Tyler, TX Car Accident Lawyer
Experienced legal help for Tyler crash victims
Car wrecks are a fact of life in East Texas. From busy intersections along Loop 323 to rural stretches of Farm to Market roads, negligent drivers cause wrecks that leave innocent people injured. If you’ve been in a car accident in Tyler, you may be dealing with doctor’s appointments, missed paychecks, and calls from multiple insurance companies. You might assume the other driver’s insurance company will make things right, but that’s rarely the case. Insurance companies are businesses that make money by paying as little as possible on claims.
An experienced Tyler car accident attorney at Weinstein Law can help you fight back. We have been helping crash victims in Henderson County and across East Texas for decades. Our office is a short drive from Tyler, and attorney Jeff Weinstein will personally answer your questions. If you were hurt in a crash, contact us today to book a free consultation.
"Jeff and his legal team helped me after I was injured in a car wreck. They kept me informed throughout the process and worked diligently until my case was settled. For me, the best part was no longer having to deal with the insurance adjusters myself. Jeff was able to get all of my medical bills paid with plenty of extra money in my pocket. I highly recommend Jeff Weinstein for anyone looking for a personal injury attorney. He takes the bull by the horns and will exceed your expectations!" – Randi, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
FAQs About Car Accidents in Tyler, TX
- What are common types of car accidents in Tyler, TX?
- What should I do after a car wreck in Tyler, TX?
- What are common car accident injuries?
- Who pays for my medical bills after a car accident in Tyler, TX?
- What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or flees the scene?
- How do I deal with insurance companies after a car accident in Tyler, TX?
- How is fault proven in a car accident case?
- What damages can I get compensated for after a car accident?
- How much is my Tyler car accident claim worth?
- Why work with a car accident lawyer in Tyler, TX?
What are common types of car accidents in Tyler, TX?
No two car accidents are alike, but many wrecks fall into broad categories. Understanding how different types of collisions occur can help you identify who was at fault and how to prove it.
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone or broadside accidents
- Sideswipe collisions
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Drunk driving crashes
- Distracted driving accidents
- Speeding accidents
- Hit-and-run crashes
No matter what type of crash you were in, an experienced Tyler, TX car accident lawyer at Weinstein Law can determine how it happened and who should be held accountable.
What should I do after a car wreck in Tyler, TX?
Being involved in a car accident is frightening and confusing. After the initial shock wears off, it’s important to take steps to protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do after a crash:
- Call the authorities: Dial 911 and request police and, if necessary, an ambulance. The police will create an accident report, which often plays a key role in establishing liability. Tell the responding officer exactly what happened without admitting fault.
- Check for injuries: If you or anyone else is hurt, ask for medical help. Even if you feel okay, you may have injuries that aren’t immediately obvious. Getting examined creates a record linking your injuries to the crash.
- Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, license number, insurance information and vehicle registration. Provide your information as well. If there are witnesses, write down their contact information.
- Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the vehicles, license plates, skid marks, traffic signals, weather and road conditions, and any visible injuries. If you can, jot down your recollection of how the crash occurred while it’s fresh.
- Move vehicles if safe: Texas law requires vehicles involved in minor crashes to be moved out of traffic if it’s safe to do so. Turn on hazard lights and set up flares or cones if you have them to alert other drivers.
- Notify your insurance provider: Report the accident to your insurance company, even if you believe the other driver is at fault. Provide factual information, but avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Seek legal help: An attorney can help preserve evidence, speak with adjusters and guide you through the claims process. Reach out to Weinstein Law as soon as possible after your wreck.
What are common car accident injuries?
The force of a car wreck can cause a wide range of injuries. Some heal within weeks, while others lead to long-term disability or chronic pain. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries: Sudden acceleration or deceleration can overstretch muscles, ligaments and tendons in the neck, back and shoulders. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, headaches and reduced range of motion.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): A blow or jolt to the head can cause a concussion or more severe TBI. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems and changes in mood or behavior.
- Spinal cord injuries and disc herniations: Damage to the vertebrae, discs or spinal cord can result in numbness, tingling, weakness or paralysis. Even minor spinal injuries can cause chronic pain and limited mobility.
- Broken bones and fractures: Arms, legs, ribs and hips are commonly broken in car accidents. Fractures may require surgery, immobilization and physical therapy to heal properly.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs or cause internal bleeding. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but are life-threatening if untreated.
- Psychological trauma: Car accidents can lead to emotional injuries such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. These conditions are real and may require therapy or medication.
No matter what type of injury you have or how you feel after a crash, get a prompt medical evaluation immediately. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. If you don’t seek care or you ignore medical advice, the insurance company may argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
Who pays for my medical bills after a car accident in Tyler, TX?
After a car accident in Texas, paying medical bills can get complicated because Texas is an at-fault state. That means the driver who caused the crash (and their insurance company) is legally responsible for your damages. But in the meantime, while liability is being sorted out, medical providers still expect to be paid. Here’s who typically pays:
- At-fault driver’s insurance: Their liability coverage is supposed to pay for your medical expenses, but these payments usually come only after a settlement or court award, not immediately.
- Your health insurance: If you have private health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, these can cover your medical costs upfront. Your insurance provider may later seek reimbursement from the settlement through a process called subrogation.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Texas auto policies automatically include PIP coverage unless you reject it in writing. PIP helps pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses regardless of who caused the crash.
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay): If you purchased this optional coverage, it works similarly to PIP but usually only covers medical expenses.
- Letters of protection (LOP): If you don’t have insurance, some doctors may agree to treat you under an LOP. This is a promise from your lawyer that your bills will be paid out of any future settlement.
Weinstein Law can step in to review all available insurance options, handle the negotiations with providers, and fight to make sure medical costs don’t overwhelm you while your case is pending. Our team works to maximize your compensation so you can focus on your recovery instead of worrying about unpaid bills.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or flees the scene?
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver or involved in a hit-and-run, contact the police immediately. Provide as much detail as you can about the vehicle and driver, such as make, model, color, and partial license plate numbers.
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for your damages. Sometimes drivers flee because they don’t have insurance, are intoxicated, or are driving a stolen car. While it can be frustrating, a Tyler, TX car accident lawyer can investigate and determine if there are other potential sources of compensation.
How do I deal with insurance companies after a car accident in Tyler, TX?
After a crash, you may be contacted by adjusters from your own insurance provider and the other driver’s insurance company. These adjusters may sound friendly, but remember that their goal is to save their company money. Here are some tips for dealing with them:
- Don’t give a recorded statement: Adjusters often ask for recorded statements soon after a crash. Politely decline until you have legal representation. Your attorney can prepare you for any statements you do provide.
- Don’t sign anything without reviewing it: Insurance forms or releases may contain language that limits your ability to seek further compensation. Let a lawyer review any documents before you sign them.
- Be careful with early settlement offers: Insurers may offer a quick settlement hoping you’ll accept before you know the full extent of your injuries. These offers rarely reflect the true value of your claim. Once you sign a release, you cannot request more money later.
- Keep communication factual: Stick to the basics when reporting the crash: date, time, location, vehicles involved and your contact information. Don’t speculate about fault or downplay your injuries.
- Let your lawyer handle negotiations: When you hire our firm, we take over all communication with the insurance companies. We will keep you informed and consult with you before making decisions, but you won’t have to deal with adjusters yourself.
Having an attorney handle insurance company communications allows you to focus on healing and prevents inadvertent mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.
How is fault proven in a car accident case?
To recover damages, you must show that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. Evidence is key. Important evidence may include:
- Police reports. Officers often note traffic violations, witness statements and their opinion of what caused the crash.
- Photographs and videos. Pictures of the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions and traffic signals can help reconstruct the crash. Dashcam footage or nearby surveillance cameras may provide additional evidence.
- Witness testimony. Statements from people who saw the crash can confirm your version of events or contradict the other driver’s claims.
- Vehicle data. Many modern cars have event data recorders (the “black box”) that store speed, braking, seatbelt usage and other information. Downloading this data quickly can be important.
- Medical records. These documents prove that you were injured and show the extent of your injuries. Follow all treatment recommendations so the insurance company can’t argue you exacerbated your injuries by failing to seek care.
Our Tyler car accident lawyers collect and analyze this evidence to build a strong case. We may work with accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists to interpret information and explain it clearly to the insurance company or a jury.
What damages can I get compensated for after a car accident?
After a car accident in Tyler, TX, you may be entitled to different types of compensation depending on the extent of your injuries and losses. Typical damages include:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and future treatment costs
- Lost income: Wages missed during recovery and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to the same type of work
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property
- Diminished value and loss of use: The reduction in your car’s resale value plus rental or transportation costs while it is being repaired
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium: Negative impact on family or spousal relationships
How much is my Tyler car accident claim worth?
The value of a car accident settlement depends on the seriousness of your injuries and how the crash affects your life. On average in Texas:
- Minor injuries such as whiplash or soft tissue strains may settle anywhere between $5,000 and $25,000.
- Moderate injuries like broken bones or injuries requiring surgery often range from $20,000 to $75,000, though some cases can be higher if recovery takes months or there are complications.
- Severe injuries involving permanent disability, spinal cord trauma, or brain injuries can exceed $100,000 and may even reach into the seven figures when long-term care or loss of earning capacity is involved.
Because every case is unique, these averages can only provide general guidance. The best way to understand what your specific claim may be worth is to have an experienced Tyler car accident attorney review your case and calculate both your current and future losses.
Why work with a car accident lawyer in Tyler, TX?
You might wonder if you really need a lawyer for a car accident claim. While minor fender-benders with no injuries may be handled through insurance, most injury cases benefit from legal representation. Here’s why:
- Leveling the playing field: The other driver’s insurance company has adjusters, investigators and lawyers working to limit or deny your claim. Having your own attorney ensures your interests are protected.
- Maximizing compensation: We know how to calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical costs and non-economic damages. Insurance companies often don’t volunteer this information.
- Handling paperwork and deadlines: Injury claims involve numerous forms, letters, medical records and legal filings. We make sure everything is submitted correctly and on time.
- Negotiating settlements: Most cases settle out of court, but negotiation is a skill. We use evidence and legal arguments to convince insurers to pay what your claim is worth.
- Litigating if necessary: If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and present your case in court. The threat of litigation can motivate insurers to negotiate more seriously.
- No upfront costs: It doesn’t cost anything upfront to work with Weinstein Law. We only get paid if we win your case.
While you focus on recovering, Weinstein Law works behind the scenes to build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve. You’ll get honest advice, regular updates and a team committed to your best interests.
Talk directly with the Tyler car accident lawyer who fights for injured motorists
Car accidents can turn your life upside down in seconds. But too often, big firms shuffle crash victims through a system where the lawyer is nowhere to be found. That’s not Jeff Weinstein’s way. When you call, you’ll reach Jeff directly, and he’ll listen, answer, and give you the guidance you need during a free consultation.
With decades of experience helping car accident victims in Tyler and East Texas, Jeff knows what it takes to hold reckless drivers and insurance companies accountable. He’s built his practice on personal service and proven results. If you’ve been hit by another driver, your next call should be to Jeff. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Tyler car accident attorney.