Cortez Law Firm, PLLCFindLaw IM Template2024-03-11T15:16:14Zhttps://www.cortezlawfirmpllc.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1603274/2020/05/cropped-Cortez-Law-Firm-PLLC-OG-Image-2018-01-11-03-49-32-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Cortez Law Firm, PLLChttps://www.cortezlawfirmpllc.com/?p=482512024-03-06T20:52:28Z2024-03-06T20:52:28ZThere are two main ways that tailgating causes car accidents. The first is simply that the rear driver doesn’t have enough reaction time. If the car ahead of them begins to slow down rapidly, they just don’t have space to brake or swerve, and they rear-end the car ahead of them.
To prevent this, the front driver will sometimes “brake check” the rear driver by sharply pushing the brakes. They’re trying to communicate to that rear driver that they should back off by causing a near miss. But this is dangerous and illegal, and it can lead to the front driver causing an accident.
Get the tailgater to pass
Instead of brake checking someone or taking any other type of aggressive action – like gesturing out your window – it’s best just to try to get them to pass. Odds are that that’s what they want anyway. If you can get them to do it, you keep yourself safer because you lower your odds of being involved in an accident.One way to get someone to pass is just to gradually slow down. Don’t hit the brakes, but you can’t take your foot off of the gas.In some cases, it’s also an option to pull over to the side of the road or change lanes. This doesn’t necessarily help if it’s a road rage incident, because the rear driver may keep tailgating. But if they honestly just were trying to find space to pass, then they’ll be glad to have a chance to do so.All that being said, rear-end accidents are the rear driver’s fault in the vast majority of cases. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, then you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills and related costs.]]>On Behalf of Cortez Law Firm, PLLChttps://www.cortezlawfirmpllc.com/?p=482452024-02-22T23:04:52Z2024-02-22T23:04:52ZDetermining the extent of your damages
Medical evidence can also provide a detailed account of the expenses you incurred like medical bills, prescription and rehabilitation expenses. This can be crucial when requesting damages for financial losses arising from the accident.
In addition, it makes it easier to assess or quantify non-economic damages you’ve suffered from the crash, such as the impact on your quality of life or career prospects, the pain and suffering you endured and the potential long-term effects of your injuries. Without medical evidence, it can be difficult to show the full extent of such damages that are not as straightforward, which can affect any potential settlement.
When it comes to a car crash claim, the importance of medical records cannot be overemphasized. Remember, insurance companies often look for ways to minimize their payouts, and presenting a weak claim without supporting documentation could be your undoing. Reaching out for legal guidance to help gather relevant evidence and represent your interests can go a long way in securing the compensation you deserve.]]>On Behalf of Cortez Law Firm, PLLChttps://www.cortezlawfirmpllc.com/?p=482442024-02-13T20:44:45Z2024-02-13T20:44:45ZRight after the accident
Let’s go over the first steps you should take right after the accident. At first, you will feel a sense of shock if you are conscious, and hopefully everyone involved in the accident will be safe.
Call the police
The very first thing you must do after an accident, whether you think it is minor or major, is call the police.
If you are injured or see anyone who is, even if it is the person who hit your car, make sure you tell the person on the other end, so they can send help.
Seek medical attention
If you are injured, you should seek medical attention immediately. If anyone around you is injured, seek medical attention for them immediately.
Seek a safer place
If you are able to do so, drive to the side of the road or a parking lot nearby where you can continue to take the necessary steps while also considering the safety and security of other drivers who may still be driving through that area.
Exchange information
If you and the other driver are conscious and able, exchange information immediately. Gather the other party’s full name, phone number, occupation, insurance information and driver’s license number. If you can get their address, that is an additional detail that can help you.
Document everything
Again, if you are conscious and able to do so, document everything. This means that, if you have a smartphone on you, take photos and videos of the scene, starting in the place where the accident happened.
While it is fine to move the vehicles to a safer location, getting photos and videos of the exact scene of the accident right after it happens can be helpful.
Take note of anything the other party says. If they apologize, tell you that they were eating, admit to being distracted and not seeing your car, or say anything else, make sure you write it down.
Also, if there are witnesses, ask them to recount what happened and what they said. If possible, ask them to write it down and ask for their contact information.
After the accident
When you are able to safely do so, consult with a personal injury attorney, and give them all the information you have.
If possible, speak with them before you contact the other party’s insurance company.
Make a file
Create a file of all the evidence you have. From the police report, witness statements, cell phone records, photos and videos, you want to have as much information as you can and give it to your attorney.
This is critical because it can make or break your case. If you are injured and cannot work, for example, or have medical bills, you may be entitled to compensation.
You deserve that compensation and should allow an attorney to advocate for you in a court of law if they cannot reach a reasonable agreement with the insurance company.
In conclusion, while the aftermath of a car accident can be complete chaos, knowing what to do and what steps to take can help you not only recover faster but also seek, and hopefully receive, compensation for your injuries.]]>On Behalf of Cortez Law Firm, PLLChttps://www.cortezlawfirmpllc.com/?p=482432024-02-08T22:04:34Z2024-02-08T22:04:34ZIt's crucial to keep your eyes on the road until you get home. Research shows that most accidents happen close to home. Thus, you may not be in the clear until you pull over in your driveway.Here is why:
Drivers may rely on muscle memory, not their driving skills
Drivers in your neighborhood are familiar with the road. Accordingly, they may no longer fear hazards around them or may believe they don't exist, yet they do, including children playing, teenagers learning to drive, pedestrians crossing, parked cars/trash cans creating roadway obstructions and so on.A driver may be comfortable checking their phone, looking outside the window or eating since they "know" what to expect on the road – they rely more on muscle memory.Such a driver may fail to notice you when you are around them, and this can lead to an accident.
They may not observe rules
Some drivers usually throw rules out of the window when they are close to home. They may fail to look in all directions at intersections and turns, engage in tailgating, fail to signal and so on. When people fail to observe rules in a residential area, an accident can happen.Note that some drivers undo their seatbelts when they are close to home, or those leaving the house may fail to fasten their seatbelts when going to a nearby grocery store. But this can be dangerous. It's crucial to buckle up every time you are driving.Residential streets pose the same potential risks as highways. You can be involved in an accident in your neighborhood if a driver fails to observe rules or stay alert. If this happens to you, learn more about your options to protect your rights. ]]>On Behalf of Cortez Law Firm, PLLChttps://www.cortezlawfirmpllc.com/?p=482412024-02-06T19:44:41Z2024-02-06T19:44:41ZWhiplash
Most people think whiplash can only occur during an accident because of the force that generates the movement of the neck. However, many times people do not appear to have whiplash because adrenaline masks the pain that comes with this injury, and they have symptoms later.
Some of these symptoms include stiffness of the neck, headaches and generalized pain in the neck and shoulder area.
If you have any of these symptoms or any other, make sure your doctor sees you as soon as you can. These symptoms can get worse if you do not do something about them, and they can lead to more severe and sometimes permanent conditions.
Concussions
Even though some concussions are evident right away, that is not always the case. A person involved in a car accident can develop symptoms later, including confusion, dizziness and memory issues, all which could be related to a concussion.
These symptoms may begin as mild pain and get worse over time. It is important to have a medical professional look at it promptly to diagnose and treat it if necessary.
Herniated discs
The spine can suffer injuries that are not immediately evident. It might take some time for inflammation to develop around the affected area, and pain can begin later.
The person who was in the accident may wonder if it is related to the car accident or something else, but it is common for spinal injuries to develop quietly and then get worse over time.
Psychological problems
Psychological injuries, including PTSD, anxiety, depression and loss of affect, are all conditions that can develop after a car accident.
Sometimes it takes time because the brain is adjusting, but many times, unfortunately, the brain does not go back to how it was and conditions develop that cause a person to feel depressed, anxious, paranoid or panicky.
If you survive a car accident, firstly, it is a great thing that you survived. However, you could have sustained injuries that can develop or symptoms of injuries that manifest much later in time.
Keep an eye out for any pain, discomfort or unusual bodily symptoms, and make sure you discuss them with your doctor and your attorney, who can help you if you are eligible for compensation.
Remember that if you are eligible for compensation, you will get the most compensation if you have an attorney who can advocate on your behalf.]]>On Behalf of Cortez Law Firm, PLLChttps://www.cortezlawfirmpllc.com/?p=482402024-02-01T14:59:05Z2024-02-01T14:59:05ZIf you are involved in a truck accident, you are likely to go through a different experience from someone filing a car accident claim. Your case may be a lot more complicated than an ordinary car wreck claim.
Here are four reasons truck accident claims can be more complicated than other motor vehicle accidents:
There is a high probability of severe injuries
Due to the size and weight of a truck, you are likely to suffer severe injuries in a truck accident. This translates to a much bigger claim, since you may be looking at a lifetime of disability or ongoing struggles with your recovery. Insurance companies do their best to avoid such high payouts, which means that you can expect more resistance to settlement.
Special rules and regulations may be considered
Besides traffic laws, trucks must observe special rules and regulations. These include hours of work, transportation regulations for different types of goods and so on. This can make an investigation into a truck accident more lengthy and involved than that of a typical car wreck.
Several parties may be responsible for your injuries
Another reason truck accident claims can be more complicated is several parties may be liable. The truck driver may be answerable if their negligent action led to the accident. But the trucking company, the cargo loader or the vehicle's manufacturer may also be liable.Therefore, determining liability may not be straightforward when filing a truck accident claim. Your team may need to conduct an intense investigation to identify the appropriate liable party. If you are involved in a truck accident, consider legal guidance to get the compensation you deserve. ]]>On Behalf of Cortez Law Firm, PLLChttps://www.cortezlawfirmpllc.com/?p=482352024-01-17T11:21:08Z2024-01-17T11:21:08ZIt’s a new year and a new you, but there are a lot of the same drivers on the road. In other words, you need to be just as safe on the road this year as you were last year. That may mean you need to be extra careful about the drivers around you.
Here’s a list of drivers who have higher odds of causing auto accidents:
Drivers who are drunk
Drivers can’t drink and drive, but that doesn’t stop many people. A drunk driver has impaired vision, judgment and reaction time. A driver might have been drinking if you notice they’re running red lights, swerving between lanes or making sudden stops.
Drivers who are drowsy
Studies have shown that driving while drowsy may be just as bad as drunk driving. Drowsy drivers may experience similar effects as drunk drivers. A driver who is tired may even fall asleep behind the wheel and swerve off the road.
Drivers who are distracted
Driving distractions are one of the leading causes of auto accidents. A driver is likely distracted if you notice they’re on their phone. Other driving distractions can be caused by eating, changing the radio and talking to passengers.
Drivers who are aggravated
Many drivers become aggravated by traffic. An aggressive driver may tailgate, brake check or speed. These actions can endanger other drivers.
Drivers who are negligent
Many auto accidents happen because of negligence. For example, a driver may forget to indicate which way they’re turning. Or, a driver may open their door without looking for traffic.
Drivers who are inexperienced
Everyone learns to drive for the first time, but very few people remember what it was like to drive without experience. People who are new to driving may make simple mistakes that lead to auto accidents.If you’re a victim of an auto accident, then you shouldn’t let it ruin your New Year. You may need to reach out for legal help as you discuss your compensation options.
]]>On Behalf of Cortez Law Firm, PLLChttps://www.cortezlawfirmpllc.com/?p=482342024-01-11T02:15:35Z2024-01-11T02:15:35ZUnderstanding post-traumatic stress disorder
One of the most common mental health conditions that may develop following a severe motor vehicle crash is post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is characterized by intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to the traumatic event that persist long after the event.
Victims may re-live a crash through flashbacks or nightmares, leading to considerable distress and a feeling of being constantly on edge. Avoidance of reminders of the accident, such as driving or even getting into a vehicle, can significantly disrupt daily life.
Dealing with anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression are also frequent companions in the aftermath of a traumatic crash. The uncertainty during and after the crash can trigger anxiety, which can manifest in symptoms like excessive worry, restlessness and difficulty concentrating.
Depression may surface due to sudden lifestyle changes, especially if physical injuries limit mobility and independence. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities are indicative of depression.
Impacts on sleep and physical health
The psychological impact of a motor vehicle crash often extends to sleep patterns. Insomnia is common, potentially exacerbating other mental health issues. Additionally, there is a strong interconnection between mental and physical health. Stress and anxiety can lead to physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension and fatigue, which can hinder recovery.
Understanding and acknowledging the mental health effects of a serious motor vehicle crash is a critical step in the recovery process. Mental health care is costly, so victims may benefit from pursuing a compensation claim to help cover all the expenses of a wreck, if their harm was caused by another’s negligence.]]>On Behalf of Cortez Law Firm, PLLChttps://www.cortezlawfirmpllc.com/?p=482312024-01-03T12:55:21Z2024-01-03T12:55:21ZSuppose an accident occurred when you were traveling slightly above the speed limit while the other driver was distracted, looking at their phone. In such a case, can you still file a car accident claim and recover compensation for the harm and losses you suffered? Well, it depends on your level of fault or degree of responsibility for the crash.
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence approach when drivers share fault for a crash. As such, your contribution to the accident does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation. Here is more on how this works.
Your percentage of fault is crucial
Insurance adjusters usually assign a percentage of fault to the parties involved in a crash. They base this percentage on various factors, including police reports about the accident, witness statements, applicable traffic laws, surveillance footage and even expert opinions when the events leading up to the crash are unclear. The level of fault assigned to you plays a significant role, as you cannot recover compensation with your car accident claim if you are found to bear greater responsibility for the accident. Your percentage of fault should not exceed the other driver’s for a valid car accident claim.In addition, your contribution to the crash will diminish or reduce your recoverable compensation. For instance, if you were 30% to blame, you may only recover 70% of your damages.
The importance of legal guidance when you share fault for a crash
Given the far-reaching consequences it could have on your settlement, you do not want to carry more responsibility than your role in the accident. It could mean contesting the assigned percentage of fault if you think it does not represent the actual circumstances accurately. Proper legal assistance is imperative in such situations, potentially being the defining factor in securing the compensation you deserve and safeguarding your rights.]]>On Behalf of Cortez Law Firm, PLLChttps://www.cortezlawfirmpllc.com/?p=482302023-12-17T19:36:19Z2023-12-17T19:36:19ZTexting and driving is often referenced when people are discussing the dangers of distracted driving. After all, a driver who is using their cellphone is more likely to get into a car accident. This is why most states have banned the practice and restricted the use of handheld devices.
But, it may even be worse than people realize. Texting and driving is not just one type of distraction, but three combined and occurring simultaneously.
The 3 types of distracted driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three main types of driving distractions: Manual distractions, visual, distractions and cognitive distractions. Drivers may let go of the controls, look away from the road or mentally focus on something other than driving the car.With texting and driving, that person is likely doing all three of these things at once. They may be looking at the screen of their phone as they read a text, all while holding the device in their hand. This means it’s a visual and a manual distraction. The driver may also be thinking about the contents of the message, considering what they want to write in response or something else of this nature. They are mentally and cognitively distracted. Any single distraction can lead to an accident. A driver who is looking down may not see traffic slow ahead of them, which is a visual distraction. This delays their reaction enough that they rear-end the next car. Now, think about that visually distracted driver if they aren’t holding the steering wheel and thinking about a conversation with someone who isn’t even in the car. It’s almost impossible for them to avoid that rear-end crash. Those who have been injured in these accidents, which are caused by the negligence of distracted drivers, must know how to seek financial compensation.]]>