You may know it as the home of the rodeo in Texas, but Mesquite is not all fun and action — unfortunately, it is also the site of many car accidents in the state. A bustling highway and lively tourist sector mean there are a lot of people on the road in this proud town. Increased traffic is a recipe for trouble when it comes to road safety and accidents, so we’ve put together this handy guide about car accidents in Mesquite.
This article will talk you through everything to do with Mesquite car accidents — from injuries to circumstances — as well as why entrusting the services of a Mesquite car accident lawyer is your best course of action if you want proper compensation.
Car accident statistics in Mesquite
Mesquite is part of Dallas County, which is a hotbed of auto accidents in and of itself. According to statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 32,022 car accidents in Texas in 2020 — of those accidents, 957 yielded serious injuries, 815 were considered critical and 225 resulted in fatalities. Despite its small size, Mesquite made up some 1,735 of these total crashes in the 2020 period. High-traffic areas like the US-80 Highway that run through Mesquite can often bring out poor behavior in drivers, such as speeding, dangerous driving, fatigued driving and distracted driving.
What to do after a car accident
The immediate shock following a car accident can make it hard to remember what to do — after all, even minor accidents can be very traumatic events. In the event of an auto wreck, there are several steps you should take to ensure your safety and legal protection.
Ensure safety: Check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If there are serious injuries, call emergency services immediately.
Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t have any immediate or apparent injuries, it’s still a good idea to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not manifest right away, and having a medical record is essential for any legal claims you make.
Contact the authorities: Depending on the severity of the accident, you may need to report it to the police. They can help document the incident and provide an official report, which may be useful for insurance purposes.
Contact a Mesquite car accident attorney: If the accident resulted in significant damage, injuries or complex circumstances, it’s in your best interests to consult with an attorney who specializes in personal injury or car accident cases. They can provide guidance on your rights and legal options.
Exchange information: Exchange contact, insurance and driver’s license information with the other parties involved in the accident. It’s vital to gather names, phone numbers, addresses, license plate numbers and insurance details. It is also vitally important at this stage to say as little as possible — even saying something as innocuous as “sorry” can be seen as admitting fault.
Document the scene: If it’s safe to do so, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicles involved. This can serve as evidence later on.
Gather witness information: If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to obtain their names and contact information. Their statements may be valuable in determining fault or liability.
Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and provide instructions on how to proceed.
Different types of car accidents in Mesquite
From simple prangs to devastating collisions, there are many different types of car accidents that happen on the road. It’s important to note that these are general types of car accidents, and the circumstances of each accident can vary. Factors such as weather conditions, road conditions, driver behavior and vehicle type can also influence the specific types of accidents that occur in Mesquite.
Rear-end collisions: These occur when one vehicle strikes the rear of the vehicle in front. Rear-end accidents can be caused by tailgating, distracted driving, sudden stops or adverse weather conditions.
Intersection accidents: Accidents that happen at intersections are common, especially when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way, run red lights or stop signs, or make improper turns. T-bone accidents, where one vehicle is struck on the side by another are a common result of intersection collisions.
Head-on collisions: These accidents occur when two vehicles collide front-to-front, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Head-on collisions can be caused by factors such as distracted driving, impaired driving or driving on the wrong side of the road.
Side-impact collisions (also known as “broadside” or “T-bone” accidents): These accidents happen when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle, often at an intersection. Side-impact collisions can result from failure to yield, running red lights or stop signs, or driver inattention.
Single-vehicle accidents: These accidents involve only one vehicle and can occur due to various factors, such as losing control of the vehicle, hitting a stationary object, or rolling over. Single-vehicle accidents can result from driver error, speeding, mechanical failures or poor road conditions.
Multi-vehicle accidents: These accidents involve three or more vehicles and can be complex situations. They often occur on highways or in congested traffic areas, and the primary cause is typically a chain reaction of collisions. Multi-vehicle accidents can result in significant damage and injuries.
Common car wreck injuries
The range of injuries you can sustain in a car wreck varies widely — a lot can depend on the speed of the vehicles, the point of impact and the size of the vehicles involved in the accident. That being said, there are some common car accident injuries that tend to pop up in the aftermath of car accidents in Texas.
Whiplash: Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that commonly occurs when the head is jerked forward and backward abruptly, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. It is a common injury in rear-end collisions.
Head and brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur if the head strikes a hard surface or experiences a sudden jolt. Concussions, contusions and skull fractures are common types of head injuries.
Back and spinal cord injuries: The impact of a car accident can cause spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, and other back injuries. These injuries can result in severe pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Fractures and broken bones: The force of a car accident can lead to fractures in various parts of the body, including arms, legs, ribs and hips.
Chest injuries: The impact of a collision can cause injuries to the chest, including broken ribs, internal organ damage, and collapsed lungs.
Soft tissue injuries: Apart from whiplash, car accidents can cause sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body.
Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass, sharp objects, or impact with parts of the vehicle can result in cuts and lacerations, which may require stitches or other medical interventions.
Psychological trauma: Car accidents can also have psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety or depression, which may require professional counseling or therapy.
It’s important to note that these are just a few examples, and the specific injuries resulting from a car accident can vary greatly. The severity of the injuries can also range from minor to life-threatening. If you’ve been involved in a car accident and have any concerns about potential injuries, it’s best to seek medical attention promptly.
Damages you can claim after a car accident
Whether you were injured or not, car accidents overall are a stressful and traumatic ordeal. There are many different types of compensation you can seek depending on the type of auto wreck you were involved in. We go through some of the damages you can claim after a car accident.
Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or any other damaged property, such as personal belongings that were in the car at the time of the accident.
Medical expenses: You can claim the costs associated with medical treatment and care for any injuries sustained in the accident. This may include ambulance fees, hospital bills, medication costs, physical therapy and ongoing medical care.
Lost wages: If the injuries from the accident caused you to miss work, you may be able to claim compensation for the wages you would have earned during that time. This can also include loss of future earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.
Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident. It can include compensation for pain, discomfort, anxiety, depression and loss of enjoyment of life.
Emotional distress: If the accident caused significant emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you may be able to seek damages for emotional distress.
Loss of consortium: In some cases, if the accident resulted in a loss of companionship or intimacy with a spouse or partner, they may be able to claim damages for loss of consortium.
Punitive damages: In certain situations where the actions of the at-fault party were particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
It’s important to remember that this is just a rough guide — it’s best to talk to a car accident lawyer to get a comprehensive idea of what you can claim for based on your circumstances, as well as what you will need to provide to make these claims.
Car wreck attorneys in Mesquite, TX
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident and sustained injuries, it’s essential to take legal action as soon as possible. The earlier you set the wheels in motion and know what to do, the better the odds are of securing the maximum compensation you are entitled to. As soon as you are able to, make contact with a Mesquite car accident lawyer. The experienced Mesquite personal injury attorneys at Angel Reyes – Reyes Browne Law will make sure that everything is taken care of so that you can focus on rest and recovery while we do the heavy lifting.
As previously mentioned in this article, the first few steps after a car accident can mean the difference between losing out on what you are owed and a potentially life-changing settlement. As soon as you engage a personal injury lawyer, they can tell you the specific steps to take to ensure you receive maximum compensation — this can include not talking to the other party (or their insurance company), taking photos and videos at the accident site, and other important actions that may slip your mind in the heat of the moment.
Do I need a Mesquite car accident attorney?
You may be thinking that hiring legal representation in the wake of a car accident is an overreaction, but we’re here to assure you that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If there is a dispute regarding who was at fault for the accident, or if multiple parties are involved, a qualified car accident lawyer can help investigate the incident, gather evidence and advocate on your behalf. They can navigate complex legal issues and negotiate with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement.
Insurance companies may also attempt to undervalue your claim, delay the process or deny you coverage altogether. A car accident attorney can communicate with the insurance company for you, protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Some accidents also involve complex legal issues, such as multiple parties, commercial vehicles, government entities or defective products. In these cases, an attorney with experience in car accident cases can provide you with invaluable expertise and guidance.
Finding the best car accident lawyer in Mesquite, TX
Have you been involved in a car accident in Mesquite and want someone on your side to fight for your rights? The team at Reyes Browne has more than 30 years of experience dealing with car accident lawsuits of all shapes and sizes. Our car accident lawyers have secured some spectacular case results over the decades, with figures in the multi-millions for serious incidents.
Our car accident attorneys know the ins and outs of Mesquite road laws, meaning we can find (and close) legal loopholes that our competitors miss. The dedicated personal injury lawyers on our staff treat all clients with the utmost dignity and respect — we look after you and fight for you as if you are family.
If you’re not sure what to do next or just want some advice on your situation, call us today on (469) 532-5756 or get in touch for a free consultation.
