A car accident on US-190 or a collision near the Killeen Mall can instantly turn your world upside down. One moment, you are going about your day, and the next, you are dealing with a wrecked vehicle, physical pain, and the stress of an uncertain future.
When another driver's carelessness is the cause, you are left facing the consequences. You should not have to manage this burden alone. Seeking support from a Killeen car accident lawyer provides you with an advocate who will stand up to insurance companies and fight for the resources you need to recover.
The aftermath of a crash is a confusing and overwhelming time. Your mind is likely racing with questions and concerns.
- How will I pay for my medical treatment and ambulance ride?
- What happens if I cannot work because of my injuries?
- Who is going to fix or replace my car?
Your energy is best spent on your physical and emotional healing. A dedicated legal team handles the complex legal and insurance processes, allowing you to focus completely on getting better.
Table of contents
- How a Killeen Car Accident Lawyer Fights for You
- Common Causes of Car Wrecks in the Killeen Area
- Documenting Your Injuries and Losses After a Crash
- What to Do When You Get Home After a Killeen Car Accident
- Why Choose Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC as Your Killeen Car Accident Lawyer
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Taking the Next Step Toward Recovery
How a Killeen Car Accident Lawyer Fights for You
After a wreck, you are not just dealing with an individual driver; you are up against their insurance company. Insurance companies protect their profits by paying as little as possible on claims.
A car accident lawyer levels the playing field. They are your representative, managing all legal work and communications to build a strong case demonstrating the other party’s fault and the full extent of your losses.
The process begins immediately with a detailed investigation into the crash. Your legal team works to prove negligence, a legal term that means another person had a duty to drive safely, they failed in that duty, and their failure directly caused your injuries.
Building a strong case involves several key steps:
- Securing Critical Evidence: This includes obtaining the official police report, gathering photos and videos from the scene, interviewing witnesses, and preserving evidence from the vehicles involved.
- Calculating Your Total Losses: Your lawyer works to document every single loss, from current medical bills and lost wages to the cost of future medical care and the impact on your quality of life.
- Handling the Insurance Company: All calls, settlement negotiations, and paperwork are handled by your legal team. This shields you from the tactics adjusters use to pressure you into a low settlement.
Your personal injury attorney compiles this information into a persuasive claim that shows precisely why you deserve full and fair compensation.
Common Causes of Car Wrecks in the Killeen Area
Killeen's roadways, from the busy Stan Schlueter Loop to the constant flow of traffic on I-14, see numerous accidents every day. Many of these crashes are entirely preventable and happen because one driver makes a poor decision.
Understanding the common causes helps in identifying fault after a collision.
Many wrecks are the result of clear driver error.
- A driver looks down at a text message and runs a red light on Trimmier Road.
- A speeding car loses control and causes a multi-vehicle pileup.
- An intoxicated driver leaves a bar and gets behind the wheel.
A Killeen car accident lawyer investigates to pinpoint the exact cause and hold the negligent driver accountable.
Distracted Driving
In today's world, distracted driving is a leading cause of serious accidents. Anything that takes a driver's attention away from the road is a distraction. This includes texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or interacting with passengers. A driver not paying full attention cannot react in time to avoid a hazard.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Many drivers in a hurry treat speed limits as suggestions. Driving too fast for conditions, tailgating, weaving through traffic, and ignoring traffic signals are all forms of aggressive driving.
This behavior shows a reckless disregard for the safety of others on the road, including the many military families and civilians in the Killeen and Fort Cavazos community.
Drunk or Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a serious problem that leads to devastating consequences. An impaired driver has slowed reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced coordination.
These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, and the at fault driver may face not only a civil lawsuit for the victim's damages but also criminal charges.
Documenting Your Injuries and Losses After a Crash
To recover fair compensation, you must prove your losses. This involves more than just showing the insurance company a few medical bills. The full impact of a car accident goes much deeper.
The legal term for the compensation you receive is damages, and it is meant to cover every way the accident has affected your life.
Your attorney will help you document two primary types of damages:
- Economic Damages: These are your specific, calculable financial losses. They are proven with receipts, bills, and employment records. This category includes medical expenses (past and future), lost income, and property damage to your vehicle.
- Non-Economic Damages: These damages compensate you for the real but non-financial harm you have suffered. This includes your physical pain, emotional distress, scarring or disfigurement, and loss of your ability to enjoy daily activities.
A thorough Killeen car accident lawyer ensures that both the obvious and the hidden costs of your accident are included in your claim.
Common injuries sustained in car accidents that lead to these damages are:
- Whiplash, herniated discs, and other serious neck and back injuries.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), which range from concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage.
- Broken bones, internal injuries, and deep cuts.
What to Do When You Get Home After a Killeen Car Accident
After you have been seen in an emergency room and are finally back home, the steps you take after a car accident are very important for both your health and any future legal claim.
The insurance company for the at fault driver will likely try to contact you quickly. How you handle these early days sets the stage for your entire recovery process.
Once you are home, your priorities should be clear.
- Follow All Medical Advice: Go to every single doctor's appointment and physical therapy session. Follow the treatment plan your medical providers create. This shows you are taking your recovery seriously.
- Keep Detailed Records: Start a folder for all accident-related documents. This includes medical bills, repair estimates for your car, receipts for prescriptions, and any letters from an insurance company.
- Be Careful with Social Media: Do not post anything about the accident, your injuries, or your activities online. Insurance companies will search your social media profiles for anything they can use to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
It is wise to avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance adjuster. They are not calling to help you. Their job is to find a reason to deny your claim or pay you less than you deserve. You can politely decline to speak with them and refer them to your attorney.
Why Choose Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC as Your Killeen Car Accident Lawyer
When you have been injured in a car wreck, you need a law firm that is prepared to fight for you. At Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC, we focus our practice on helping people in Killeen and across Central Texas who have been harmed by someone else's negligence.
We provide determined, powerful representation for our clients. Our commitment to you is straightforward and strong.
- We Take on the Insurance Companies Directly: Our attorneys manage every aspect of your claim. We handle the adjusters, the paperwork, and the negotiations so you can focus on healing.
- We Prepare Every Case for Trial: While most cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it is going to trial. This approach shows the insurance company we are serious and often leads to better settlement offers.
- You Pay No Fees Unless We Win: We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe us nothing unless and until we recover money for you. There are no upfront costs to get started.
We are part of this community. We understand the roads, we know the courts, and we are dedicated to helping our neighbors get the justice they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my car accident case worth?
There is no simple calculator for a case's value. The amount of compensation depends on many factors unique to your situation. This includes the severity of your injuries, the total amount of your medical bills and lost wages, and the impact the accident has on your daily life.
An experienced attorney can evaluate your specific damages to determine a fair value for your claim.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the law that sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit is called the statute of limitations. For most car accident injury claims, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.
There are several reasons not to wait:
- Evidence like video footage and witness memories can disappear over time.
- Waiting too long gives the insurance company an advantage.
- If you miss the two year deadline, you will almost certainly lose your right to seek any compensation.
Do I have to go to court?
Most car accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations between your lawyer and the insurance company. A settlement is an agreement to resolve the case for a specific amount of money.
However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, a lawsuit is necessary to pursue the compensation you are owed. Having a lawyer who is ready and willing to go to court is a powerful negotiating tool.
Taking the Next Step Toward Recovery
The road to recovery after a car accident is challenging, but you do not have to walk it alone. Having a strong legal advocate in your corner makes all the difference.
Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC is here to handle the fight for you, demanding accountability from the at-fault driver and fair compensation from their insurance company.
Your well-being is the priority. Let us take care of the rest.
- Your consultation is completely free.
- There is no obligation to hire our firm.
- Our no-fee promise means we only get paid if you do.
Contact Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC to speak with our team today. Call our Austin office at (512) 477-7333 or our Waco office at (254) 662-4800 to get started.