14-Year-Old Dies: A Reminder That Unsafe Driving Can Kill

 Posted on November 07, 2024 in Car accidents

An SUV full of teens having fun on November 2, 2024 took a tragic turn when a 14-year-old boy was thrown from the vehicle and died. A 17-year-old driver was doing donuts on a private property in Bexar County, eventually causing the SUV to flip. Other teens were injured in the accident.

Unsafe driving, even on private property, can lead to severe injuries and fatalities. In fact, 94 percent of motor vehicle collisions are caused by negligent driver error. If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may qualify for compensation. Call Alford Law PLLC now to learn how our lawyers can help.

What Is Considered Negligent Driver Error?

Every driver has a legal duty of care to practice safe driving to reduce the likelihood of harming others. When drivers fail to provide that duty, and you suffer injuries and damages from that failure, you may have grounds to file a compensation claim. Examples of unsafe driver errors include:

• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions

• Inattention or distracted driving

• Failing to yield the right of way

• Improper passing or merging

• Running red lights or stop signs

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Drowsy driving

• Judgment errors

• Overcompensating

• Reckless or aggressive driving

Many car and truck accidents have multiple contributing factors and at-fault parties. In Texas, you can collect compensation as long as you are less than 50 percent responsible for causing your crash. However, your total damages will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.

What Injuries Does Unsafe Driving Produce?

A broad range of injuries are possible in motor vehicle collisions, ranging from minor to fatal. Common injuries include:

• Broken bones

• Concussion

• Whiplash

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

• Organ damage

• Airbag and seatbelt injuries

Whatever your injuries, if they were caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation.

What Are Damages in Personal Injury Claims?

You will see "damages" used in different ways as your compensation claim progresses. It can refer to either specific accident-related losses or the monies you could receive as reimbursement or compensation. Amounts are unique because they are calculated using case-specific factors, but many injured victims obtain damages for:

• Medical treatment

• Lost income

• Property damage

• Ongoing care or replacement services

• Inconvenience

• Loss of the enjoyment of life

• Pain and suffering

• Disfigurement

Eligible survivors of fatal car accident victims could collect compensation through a wrongful death claim. One thing is consistent with these claims: the liable insurance company does not want to pay your claim fairly.

How Could Insurers Sabotage My Claim?

Insurance companies have several tactics they frequently use to attempt to devalue your claim, including:

• Offering intentionally low settlements

• Manipulating your degree of fault

• Twisting your words into an admission of fault

• Intimidating you into accepting an unfavorable settlement

• Discrediting you

• Refusing to negotiate

• Denying valid claims

People with competent legal representation typically receive substantially more compensation because they are guided by an attorney who knows how to overcome these and other challenges that could arise.

Call Our San Antonio, TX Car Accident Lawyers Today

The determination and skill of your lawyer directly affect how much compensation you could receive after a motor vehicle wreck. When you choose Alford Law PLLC, we will work hard to help you achieve the best possible case results. Call us at 210-951-9467 to schedule your free consultation with our dedicated Austin, TX truck accident attorneys. We only get paid if we win your case.