Your Waco Car Accident Attorney
In 2021, there were 3,967 car wrecks in Waco, Texas—nearly all of these accidents resulting in some crash injuries. Home to a sizeable college and sitting along the I-35 corridor, Waco sees a significant amount of car accidents within its city limits every year. Car crashes result in serious injuries that have the potential to affect you for the rest of your life negatively. In fact, car crash injuries are the eighth leading cause of death for all age groups. If you were involved in a car crash that left you with significant injuries and medical bills, call a compassionate Waco car accident lawyer to get assistance for your legal matter.
Car accidents happen when we least expect them. Because of this, our Waco law office is available to serve you 24/7. Get started with a free consultation at 254-772-5653.
Speak to an Experienced Legal Team Today
We’re the best law firm in Waco—according to local newspaper polls. We’ve won this distinction because our dedicated team of compassionate auto accident attorneys understands that your circumstances and your injuries are unique. There is no one-size-fits-all approach for The Carlson Law Firm’s personal injury team. We evaluate your case and help you understand how the law can impact you. We will fight tirelessly to see that you get every penny you deserve.
Trusted Waco, Texas Car Accident Law Firm
Car wrecks in Texas are complicated legal matters. Your rights must be protected. The car accident attorneys from The Carlson Law Firm serve clients in Waco, Woodway, Hewitt, McGregor, Bellmead, MRiesel, Marlin, Axtell, Elm Mott, China Springs and more. No matter the type of car accident you’re dealing with or the severity of your injuries, our law firm can help. Our Waco car accident attorneys have the knowledge and experience you need to get the compensation you’re entitled to.
At The Carlson Law Firm, our Waco car accident lawyers are dedicated to serving those affected by auto accidents. Our significant experience in this specific area of personal injury law is focused on representing individuals harmed in motor vehicle accidents due to others’ carelessness or recklessness. The variety of scenarios within this field necessitates a deep understanding of the legal landscape and a tailored approach to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
What You Can Expect from a Carlson Attorney
Expectations from Your Auto Accident Lawyer in Bell County Handling injury claims involve intricate legal procedures, primarily aiming to assist those injured in recovering losses. This may include reimbursement for medical costs, property damage, lost income, as well as compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and more. The foremost objective of car wreck attorneys in Waco, TX, is to secure just compensation for their clients, addressing the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the accident.
Key Legal Considerations in Auto Accidents
Navigating through car accident claims involves complex legal intricacies that demand extensive legal knowledge of the following:
- Establishing Fault: A critical step is determining who caused the accident. This requires gathering evidence, like accident reports and witness accounts, sometimes supplemented by expert analysis, to establish negligence.
- Insurance Claims Handling: Negotiations with insurance companies are often challenging, especially for injury victims. Auto accident lawyers engage with insurers to ensure clients get appropriate compensation covering all damages.
- Medical Evidence: Accurate documentation of injuries is essential. Our lawyers collaborate with medical professionals to secure detailed records and assessments, highlighting the injury’s severity and required treatments.
- Comparative Fault: In instances where both parties might bear some fault, car wreck attorneys skillfully handle the principle of comparative negligence to calculate the rightful compensation.
- Adhering to Deadlines: Legal claims must comply with specific filing deadlines. Our attorneys ensure that claims are filed timely, safeguarding the client’s right to compensation.
What May be Unique About Your Waco Accident
As noted above, the law doesn’t allow for a one-size-fits-all approach to motor vehicle crashes. Because the aftermath of a wreck can range in severity, it’s important that you hire an attorney with the resources, time and team size to treat your case with the unique care it deserves.
Auto accident claims present the following unique challenges distinct from other personal injury cases:
- Diverse Accident Scenarios: From minor collisions to major multi-vehicle crashes, our attorneys are equipped to manage various accident types.
- Investigation Skills: Effective representation demands comprehensive investigative efforts to collect evidence, reconstruct the accident scene, and accurately determine fault.
- Mastery of Traffic Laws: In-depth knowledge of state and local traffic regulations is vital for assessing liability.
- Insurance Negotiation Expertise: Our lawyers are proficient in negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair settlements.
- Medical Insight: Familiarity with medical terms and injury evaluations is crucial for precise injury assessment and projecting future medical requirements.
In summary, car insurance claims in Waco require a blend of legal acumen, investigative prowess, negotiation skills, and empathetic client support, all essential for aiding individuals in their recovery journey from the physical, emotional, and financial ramifications of a car accident.
What to do When Someone Causes a Car Accident
When someone else causes you to get hurt in a car accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for your losses. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Often, insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying injury victims or paying them as little as possible. The Carlson Law Firm doesn’t allow that to happen to our clients. We fight hard for the rights of injury victims. We will ensure you don’t have to pay for someone else’s careless mistakes.
We are Trial Lawyers, We Scare Insurance Companies
The Carlson Law Firm has a reputation for taking cases to trial when the insurance company decides not to treat you fairly. Not all personal injury cases go to court, in fact most don’t. However, when your case rises to those levels, it’s important to have an attorney on your side who can actually fight for you.
About Our Waco Law Office
Compassionate Car Accident Lawyers
Integrity
Our compassionate legal team will handle your case with sound judgment, honesty and dependability.
Community
We have strong ties to our community which drives us to work tirelessly to get our clients the favorable outcomes they deserve.
Results
Our attorneys consistently achieve some of the largest verdicts and settlements in the country.
Injured in a Waco Car Accident? We Can Help.
Currently, Waco is the 23rd largest city in Texas and its population numbers are expected to grow by an annual rate of 2.07%. Additionally, a new Amazon fulfillment center opened at Bagby Avenue and Exchange Parkway in July 2022. Once the fulfillment center opens, it’s expected to create more than 1,000 new full-time jobs and bring more traffic along with it. Our compassionate personal injury lawyers have helped several clients navigate the complex nature of car accidents involving delivery vehicles. If you or a family member were involved in a serious crash involving an Amazon, USPS, UPS, FedEx or other delivery vehicle, schedule a free consultation with our team.
How can a lawyer help?
We’ve been representing car accident victims for over 40 years. Our team of highly-skilled car accident attorneys can handle a variety of auto collision cases. The four primary ways a compassionate car accident attorney can serve you is through the following:
- Deal with the insurance company so you can focus on your recovery.
- Investigate your accident.
- Collect necessary evidence.
- Ensure your rights are protected.
Our Waco personal injury law office has been helping clients hold negligent companies and people accountable since 1976. Call our Waco car accident lawyers to schedule your free consultation.
Is hiring a car accident attorney necessary?
Yes. If you suffer any kind of injury that requires medical intervention ranging from a chiropractor to full-on surgery, you should hire an attorney. The American legal system allows you to recover the money you lose when you’ve suffered injuries. A car accident attorney in Waco, TX can investigate the scene of your car crash, preserve evidence, subpoena witnesses and file a lawsuit if needed. Car wreck claims are not easy and require serious commitment through time and resources. We have a network of experts to properly assess the value of your claim.
How much do you charge for car accident representation?
Our injury lawyers do not collect fees until we successfully resolve your case.
Retaining legal counsel with The Carlson Law Firm means there is no risk to you. Our injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning you will not pay any upfront costs or legal fees. If we successfully recover money for you, we will take our fees out of your settlement or judgment. You can also speak with your attorney about help with medical bills.
Our Waco law office is available 24/7 to assist you when you need it most.
Who is Liable for my Injuries After a Waco Car Wreck?
Determining liability after a Waco car accident should never be left to chance. Several parties may be held accountable for the negligence that led to your injuries, including the following:
- Government agencies
- Employers of negligent parties
- Trucking companies
- Bus drivers
- Company vehicles
- Delivery drivers
- Uber drivers
The Carlson Law Firm has a reputation for handling complex motor vehicle crash cases. We’re even the firm other law firms in the area turn to when they need assistance. We have successfully handled motor vehicle accidents involving the U.S. Military, the City of Waco, and local police departments.
What Kind of Accidents Does Your Law Office Handle?
In addition to the above, our team also has experience helping those involved in the following types of collisions:
- Hit and runs
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle injuries
- Pedestrian crashes
- Parking lot crashes
Identifying the responsible parties after a Waco car accident is crucial to ensure you receive you money you need to recover. Our Waco personal injury lawyers will investigate every circumstance of your claim. We will get the compensation you deserve.
Preparing to Meet with a Waco Car Accident Attorney
First, know the facts of your case. The more information you can share with your car accident attorney, the stronger your case. No matter what, we will aggressively pursue evidence to protect you and your family’s future. As noted above, we review accident reports, visit the scene of the collision, interview witnesses, consult with experts and more to build a stronger case for you. We love no stone unturned in our pursuit of the truth.
Serious Injuries
Even if you believe that you weren’t hurt in a car accident, always seek medical attention. Often in the moments after a wreck, adrenaline can mask the full extent of your injuries. In addition, it’s possible to have soft tissue injuries that may not become apparent until several days after a collision.
An injury can lead to you dealing with significant losses and stress. For example, you may have to take time off work to recover or even take a phone call with insurance companies. Those minutes add up. Our Waco auto accident lawyers can help you get your life back on track. We pursue a number of injuries, including catastrophic injuries like TBIs, disfigurement, injuries that require surgery and more.
If you’ve been injured in Waco or the surrounding areas, you may be unsure of how to proceed. Our compassionate Waco car accident attorneys can help. At The Carlson Law Firm, our compassion fuels us to ensure you get the help you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
FAQs: Car Accident Claim Process
How Long is the Car Accident Claim Process?
Once you submit an auto collision contact form, The Carlson Law Firm’s intake team will reach out to you immediately to gather more information about your claim. Next, we will schedule your free consultation. Our team can conduct the consult over the phone, via video chat, or in person at a convenient location for you. After consultation, we will begin the pre-litigation stage of your claim. This involves investigating and gathering documents and evidence to support your claim.
On average, car accident claims in Texas can take anywhere from 6-18 months. However, the true length of your car accident claim ultimately depends on its complexity.
Should I Consult with a Waco Car Accident Attorney after a motor vehicle accident?
Yes. We highly recommend that you do not try to settle a car accident claim on your own. Without a doubt, the insurance company will undervalue your injuries. The insurance company should cover your medical bills. The Carlson Law Firm can help you get what you deserve.
How Long do I have to Contact an Injury Attorney After a Wreck?
Generally speaking, you have two years to contact a lawyer after the incident. Contact a Waco personal injury attorney as soon as you recognize you’re injured.
What are Waco, Texas's most dangerous intersections?
Thanks to Amazon making Waco, Texas one of it’s hub cities and McGregor being the home to SpaceX, Waco is rapidly growing and expanding in size and population. With this population boom comes more traffic and congestion. Waco has always had always “problem areas”, however these intersections have resulted in the most car accidents:
- Old Lorena and Chapel Roads
- 18th and Franklin Avenue
- North Valley Mills and West Waco Drive
- Franklin Avenue and Valley Mills Drive
- Loop 340 and West Waco Drive
In fact, according to the Waco Tribune, Valley Mills carries several of the most dangerous intersections in the city.
What Compensation Can I Get if I'm Injured in a Waco Car Accident?
Texas law allows injured to ask for money when they’ve been hurt through someone else’s negligence—even if you’re partially at fault. Our compassionate injury attorneys may demand liable parties cover the following expenses:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Wrongful death
This list may not be exhaustive of all the compensation that the defendants owe you. A Waco Car Accident Lawyer from our firm can identify other expenses defendants should fully compensate you for. If we can’t get the settlement you deserve through negotiations, we will take your case to court.
How Much Money Will I Get For My Car Accident?
Motor vehicle accident verdicts and settlements can vary depending on various factors. Your state, the jurisdiction where the accident occurred and the facts of the case can influence award amounts. Generally speaking, hospital bills, car repair bills and quotes from mechanics influence what an insurance company is willing to pay.
Can I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for a Lost Loved One in a Car Accident?
Yes. If a person is killed due to a negligent or wrongful act on a Texas roadway, immediate family members of the deceased are eligible to file a wrongful death claim to receive compensation.
More Car Accident FAQs
Minor car crashes don’t always have minor injuries, especially if you were rear-ended. Brushing off a car accident, no matter how small it may seem, is the biggest mistake a person can make. Often, injuries may not appear for several days. It’s important to file a police report, seek medical attention and meet with an attorney as soon as possible.
Our injury attorneys do not charge any upfront fees. It will not cost you a dime to speak to a member of our personal injury legal team.
The most common accident injuries our Waco attorneys see include the following:
- Bruises
- Airbag injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Disfigurement
- Fractures
- Abrasions
- Internal injuries
In severe cases, these types of injuries are immediately apparent. However, unseen injuries may take several days to set in before you realize you were injured. It’s best to get checked immediately after a crash to ensure there is no internal bleeding.
Under Texas law, car crash victims are entitled to compensation under the law. As such, if you suffered any injuries, you should consult with an injury attorney as soon as possible. Car accident settlements are agreements to pay someone who has suffered an injury or harm in a car accident or other personal injury.
In order to reach a settlement, the injured person needs to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party and their insurance company.
A personal injury lawyer will be able to get full and fair compensation for your injuries. Most defendants in car accident claims are represented by insurance companies. As such, those insurance companies, despite their many commercial promises, are not obligated to take care of you. They will defend their client and their bottom line. Their defense is at your expense by devaluing and denying your legal standing and your injuries.
Our Injury Attorneys will work tirelessly to help you recover compensation for damages like:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills,
- Punitive damages
- Loss of limb
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Physical Impairments
- Scaring
- Disfigurement
- Traumatic amputation
- Emotional trauma
- Wrongful death claims
We may also be able to help you recover the cost of future medical bills and income.
Our Waco Car Accident Lawyers have been representing car accident victims for nearly 50 years. We are a team of highly-skilled car accident attorneys capable of handling various auto collision cases. If you’ve been involved in any of the following, contact our team:
If you’re hurt in a hit-and-run or the other driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover for your personal injuries. For example, if you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Personal Injury Protection, contact a motor vehicle accident lawyer to discuss how to proceed with your claim. In addition, The Carlson Law Firm has a successful track record of tracking down hit-and-run offenders and holding them responsible.
Call 254-772-5653 to schedule your free consultation with an injury lawyer. Our legal team can meet with you over the phone, in our office at 2420 I-35 Waco, TX 76706, or we will come to you. The Carlson Law Firm is available 24/7.
Start working with a car accident attorney as soon as possible following your car accident. Our injury attorneys will even make hospital visits. By reaching out to our legal team early on, you will avoid some of the pitfall of handling a claim on your own. Our Waco car wreck attorneys will ensure you receive the money you deserve for your medical bills and lost wages.
When selecting an injury lawyer, focus on the following:
Courtroom Experience. While most injury cases settle, a small portion of injury cases are so complex that they require an attorney with courtroom experience. Big insurance knows the names of attorneys who are willing to settle your claim and those who are prepared to advocate for you before a judge and jury.
- Resources. Injury cases require extensive research, expert testimony, and money to handle upfront costs such as filing fees. It’s important to hire an attorney with the connections and a long history of success to ensure your case can be seen all the way through.
- Focus. Find an attorney who is focused on injury law. At The Carlson Law Firm, our firm is broken up by departments. Our injury lawyers handle injury cases.
- Reputation. Reviews from previous clients and recommendation from other attorneys are the upmost compliments an attorney can receive. Get an attorney with a reputation for being helpful and responsive.
- Location. It’s important to hire local counsel who will be able to go out and investigate the scene of your crash.
The Carlson Law Firm has been serving Waco, Copperas Cove, and Harker Heights long before it experienced the population boom it’s experiencing now. We’ve been fighting for our friends, neighbors and all of our community in Bell County courts since 1976.
Car accidents can lead to being out of work for several days, weeks or months. In addition, you may also deal with extensive damage to your vehicle. If you were injured, you may be eligible for compensation for all of the expenses you incurred as a result of someone else’s negligence, such as:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills (hospitalizations, medications, physical therapy, medical equipment and more)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of future wages
- Future medical bills
Police reports can help document the details of a car accident. You will very likely need to relay your story to several parties throughout the process of your injury claim. It’s important that you have documentation so that you don’t forget important details.
If you are involved in a collision on Waco roads, our personal injury attorneys urge you to do the following:
- Stay at the scene: Your first reaction may be to leave and get help or go somewhere safe. Leaving the scene of a crash, especially if there is an injury or death, can bring about serious criminal charges.
- Move your vehicle off the roadway: If you are physically able, move away from the roadway and use your vehicle’s hazards to alert other drivers of the crash.
- Assess the damage: The safety of yourself and those around you after a car crash is vital. Make sure you, and those affected by the accident, stay out of harm’s way by moving vehicles off the roadway if you are able and if it is safe to do so. In addition, move away from the shoulder of the road as this is the most dangerous place to be. Taking these acts will prevent additional collisions.
- Contact the authorities: By calling 9-1-1, you ensure you get the medical care you need as soon as possible.
- Watch what you say (and sign): Never apologize or sign anything taking responsibility for a wreck until you have consulted an experienced auto accident lawyer.
- Gather information: It’s important to gather information from other parties involved in a car collision. Make sure to note the names, contact information, and driver’s license number of other drivers, passengers, and even witnesses.
- Collect evidence: Pictures of your car and the scene of the crash can be an important resource later to prove damages. Make sure you take pictures of the entire scene, including street signs and roadways.
- Get medical treatment: To ensure that all injuries are treated (both seen and unseen) you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Call a Waco Car Accident Attorney: Reach out to a personal injury attorney who is experienced in this type of matter. Reach out to The Carlson Law Firm at 254-772-5653. We Care. We Can Help.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation’s most updated information, in 2021, Waco had 3,967 car accidents. In 2021, Waco car accidents resulted in the following:
- 16 fatal car accidents
- 106 suspected serious crashes
- 118 suspected serious injuries
- 777 suspected minor injuries
- 534 minor crashes
- 755 possible injury crashes
- 1,332 possible injuries
- 2,335 non-injury crashes
The 2022 Waco car accident statistics will be available some time this summer.
The amount of money you’ll receive after a car accident is dependent upon several factors. You may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages.
For example, our Waco Car Accident Attorneys may be able to help you recover for the following:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Ambulance transport
- Surgical costs
- Medication costs
- Medical device cost
- Testing and imaging
- Residential care
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental health trauma
In addition, our compassionate personal injury lawyers may be able to help you recover the costs of future treatment, loss of income and permanent injuries such as disfigurement or disability. There is no harm in finding out how a Carlson Law Firm attorney can assist. Schedule a free consultation today.
Car accidents can occur for any number of reasons. However, our car accident attorneys tend to see the following types of negligence as the cause of serious Waco accidents:
Drunk driving
In 2021, Waco saw 149 instances of car crashes caused by drunk driving. These crashes led to 5 fatalities, 14 suspected serious injuries and around 77 injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Aggressive Drivers
Aggressive driving is more than road rage; it’s speeding, failure to yield, racing through intersection or making other dangerous, unpredictable movements. These acts increase the likelihood of preventable car accidents.
Night Driving
According to the National Safety Council, people are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident at night than in the day time. There are several reasons why driving at night can increase the likelihood of a car accident. For starters, most drinking and driving occurs during the evening hours. Secondly, night blindness is something many drivers deal with and don’t realize. Night blindness can affect a person’s ability to gauge oncoming traffic, along with other issues that come with an inability to see well in the dark. Further, drivers may be driving while they’re tired. All of these reasons may lead to an increased risk of car accidents.
Defective Vehicles and Equipment
Many single vehicle accidents are the result of a some sort of defect. In addition, we’ve represented several clients who have been hurt because of airbags failing to deploy, brakes locking or other serious vehicle defects. Our team has held several major manufacturers accountable for defective vehicle designs.
Schedule a consultation with a Waco Car Accident Lawyer
There are several other reasons a car accident may occur. If you believe your injuries were because of someone else’s negligence, our team is available 24/7.
If you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident, you might think you need to call the insurance company right away. However, the best first step is to contact a compassionate and experienced auto accident attorney.
Insurance companies are, first and foremost, a business. In other words, they have no interest in paying you what you deserve. This is particularly true in the event of traumatic brain injuries or other serious catastrophic injuries. Without the help of an attorney, you could end up with far less money than you deserve.
Involving a car accident attorney early in the process means we will file your claim properly. In fact, research shows when you involve an injury lawyer in your claim, you get 3.5 times more money than if you handle a claim on your own.
Car Accident Resources
Flowchart: Injury Claim Process
Car Accident Checklist
Contact a Waco Car Accident Attorney
When you are injured in a car crash, contact an attorney with the experience and know-how to represent you. A Waco Car Accident Lawyer is available at 254-772-5653, or by filling out a car accident contact form. The Carlson Law Firm in Waco is located at 2420 I-35, Waco, Texas, 76706.
Directions to a Waco Car Accident Lawyer Near Me
From I-35S
- Take exit 333A toward TX-396 Loop/Valley Mills Dr/La Salle Ave
- Continue on S Jack Kultgen Expy. Drive to N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd/J H Kultgen Expy
- Turn left onto N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd/J H Kultgen Expy
- Use the left lane to turn left onto S Valley Mills Dr
- Destination will be on the right
From I-35N
- From I-35 N
- Take exit 333B toward 24th – 19th Sts
- Destination will be on the right.