PTSD Can Result from a Car Accident

Dallas car accident attorney PTSD signs

How you can Recognize PTSD after a Wreck

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is usually thought of as a psychological effect of war.  After going to battle there are a significant number of soldiers that return with a lot of trauma.  But PTSD doesn’t only happen in war; any traumatic experience can trigger this disorder.

Aside from being in battle, PTSD can be caused by serious accidents (car accidents or something else), assault, abuse, or even traumatic health experiences such as being admitted to the ICU or losing a baby during childbirth.

Today, let’s recognize some of the indicators of PTSD when it comes as the result of a car wreck.  In order to live a fulfilled life, it’s important to get these addressed sooner rather than later.  With the help of your Dallas area car accident attorney, you can focus on healing and not the legal “stuff” of settling an accident claim.

 Signs You May be Suffering PTSD from a Car Accident

Jumping right back into life after a major accident is not normal.  What is normal is taking some time off to regroup, process the accident, and heal any physical injuries that may have occurred.  However, if mental or psychological symptoms persist for weeks, or even months, after the accident (and in some cases continue to get worse) you may be suffering from PTSD.

Frequent Nightmares or Bad Dreams:  After any experience, we tend to dream about it.  Our subconscious is processing through the day’s events, and creating long-term memories.  Traumatic events, however, don’t tend to process well.  We didn’t enjoy the event in the first place, so as our subconscious processes it, the event is brought back to the surface and we awaken struggling, shouting, or otherwise reliving the entire event.

Triggered Flashbacks about the Wreck: A flashback isn’t necessarily a dream.  It’s a sudden remembering of what happened.  These flashbacks can be triggered by noises, sights, or even smells.  If the ride was really bumpy just before the accident, bumps while riding in the car can trigger those memories and conjure up emotions that need processed all over again.

Avoidance Behavior:  Avoiding isn’t necessarily bad, but it must be seen as a sign of a deeper issue.  Avoiding driving, or even riding in a car can be a coping mechanism for those suffering from PTSD.  Avoiding certain music, areas of town, or going to great lengths to avoid any extreme situation is an indicator that more help is needed.

Feelings of Guilt: If you were in a car accident, one where you were clearly not at fault, there is no reason to feel guilty.  But those feelings will creep in.  What if you sped up quicker?  What if you took a different route?  What if you changed lanes sooner?  Guilt can make healing difficult, and when it’s not appropriate guilt, it slows the whole process.

Irritability and Agitation: When we struggle with our emotions they can manifest as anger or irritation.  The anxiety of the accident, the unknown emotions, and the fear of getting back on the road can cause you to be tense, and more irritable with those around you.

When to Seek Help for PTSD

PTSD occurs when these feelings linger for longer than usual.  It’s okay to feel angry.  It’s okay to have the “what if” questions run through your head.  It’s okay to not want to drive for a while.  Nightmares, bad dreams, and flashbacks are going to happen.

But if they start to deter your life, and make everyday activities difficult or impossible, then it’s time to seek serious medical help for PTSD after a car accident.

Getting Help from Herbert Law Group

When you’re in a wreck, your entire life changes.  The healing process is only made harder because many people try to deal with insurance companies on their own.  These companies are not in the business of paying out large settlements, and usually they offer something completely off base.

Herbert Law Group is your Dallas area car accident attorneys.  Our goal is to reduce the stress you’re experiencing, so that you can get back to living life as normal as possible.

If you, or a loved one, have been in an accident, then let’s talk about it and see how we can help you heal.  Simply fill out the contact form, or give us a call at 214-414-3808 for your free consultation.

Are You Ready for Road Trip Season?

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Staying Safe on the Busy Summer Highways

As spring gives way to summer, millions of households across the country hop in their vehicles and head out for destinations near and far.

Sharing the road, however, isn’t without its risks.  More accidents happen in the summer months than in the winter when weather has a more significant impact.  It turns out that more traffic is more dangerous than slick roads because people get comfortable and complacent.

When you’re about to hit the open road (or perhaps when you’re close to the metroplex the crowded road), take a few minutes to read these tips from your Dallas car accident attorney, so that you arrive safe and sound.

Double Check Your Vehicle

You’re all set.  Your bags are packed, you’re properly snacked, and the kids are ready to watch Mars Attacks.

But did you give your vehicle the once over?  Are the belts tight, fluids topped, and AC working?  If you don’t want to get halfway to your destination only to get stranded, here are a few points on your vehicle to double check the morning of, or the night before, the big trip.

  • Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals
  • Motor oil level
  • Peek underneath the rig to ensure no leaks
  • Wiper blades
  • Tire pressure

When all is set, you know that you’re all set to have a safe and pleasant trip.

Make Sure You’re Ready for Emergencies

The unexpected can pop up at any moment.  That’s why it’s unexpected… just like most emergencies and car accidents.  You can prepare for them, just make sure that you have your emergency kits all ready to go.  A few essentials include:

  • Jumper cables (for you or a fellow traveler)
  • First aid kit
  • Extra water
  • Cell phone charger (bonus points if it’s solar powered)
  • Tire iron and jack
  • Flashlight (with fresh batteries)
  • Energy bars (you might be in the ditch for a while before help arrives)

You can always throw in a blank or towels in case you’re heading through a particularly cool area.  Even if you never need it for emergencies, it’s always nice to have when stopping for a picnic.

Make Sure You’re Rested

Get plenty of rest.  Sure it’s tempting to leave road trip prep to the last minute, but you want to be well rested on your voyage so that you aren’t the cause of any accidents.

Why?  Because driving while drowsy is almost the same as driving while intoxicated.   Pull over if you feel fatigued.  Get some coffee.  Do some jumping jacks and help entertain other motorists that see that weirdo doing jumping jacks on the side of the road.

Secure Possessions, Pets, and People

All set.  You’re rested.  Emergency kit locked and loaded.  Vehicle is prepped.  You’re ready to hit the road.

Almost.  Studies show that kids and pets can be just as distracting as a cell phone.  So make sure to put them on airplane mode before you take off on your road trip.

Space the kids out if possible; physical distance prevents fighting.  Get their entertainment ready.  Snacks, books, music, and water all within arm’s reach so they keep their focus away from you.

Pets can get a little anxious in the vehicle.  Invest in a travel crate, and check with your vet about anxiety meds for traveling.

Loading your vehicle right isn’t just about comfort.  Make sure you can see clearly out the back window, and secure everything possible.  If you’re in a wreck, you want things to stay put, not to become projectiles that fly throughout the cab causing more harm.

Discuss Your Car Accident with a Dallas Car Accident Attorney

Even when you’ve done everything right, there’s still that yahoo out there that didn’t.  And a lot of people suffer injury or death because of someone else’s negligence.

If you’re on a road trip in the state of Texas or Oklahoma, and you’re involved in a wreck, then you need the car accident experts at Herbert & Eberstein.

Getting a great car accident attorney on your side means you can focus on getting your life back on track, and not focus on dealing with those pesky insurance companies.

If you have already been in a wreck, hit up the contact page, or simply call 1-214-414-3808, and let’s start your free consultation to see how we can help.

Mechanical Problems May Lead to Car Crash

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Texas Car Accident Attorney Explains How You May Be Liable

Most car crashes are due to negligence.  Even if we try to blame the weather, it’s negligent usage because the driver was going too fast for those unsafe conditions.

But there are times when the cause of the crash can be squarely blamed on some mechanical failure.

These mechanical problems are sometimes due to faulty components; pieces or parts that should have been recalled because they don’t work properly.  But often, the mechanical failure that causes a car crash is straight up due to deferred maintenance on the vehicle.

Putting off that trip to the mechanic because you don’t want to spend the money right now… well, it could lead to a bunch of issues and serious injuries.

Failure to Maintain the Engine can Lead to a Car Crash

One of the most basic maintenance requirements on a vehicle is regular oil changes.

What happens when you don’t change the oil?  At first, the oil (designed to lubricate the engine components) won’t lubricate as well and the engine will start getting a lot hotter.

Eventually, the entire engine can come to a grinding halt; quite literally.

If you happen to be on the highway when this happens, your vehicle is going to basically shut off.  If you can’t get to the shoulder, you’re likely to get hit.

Failure to Maintain Steering Components can Lead to a Car Crash

Modern vehicles have power steering.  This technology, which you don’t even realize is there until you try to steer without it, makes it so you can quickly change the direction of your car or truck.

If you don’t maintain it, your power steering can give out.

Without power steering, if you’re going into a turn or trying to quickly evade hitting something or someone, you have to really wrench on the steering wheel to make it move.  There’s a good chance you won’t be able to turn it fast enough to avoid a collision.

Failure to Maintain Wheels and Tires can Lead to a Car Crash

Where the rubber meets the road, your tires and wheels take a lot of stress.

Just think of how much grip and pressure are put on them when you’re whipping through those roundabouts at double or triple the suggested speed.

If your tires are getting old, worn, or otherwise not seated properly, they can fail when you put them under the most stress: on the highway or through tight turns.

Don’t cause an accident because you’re putting off updating your tires.

Failure to Maintain Electrical System can Lead to a Car Crash

They certainly don’t build them like they used to.

And that’s a good thing too!  Even just a couple of decades ago vehicles weren’t nearly as safe as they are now.  Of course, a lot of that safety is because of computer and electrical advancements in the vehicle.

There isn’t a whole lot that you can do to maintain the electrical components; you need specialized tools to do anything with the computer system.  But simple things, like brake lights and turn signals, can help keep you safe on the road, and avoid an unnecessary car crash.

Call Your Texas Car Crash Attorney for Help

Even properly maintained vehicles can fail.

Sometimes, you have just had your vehicle serviced, and the service work was done wrong.

Sometimes, you are driving safely, and you’re injured by an unsafe driver on the road.

If you have been in a car crash, and you have been injured, then you need the help of a car crash attorney to help get you the compensation you need to fully restore your quality of life.

Get in touch with Herbert & Eberstein and let’s see how we can help you heal.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form so we can get your free consultation started.

The Surprising Rise in Fatal Accidents for 2020

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Traffic Numbers Went Down; Fatal Accidents Went Up

In March 2020 the nation came to a grinding halt.  As COVID-19 swept through the nation, stay-at-home orders were issued, shelter-in-place commands went into effect, and millions of people got off of the nation’s highways and roadways.  A significant drop in traffic, some areas saw a decline of 60% or more, lead to fewer accidents and fewer fatal accidents.

At least, that’s what happened at first.

But as motorists saw those wide open roadways, many of them saw it as an invitation to open the throttle all the way.  With fewer obstacles, others saw it as an invitation to take risks they otherwise would not have taken: driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

How do those numbers break down?  Herbert & Eberstein, your auto accident attorneys in Dallas, Texas take a look.

A Rise in the Number of Fatal Accidents

In order to fully understand how significant the increase of fatal auto accidents is, we have to look at three different hard numbers.  How many deaths were there, how big of an increase is this from last year, and overall how large is this number historically?

  • In 2019 fatal accidents on our roadways resulted in 36,096 lives lost.
  • In 2020 fatal accidents on our roadways resulted in 42,060 lives lost.

That jump of nearly 8,000 deaths is the first increase in number of fatal accidents in over 4 years, and it is the largest number of annual deaths since 2007.  If you remember from our previous post about the rise in fatal motorcycle accidents, this correlates to about the time when smart phones were getting popular and people had their noses buried in a screen instead of watching the road.

Not only was there a sharp increase in deaths, it was also the largest fatal accident year in over a decade.

A Rise in the Number of Fatal Accidents per Mile Driven

But there’s another significant number we should look at.  Deaths per 100 million miles driven increased 24% between 2019 and 2020.  Since the NHTSA started collecting data in 1923 this increase represents the largest increase ever recorded.

Fewer miles driven, with more deadly accidents, means that it was more dangerous than ever to drive last year.

A Rise in the Number of Risks as Traffic Returns to Normal

To compound the problem, the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 aren’t looking much better.  The country is opening up, many more people are back on the roads.  But those habits that some learned when traffic was diminished are hard to shake.

Third party traffic data analysts are reporting that increased speeds, especially in the morning and evening rush hour commutes, is higher than in previous years.  Even in areas where the traffic patterns have largely returned to what they were pre-COVID.

Herbert & Eberstein: Auto Accident Attorneys in Dallas

In early March 2020, Texas’ mask mandate was lifted and the vast majority of businesses went back to operations as normal.

Without restrictions, you have probably seen far more vehicles on the road during your commute than a year ago, or even through the summer of 2020.

Based on the data outlined above, you’re more likely to be involved in a fatal accident, and even in an accident that results in property damage and injury if no lives are lost.

If you have been hit, you need the best auto accident attorneys in Dallas and the surrounding area.  You need Herbert & Eberstein.

Let’s get things started with a conversation.  Fill out the contact form, or give us a call at 214-414-3808 and we’ll figure out the best way to help you heal.

A Clean Car is Less Likely to be in a Car Accident

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How Cleaning Your Vehicle Keeps You Safer

Statistically speaking, you are going to get in a car accident every 18 years.

Obviously we know those people out there that seem to be wrecking a whole lot more than others, so they pulling that number in line for those that can go decades without getting in an accident.

In order to stay safe and prevent being involved in a costly or deadly car accident, maintaining your vehicle is imperative.  We know that worn tires cause crashes, and deferred maintenance can lead to a breakdown, but did you know that keeping your car clean and in good appearance can help prevent a car accident too?

Wash Your Car Regularly

Regularly washing your vehicle prevents the buildup of dirt and grime.  While the body of the vehicle isn’t the important issue, keeping those windows clean and headlights clear is what we are after.

Have you ever tried to drive in the morning or evening, just as the sun is coming up or setting?  That low angle sunlight coming through dirty, smudged, or otherwise less-than-clean windows makes it near impossible to see!

Keep your vehicle looking great, and free of too much dirt with regular washings, so you can avoid a disaster.

Wax and Buff it Out

Protecting your paint job isn’t exactly going to keep you safer.  But it will help prevent dirt and grime from building up.

Waxing your car a couple of times each year will ensure that you’re taking pride in your vehicle.  When you’re proud of what you drive, you tend to drive in a safer manner.  A stretch to prevent a car accident?  Perhaps, but giving it a good buff isn’t going to hurt.

Vacuum and Clean the Insides

Interior cleanliness is less about impaired vision (unless your car is so piled with “stuff” that you can’t see out the windows), and more about fewer distractions.

Garbage and other items rolling around inside your car are distracting.  If they get under your foot and in the way of the pedals, well, they can become downright hazardous.

Vacuuming out the interior of the vehicle and getting rid of that clutter is going to eliminate distractions, and make you feel better as you drive.  When you can give your entire focus to the road, then you’ll have a safer trip.

Ensuring Interior Protection

As long as we’re vacuuming, let’s make sure to protect the inside of the car too.

Cleaning the streaks from the insides of the windows helps you see better; while protecting the dashboard will ensure that it’s going to last as long as you own the vehicle.

Will either of these stave off a car accident?  Probably not, but if we’re going to be driving a clean vehicle, let’s really drive a clean vehicle.  It’s not going to hurt to get it just a little cleaner (unless you use the wrong product; there’s a lot of misinformation out there about using olive oil to protect your dashboard).

Avoid Parking Disasters

Finally, prevention goes a long way to keeping your vehicle clean.

As we head into summer, it’s tempting to look for that nice shady spot to park your rig in, and under a tree is perfect… right?

Well, it can be.  Unless birds are hanging out in that tree splattering your vehicle with their you-know-what.  Take a couple extra seconds to assess whether the shade is worth the cool car, because coming out to a dropping covered vehicle is less than ideal.

Herbert &Eberstein are Your Car Accident Attorneys in Dallas

Even keeping your vehicle in pristine condition isn’t a guarantee against a car accident.

We can only do so much to make sure that we’re protecting ourselves.  Ultimately, if another motorist is negligent, it’s a matter of time before an innocent victim is hit.

If you, or a loved one, have been hurt or killed in a car accident, we need to talk about it!  Insurance company’s often don’t have your back on this; but we do.

Fill out the contact form, or give us a call at 214-414-3808 and let’s see how we can help with your injury claim.

Who is Liable in a Car Accident on Slick Roads?

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Snow, Ice, and Even Rain Cause Slick Roads and Lead to Wrecks

Winters in Texas are generally pretty mild.  But then the snow and ice storms come along and cause mayhem.  Life doesn’t stop because the weather turns foul; most people still have to commute to work on the slick roads.

When the roads are slick, the chances of being in a car accident are exponentially greater.  Combine that with heavy traffic in Dallas and the metroplex, and it can be dangerous to be on the road.

But if you are in an accident, do you know who is liable in varying situations?  The car accident specialists at Herbert & Eberstein have you covered so you know your rights and what to do after the accident.

You May be Liable for the Accident

As a motorist, you are required to drive in a safe manner given the conditions of the road.  When things get slick, it’s your responsibility to slow down and avoid driving if you’re not comfortable with your abilities.

When you’re driving and you hit ice, snow, or any other slick spot, and you lose control of your vehicle, you may be liable for the accident; even if you felt you were driving in a safe manner given the conditions.

Another Motorist May be Liable for the Accident

If you’re struck by another vehicle, however, it’s similar to any other car accident.  The other motorists have the same responsibility to drive in a safe manner as you do.  If they don’t, and they cause the accident, they may be held liable.

Your Mechanic Maybe Liable for the Accident

If your vehicle suffers from mechanical failure on the slick roads, the mechanic that worked on your vehicle may be held liable.

This is not always the case though.  Sometimes parts will fail simply because they wore out.  If your vehicle suffered a failure after being repaired recently, then you need to get in touch with Herbert & Eberstein to ensure that your accident is investigated thoroughly.

The City or State May be Liable for the Accident

Governments are responsible to keep the streets in good working order.  That means not letting them fall into disrepair, and keeping them clear so that driving is reasonably safe.  If the party responsible to keep the roads clear for driving has failed to do so, they may be at fault for the accident.

Filing a claim against a municipality is much harder than against another motorist’s insurance company.  You generally have less than 6 months to do so, and you will need the assistance of a personal injury car crash attorney.

No Matter What, Contact Herbert & Eberstein After Your Accident

If you have been involved in an accident because of the slick roads in the winter, it’s always a good idea to chat with your local car accident attorney to make sure that you are being fully compensated.

Slick roads are dangerous, but Zach Herbert and Brian Eberstein are here to help.  Fill out the contact form, or simply call 214-414-3808 and let’s get you financially restored so you can keep on with your life.

Brian Eberstein Talks About Why You Need To Check Your Insurance Coverage

Brian Eberstein

WE HATE PAYING FOR INSURANCE TOO!

But, there is a type of insurance that, today, is almost a must for you and me to have. First, If I asked you how many people in Texas are driving around without any insurance, what would you say? How about two million! That crazy number is about people who are drivers in Texas who have zero insurance on their car. So, when you are driving in your own neighborhood or on I30 or Loop 12 or Belt Line Road or I20 or anywhere in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, every 3rd or 4th car driving next to you and not paying attention because they’re on their cell phone has NO insurance. When they finally veer into your lane of traffic and destroy your car and injure you, there’s no one to pay for the car or your medical bills. Now, getting back to insurance, which we don’t like paying for, there is this: You must protect yourself and your family with Uninsured Motorist insurance. And, Texas law requires it in all automobile policies.

Yes, Texas law requires it. Unless you, the person buying the insurance, reject it. Please read this: your insurance agent will put several documents in front of you when you’re buying your car insurance. One of those will be a reject form for Uninsured Motorist coverage. Don’t sign it. It is not expensive insurance to buy and it is, in my opinion, a must for you to have to protect yourself and your family. A must. Please get Uninsured Motorist insurance. Many people don’t and most are unaware that they rejected it. I hear “ I have full coverage “ all the time, but without Uninsured Motorist insurance, you may have protected the other guy in a crash, but not you or your family. If you want to discuss how this works in more detail, call me. You’ll get me and we can discuss. Here’s a good number. 800-448-6487. I answer that phone. If I can help with anything else that’s on your mind, give me a call.

-Brian Eberstein

Your Legal Rights After Colliding with a Deer

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What You can do if you’re Injured in a Deer Collision

Texas isn’t a high risk state when it comes to animal collisions.  A recent study done by State Farm shows the state as medium risk; the odds of hitting an animal on Texas highways are 1 in 158.

But legally, what are your rights if you hit a deer, or other animal, and you’re injured in the crash?  Your Dallas car crash attorney weighs in and gives you the details.

What Happens after a Collision with an Animal

First, we should say that we’re talking about collisions with wild animals.  Escaped domestic animals are going to have some other legality around them.

If you hit a wild animal on a Texas highway, and a crash ensues because of it, the only difference is that there is no other party that could be at fault.  You can’t, after all, file a suit against the animal even if it did survive the accident.

But for you, the outcome remains.  There is damage to your vehicle, you have medical bills due to injuries, and you have probably sustained some lost wages as you recover from those injuries.  The financial impact of that animal running in front of your vehicle can be huge!

Fortunately, Texans are usually protected (to an extent) with mandatory insurance requirements.

What Insurances Cover Your Loss after a Deer Collision

After colliding with a deer, there are several important factors that come into play to ensure that you’re fully restored (at least financially).

Collision Coverage – There are three types of car insurance, liability, collision, and comprehensive.  Liability insurance covers the other party’s vehicle in the event of a crash, comprehensive covers situations like tree branches, hail damage, theft, etc.  Collision coverage protects you if you collide with something while driving.  This is what will pay to have your vehicle towed and repaired (if it hasn’t been totaled out).

Rental Insurance – Many policies have the option to add rental reimbursement coverage.  Between the time you are in the accident, and when your vehicle is repaired, you still need something to drive.

PIP Insurance – Personal Injury Protection insurance is required in Texas.  The minimum, however, is just $2,500.  This insurance covers medical bills, lost wages, and losses due to the injury.  Often there are limits (such as it may only pay 80% of your lost wages), and most people would be better served with more protection than just the minimum.

How can a Dallas Car Crash Attorney Help?

A deer collision can cause just as much damage as a vehicle collision; especially if it causes you to veer off the road.  But without another party, the responsibility is solely on you, the driver.

While most car crash attorneys won’t be able to help, there are just a few instances where you will want to speak with us.

Do you have full coverage, including at least the minimum PIP insurance?  Is your insurance company refusing to cover the accident?  Then they may be acting in bad faith.  If that’s the case, then you will want to speak with Zach Herbert or Brian Eberstein, car crash attorneys in the Dallas, Texas area.

Simply call us at 214-414-3808 or fill out the contact form to get things started for your free initial consultation.

When Insurance Companies aren’t Completely Honest

Texas Car Accident Attorney

Insurance Companies sometimes Twist Facts to Avoid Settlements

We all have auto insurance to protect us in case we’re involved in an accident.  You expect to be indemnified, a word here which means “made whole”, in the event of a wreck.  Of course there are deductibles and all those things to prevent you from abusing the policy and cashing in every time your car gets an itty bitty ding in it.

But when you really need the insurance the most, there are times when they might twist the truth to avoid paying a settlement.  Sometimes it’s legal, and they’re just being really sneaky.  But other times they’re downright lying (and acting in bad faith); a scenario that can land them in a heap of trouble, so you don’t run into it all that often.

Instead, you might run into some of these claims that can fall within the scope of still being honest, but aren’t quite true.

You Must Use an In Network Body Shop

Insurance companies have preferred auto body repair shops.  They’re the shops that have been vetted, are known to do a good job, and the entire repair process has been streamlined when you use these shops.

When you’re setting up repairs (assuming you’ve been in a minor fender bender and a call to a Texas car accident attorney like Herbert & Eberstein isn’t in order), the insurance company will encourage you to use one of their in network shops, maybe even claiming the process is streamlined and you will get your car back sooner (not necessarily true).

The reality is that you have the right to choose.  You can choose any repair shop that you desire.

Your Claim Wasn’t Filed Properly

We live in a world of technicalities.  Often, if an insurance company can avoid a large settlement based on one, they do so.  It’s a legal (although ethically suspicious) method of saving some money.

When you applied for your insurance, you have to give quite a bit of information.  But what if you didn’t give complete information?  Or you outright lied on the insurance application?  For instance, maybe you said you commute 10 miles round trip to work each day, but in reality it’s closer to 40 miles?  The shorter commute might get you better rates, and so you went with that number.  While they can’t really deny a claim because of that particular scenario, that may not always be the case.

It’s never a good idea to skew your insurance application or claim form just to save money on premiums.  But if you make an honest mistake, it’s not the end of the world.

There’s a Deadline on Your Settlement

One of the biggest myths out there is that you have to hurry up and accept the settlement before it goes away.  Any deadline that you are given is arbitrary, and designed to “encourage” you to take a settlement offer that may not fully compensate you for your loss.

In some circumstances, where the car wreck involved loss of life, injury, or major disability, determining a fair settlement amount can take a significant amount of time.  Of course, this is when you will want a Texas car accident attorney on your side; someone that knows what a fair settlement is.

Come to Herbert & Eberstein: Texas Car Accident Attorneys

Some settlements go quickly and smoothly.  Someone bumps into your rear quarter panel, you swap info, and insurance pays to fix it.  Done.  But many others don’t go quite as smoothly.  Many others are much more serious.

If you’re ever in a car accident that is more than a minor bump, you need to speak with a Texas accident attorney like Zach Herbert or Brian Eberstein.  Years of experience and knowledge on what a good settlement looks like, you can be assured that your case will be handled appropriately, and you will be treated fairly.

Let’s get started with a simple chat to get to know you and find out what’s going on.  No obligation, no cost.  Fill out the contact form, or call 214-414-3808.

What if I’m in a Car Accident While Traveling?

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Accidents while Traveling are Common; Here’s what to Expect

Christmas and the New Year are both rapidly approaching.  While travel is down quite a bit this year, there will be a number of families heading out of town to meet up with loved ones.  But what if you’re involved in a car accident while traveling?

Driving in a new city or state means that you’re unfamiliar with the roads.  The result is that you’re more likely to be involved in a car accident than when you’re cruising around in your home town.  Never fear, these things aren’t quite as daunting as they may seem!

Herbert & Eberstein have laid out what you should do if you’re in a wreck away from home.

Immediate Steps after being in a Car Accident

No matter if the accident happens in front of your house, across town, or across the country, the steps are always the same to follow.

Call the Police – Filing a police report right away is how you ensure that all the details are recorded properly.

Seek Medical Attention – If you’re injured, have your injuries attended to right away.  The longer you wait, the harder it will be to seek full compensation for them.

Swap Insurance Information – Often wrecks are little more than fender benders; especially if nobody needs medical attention.  No matter what, be sure to swap insurance information.

File a Claim with Your Insurance Company – If you had to go to the hospital, you need to speak with a car accident attorney right away.  If this was a simple crash that just did damage to vehicles, then file a claim just as you would any other time.

Call Herbert & Eberstein – We can chat about your car accident while traveling, and see if you need an attorney to help you collect compensation.  Contact us, and we can chat about it.

Have Your Car Repaired – If your vehicle isn’t drivable, you will need to either have it transported back to your home town, or have it fixed where you are.  Obviously there are some hurdles since you probably can’t wait 4-6 weeks for repairs.  If your insurance company isn’t playing nice, then we should chat.

A straight forward car accident is handled just like it would be at home.  Your insurance will cover you no matter what state you are in.

What if I Need a Car Accident Attorney?

Many accidents, however, aren’t as clear.  What if your accident results in injury or death?  What if you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle?

There are two scenarios here: one if you’re still in the state and another if you are out of state.

Accidents that happened in Texas – Herbert & Eberstein can handle car accident cases in Texas and Oklahoma.  It doesn’t matter if you were involved in the wreck in the Dallas area, in El Paso, or in Houston, as long as you were in state, we have your back.

Accidents that happened outside of Texas – If you are traveling to an area outside of where Zach and Brian are licensed to practice, we should still chat!  There are special considerations when working jointly with Herbert & Eberstein and working with an attorney where the accident occurred.

No matter where the accident happened, your first step is to get in touch with us and we can figure out the best course of action.

How does my Claim Work from Afar?

If you have a claim started in a different state, you may end up having to travel back to wherever the claim was initiated to give your statements.

Don’t worry, this usually only has to happen once.  So when it comes time, you aren’t making multiple trips trying to get it settled.

Since a lot of everything has moved online this year, depending on the court system you may even be able to appear via the web instead of traveling to the area where your case is being heard.

The bottom line: it’s going to be a bit more work on everyone’s part to ensure you receive the compensation that you deserve.  And the insurance companies aren’t going to make it easy on you.  That is why you need a great car accident attorney on your side.

Let’s Chat about Your Car Accident

Herbert & Eberstein have a great track record of helping people find the justice that they deserve.  When things are looking bleak, you can be assured that your car accident case will be handled quickly, and you will receive what you need to fully compensate you for your loss.

No matter if you’re at home, or in a car accident while traveling, call 214-414-3808 and let’s talk about what needs to be done.