Understanding Texas Traffic Laws in Car Accident Cases - Laredo Car Wreck Attorneys

Drivers on Texas roadways should understand the basic traffic laws that maintain driving safety standards. Understanding these laws and the Texas rules of civil procedure can help victims pursue compensation after a car wreck. The Laredo TX attorneys at Carabin Shaw can help you understand the laws in Laredo so that you can seek justice for your injuries after an accident caused by negligence.

Hiring a lawyer after a car wreck is one of the first things you should do to protect your rights. At Carabin Shaw, our team will help you file a claim and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure compensation for your total losses. We offer a free case review and our services on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about legal fees unless your case is won. Read our client reviews to find out more about our legal services.

One of the first factors in establishing liability after a car accident is whether the drivers were breaking traffic laws. The Texas Transportation Code establishes many driving norms, such as which lane to travel in and safe following distances. Other safety driving laws include:

• Speed limits: The maximum speed limit in Texas is 85 miles per hour on a specific stretch of Highway 130, inside what is known as the Pickle Parkway, south of Austin. This is the highest speed limit in the U.S., and drivers must adhere to lower speed limits throughout Texas to increase safety.
• Seat belts and car seats: Drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts when the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, adults must secure children in appropriately sized car seats or booster seats.
• Driving under the influence: Texas law prohibits driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You are under the influence in Texas if your blood alcohol content is 0.08% or more.
• Aggressive driving: While it is not against the law to be angry while driving, engaging in activities that the court considers road rage can result in fines and liability in a car wreck case.

Breaking Texas traffic laws increases the risk of an at-fault accident. If the person who caused your accident was breaking the law while driving, their citation can serve as evidence to prove liability. Laredo car wreck attorneys may also use crash reports and witness testimonies to prove gross negligence in cases of severe recklessness.

You must report Laredo car accidents to law enforcement in the following situations:

• Property damage of at least $1,000
• Personal injuries
• Death

Failing to report a serious car accident in Laredo, Texas may result in punitive legal consequences, such as a driver’s license suspension. This may also seem suspicious to a judge or jury in a personal injury lawsuit. Reporting an accident benefits all parties, as law enforcement serves as an objective party and witness to the accident's immediate aftermath.

Texas is a comparative negligence state, and the court assigns proportionate responsibility to all parties involved in a lawsuit, including the plaintiff. If a plaintiff is more than 50% at fault, their attorney cannot argue for compensation. However, any amount of fault up to 50% will only reduce their compensation proportionately.

Proportionate responsibility is an important idea to understand because victims must know that they can still seek damages in cases where they are partially at fault. Consulting with a Texas lawyer is the best way to determine whether accepting an insurance settlement offer or filing a personal injury lawsuit is worth it.

A thorough understanding of Texas traffic laws and the rules governing civil procedure is essential to seek compensation successfully. The Laredo personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw have decades of experience representing clients in Texas, and we can help you apply the law to get the most out of your injury claim. Call our toll-free number at 800-862-1260 today for a free consultation. Someone is available to speak with you 24/7, and we have English- AND Spanish-speaking staff.

For more information:

• Texas Statutes 545
• TX DoT
• Texas Statutes 33