could be lurking.  Make sure your phone has the “find my phone” feature turned on (and you know how to use it).  Check out these tips from Homeland Security on how to keep your tech safe.

Make Sure Your Vehicle is Ready

Before you hop in the car and take off, have you checked if it’s ready?  We wrote about this before, giving tips on how to make sure the vehicle itself is ready, make sure you have the right supplies, and making sure that you’re ready.  Check out that article before you hit the open road.

Peace While Driving

Millions of people will be on the road with you.  Millions of potential road-ragers.  We are all in a hurry, we all hate the traffic, and we all despise that guy that cut us off.  Be mindful of your rage.  Give a few extra seconds of grace.  Exercise peace so nobody is hurt out of rash decisions.

Talk to Herbert Law Group if You’re in a Wreck

Getting in a wreck sucks.  Getting in a wreck while you’re on vacation extra sucks.  If you’re injured in a crash while doing some holiday travel in Texas, you need an expert car crash lawyer to help you navigate the legal and insurance waters.

Call Herbert Law Group at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll have a free conversation to determine how we can help you heal.

Why You Need a Texas Car Wreck Lawyer

Many people believe that hiring a Texas car wreck lawyer after they’re injured in a crash is a waste of money.  They believe that the fees will take most, or all, of their settlement.  The truth is, however, that with a lawyer’s help, you can actually collect much more (even after fees) than you would be able to on your own.

Keep reading as the Car Crash Captain describes the ways that a lawyer will reduce your stress, streamline the process, and ultimately land you a larger settlement after a wreck.

5 Reasons You Want a Texas Car Wreck Lawyer

Not all wrecks necessitate legal help.  Generally speaking, if you weren’t injured in the wreck, then you likely won’t benefit from having a Texas car wreck lawyer help you out.  This is due to the fact that compensation is directly tied to the damage done – it’s pretty easy to figure out how much you need reimbursed based on the value of your vehicle.

However, when injuries occur, there’s a whole lot more that goes into an insurance claim.  Now you have damage to your property, injury, and also pain and suffering that can be difficult to put a dollar amount to it.

Along with that, your Texas car wreck lawyer will help you with:

Investigation and Gathering Evidence – Most people know the basics of gathering evidence after a car wreck.  We know to get pictures of what happened (video if possible).  We know to document, perhaps get information from witnesses, and all of that.  But when you don’t deal with car wrecks often, sometimes things can slip through the cracks.  Knowing the right questions to ask, whom to speak with, and what evidence needs preserved is a huge benefit that a Texas car wreck lawyer helps with.

Negotiations with Insurance Companies – Insurance companies are counting on a few things to move your claim along quickly.  They expect that you won’t fully understand the costs associated with your wreck, and they expect that you won’t have the savings available to get by until a settlement is negotiated.  A personal injury attorney knows how to negotiate and keep the claim moving fast enough, but in your favor.

Understanding Statute of Limitations – We know that there are limitations on when a person can be held accountable depending on how much time has passed after a crime (or on this case, a negligent car wreck) has been committed.  Without checking Google, do you know how long you have to file your personal injury claim?  Your Texas car wreck lawyer does.

Litigation and Court Representation – Are you prepared to go to court against an insurance company if they fail to uphold their end of the bargain?  If they adamantly deny all claim settlement negotiations, do you know how to handle court proceedings efficiently and effectively?  The lawyers at Herbert Law Group do.

Client Support and Advocacy – When you have questions about your case, when you need someone that will stand up for you, or when you are stressed beyond belief, your Texas car wreck lawyer is on your side.

Herbert Law Group is on Your Side After a Wreck

Many people think of personal injury lawyers as “ambulance chasers.”  There are some bad apples that have tainted the idea of the important work that car wreck lawyers do.

But that can’t be further from the truth.  In reality, a lawyer is on your side.  We are here to help you collect the settlement that you deserve, and one that will help you heal completely from your injuries.

If you have been injured in a crash, then let’s get to know what happened and see how Herbert Law Group can help.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll get in touch with you soon.

You can Help with Proper Vehicle Maintenance

We all know about the proper safety practices.  You’ve heard of the twelve second rule, you know that obeying traffic laws generally leads to safer driving, and of course drunk or distracted driving is not something you’re willing to compromise on.

But what about the health of your vehicle?

Are you setting yourself up for disaster by neglecting some of the maintenance that needs done on your rig?  Let’s check in with the Car Crash Captain and see how keeping our vehicles well maintained can lead to fewer wrecks on Texas roads.

Doing Your Part to Avoid Car Wrecks with Vehicle Maintenance

Let’s face the facts: not everyone is going to obey the speed limit, drive sober, obey traffic laws, or maintain their vehicle.  If you’re injured in a car wreck due to someone else’s negligence, then you need Herbert Law Group to ensure you are compensated fairly.  To help make sure you’re not on the other end of litigation, keep these safety care tips in mind.

Tire Tread

Your tires have tread to help grip when conditions are less than optimal.  When the tread wears down, there is a much higher chance of slipping on wet, snowy, or icy roads.  Keep your new tires inflated properly to further reduce the risk of skidding.

Headlight Clarity

There are two ways your headlights don’t do their job right.  Sometimes it’s as simple as them getting dirty – merely wipe that grime off to keep the light shining through beautifully.  But over time the lenses can fog or cloud.  You can have them professionally restored, or do it yourself with an affordable kit so you can light up the road and see hazards.

Wipers

Along those lines of seeing properly: do you know the last time your windshield wipers were replaced?  Did you know they should be swapped out every six months?  You may even need to replace them sooner if you park outdoors often and the sun rots the rubber.  High quality replacement wipers can help you see clearly now the rain is gone.

Declutter the Insides

There are two types of people in this world.  Those that keep their vehicle absolutely spotless, and others that tend to let it get pretty cluttered inside before clearing it out.  That clutter, however, can end up leading to a bad wreck.  Not only can things get stuck under the pedals, they cause distractions as you drive.

Don’t Break the Brake

Brakes are nice that they’ll give you a warning when they’re reaching the end of their life.  Little wires give you an awful scraping sound to let you know that it’s time to get those things replaced.  Neglected, and your stopping power could diminish, or even disappear.

Fluids

Washer fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, oh my!  There are a lot of different fluids that keep your vehicle operating optimally.  Have you checked them recently?  Do you know how to check them?  Often when you take your rig in for lube service (that is, an oil change) they check all the fluids for you – check your invoice to confirm.

Values Aligned

When your values of how highly you regard your safety align with your vehicle maintenance you know to keep your tires rotated, balanced, and aligned.  Misaligned wheels can lead to steering problems and potential crashes.

Talk to Herbert Law Group after a Texas Car Wreck

When we all do our part with proper vehicle maintenance, the number of wrecks will go down.  But as long as others aren’t paying attention, there’s going to be a risk to driving the roads.

Have you been injured in a wreck?

We should talk about what happened and see how we can help you recover compensation that fully covers those injuries.  Too often, the insurance companies flake out.  Call us at 214-414-3808 for a free conversation to learn what happened and how we can help.  You can also fill out our contact form and we’ll get in touch with you soon.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family while on the Road

Until there’s a time when all vehicles are fully automated and can talk to each other (remember the fast-moving vehicles in the movie Minority Report?), there will always be car wrecks.  Humans make errors which unfortunately can hurt other humans.

For now, when we do have to worry about car accidents in Texas, we can take some precautions to help make sure that we are as safe as possible when out for a drive.  Let’s hear from the Car Crash Captain about safe driving tips, accident prevention strategies, and why you need Herbert Law Group if you are injured in a wreck.

Tips for Safe Driving on Texas Roads

You most likely know the best ways to stay safe on Texas roads.  These aren’t new tips.  While the latest in vehicle technology does help minimize injury and death, we can’t yet rely on it for total accident prevention.

Wear your Seatbelt – In 2021 only 50% of occupants of fatal car wrecks (nationwide) were wearing their seatbelt.  Had they buckled up, thousands more would still be alive today.

Slow Down – In 2021, speeding killed 12,330 people; that makes up about 1/3 of all fatal car crashes in the US.

Don’t Drive Distracted – Over 3,500 people lost their lives due to distracted driving in 2021.  That includes phone use, eating/drinking, distracted by other passengers, messing with the stereo, etc.

Don’t Drive Drunk – Drunk drivers caused the death of 13,384 people in 2021.  Drunk driving incidents have come down since ridesharing became popular, but it’s still a big problem.

Mind the Weather – Weather related incidents cause 1.2 million crashes in the US every year and lead to more than 5,000 deaths.

The bottom line: don’t drive drunk or distracted, obey the speed limit, and adjust your driving if the weather isn’t favorable and your risk of dying in a car crash plummets.

Prevention Strategies to Avoid Car Accidents in Texas

Aside from safety tips, what else can we do to prevent a car accident?  What can we control and what should we be aware of that is beyond our control?

Drive a Maintained Vehicle – Mechanical problems are a huge issue for those on the road.  Not only can they leave you stranded, they can lead to a severe car accident.

Be a Defensive Driver – Defensive driving should really be called proactive driving.  It’s all about paying attention to your surroundings and being prepared for the unexpected.

Plan for Long Trips – Driver fatigue is the number one cause of wrecks while traveling.  Plan ahead for road trips and make sure you stop often enough to recharge.

Don’t Road Rage – When traffic increases, so do tempers.  But road raging is like a toddler throwing a fit, but instead of only hurting yourself you can hurt innocent motorists.

Benjamin Franklin famously said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  It’s far easier to prevent an accident, than to recover from life-changing injuries.

Reason why a Texas Car Wreck Lawyer is Necessary

Often those wrecks, however, aren’t due to your own negligence.  When you are injured, or a loved one is killed, by another driver, then you need a Texas car wreck lawyer to help navigate the murky legal waters.

Laws can be Tricky – Legal matters are quite difficult, have you ever tried to read the actual laws?  They’re cumbersome!  Let a lawyer handle those complicated bits for you.

Insurance Companies can be Tricky – There are rules and laws the insurance company must follow.  But they’re tricky and will try to catch you slipping up.  A lawyer knows what should, and should not, be said.

Damages aren’t Straightforward – Some damages are easy to calculate, others are not so straightforward.  Do you know the difference between economic and non-economic damages?  Your lawyer will.

Stress Delays Healing – When you’re under stress, kind of like the stress of dealing with insurance companies, your body can’t physically heal as quickly as possible.

There are plenty more reasons, but you get the point on having a lawyer is important for those involved in car accidents in Texas.

Get Expert Legal Counsel from Herbert Law Group

And that’s exactly why Herbert Law Group is here.  We know it’s a tough time for you, and we know insurance is complicated.

So, let’s make sure you get the compensation you need after a car accident.  Let’s make sure that you’re taken care of.  It all starts with a phone call to get to know you.

Call our office at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and let’s find out how the Car Crash Captain can help you.

How the Right Texas Car Accident Lawyer will Help

Texas has nearly 700,000 miles of roadway throughout the state.  With so many hundreds of thousands of miles, there are bound to be a few car accidents here and there.

While some car wrecks are easy to figure out – they don’t involve injuries and are labeled as “fender benders” – there are many others that need a Texas car accident lawyer to navigate the process and ensure that the victim is being cared for and compensated justly.

Let’s take a look at what the Car Crash Captain has to say about why the right lawyer will help uncover hidden truths.

Strong Communication is Essential

Here at Herbert Law Group, we know the importance of communication.  There are too many law firms out there that will accept your Texas car accident case, but then all but ghost you.  We want to make sure you know what’s going on, where you’re at in the process, and what you can expect from us.

In this day and age communication shouldn’t be a struggle.  But it seems to be a dying art: one that we are intent on reviving to ensure that our clients are well taken care of.

Empathy can be a Weapon

The outsider may look at your wreck and merely see property damage and some physical injuries.  But we know there is a whole lot more going on inside.  Victims are grappling with physical injuries and emotional scars – in fact many of those injuries sustained in a Texas car accident are hidden and cannot be seen with the eye.

Despite the gruff demeanor a lawyer puts up when dealing with legal jargon and court room battles, we believe in genuinely connecting with our clients.  We don’t treat you like a number or just another client; you’re a person that deserves to be treated as such.

Technology and Law Come Together

Keeping up with technology is important for all industries.  Using the latest and the best technology to help prove your Texas car accident case is essential for you to receive the compensation that you deserve.

From dashcams, to traffic cams, to accident re-creation, there’s a lot that goes into many of these cases.  With a firm grasp on tech and how it is handled, Herbert Law Group can streamline efficiency.

Creating Change Beyond the Court Room

Winning your case is great, but it’s the first step to creating a change in the world.  Insurance companies are powerful, they have a lot of money that allows them to walk all over those who don’t know the law.

Every case that is won, every settlement that is negotiated, and every win for our clients is a big step toward creating lasting change that will ultimately help reduce the number of car wrecks that occur every year, improve the lives of those who are victims, and show that we aren’t okay with being walked on!

Herbert Law Group is Here to Advocate for You

Have you been in a wreck?  Have a loved one been killed in an accident?  Then you need someone to advocate for justice on your behalf.

Let’s start with a simple phone call.  Let’s learn what happened, and see how Herbert Law Group can help you receive adequate compensation for your injuries – all while you focus in healing.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll be in touch.

Pain and Suffering Go Beyond Physical Hurt

After a car wreck, you have a lot going on.  Often there are physical injuries to deal with – perhaps even the death of a loved one.  What you may not be able to recognize right away is the psychological trauma that you have experienced.  Insurance companies are counting on you to forget this aspect of your health, and their settlement offers likely won’t include compensation for healing in this part of your life.

Let’s take a look at how the Car Crash Captain explains what can go on in your mental health if you are seriously injured in a car wreck, or if someone you love has been killed in one.

What is Pain and Suffering?

There are certain parts of compensation that are easy to calculate: lost wages, medical bills, and property damage to name a few.

However, there is more to an injury than just physically healing.  These changes in your life and lifestyle fall under the term “Pain and Suffering.”  They include loss of comfort, loss of happiness, and loss of opportunity that are the result of the wreck.

What is Pain and Suffering in Legal Terms?

Pain and suffering, when they apply to legal terms, is where you need a car wreck lawyer to help you out.

Physical discomfort and emotional distress are hard to calculate.  How do you put a price on the fact that you may walk with a limp for the rest of your life?  How do you put a price on the emotional distress, pad dreams, PTSD, or other trauma that you might experience?

In the legal world, your car wreck lawyer will help discover what you need to be fully compensated after the wreck – and argue in court if necessary that the settlement is what is required for you to heal completely.

How do you Heal from Psychological Trauma?

We all know that a large settlement isn’t going to bring a loved one back after being killed in a wreck.  We know that a million dollars won’t restore your ability to walk, or even lower the fear you might have when driving in the future.

So, how does a larger settlement due to pain and suffering help you heal from psychological trauma?

Many people discount the idea that therapy and counseling work wonders.  However, mental health in the USA isn’t as highly regarded as physical health.  If your settlement doesn’t cover the counseling and therapy that you might need after the wreck, you end up paying for that out-of-pocket.  With a better settlement, you can afford the help that you require.

Psychological trauma isn’t just going to go away.  It can last for years to come, and severely impact your life.  But if you have to take extra days off work for self-care, a settlement that fully compensates you for your loss will make that much easier to do.

How does Herbert Law Group Help?

The car wreck attorneys with Herbert Law Group have dealt with these same situations.  If it has happened, they know what to push for.

So, if you’re feeling stuck after a car wreck, if you’ve suffered psychological trauma, and if the insurance company isn’t playing nice (they likely won’t, it’s the nature of running a for-profit business), then you need a car wreck lawyer on your side.

Let Herbert Law Group handle the negotiations, and you focus on healing from the trauma.

Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we will reach out for your free get-to-know-you conversation.