Beaumont Car Accident Attorney
Unfortunately, Texas has one of the worst records in the country for car accidents, second only to California. While many accidents occur each day throughout Southeast Texas, fortunately only a handful result in serious injury.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of an irresponsible driver in the Beaumont or Jefferson County area, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Beaumont Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in Texas over the last decade, resulting in new public service announcements for motorists on highways to “Share the Road” and “Look Twice.” Most car and truck drivers do not anticipate a motorcycle on the highway and change lanes if they do not see a larger vehicle in the lane, effectively running directly into a motorcyclist.
If you or a loved one have been injured while on a motorcycle in the Beaumont or Jefferson County area, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact our seasoned Beaumont motorcycle accident attorney to help get you the compensation you deserve.
Beaumont Big Truck Accident Attorney
With their speed and weight, big trucks don’t have fender benders. When truck drivers hurry or are careless, a simple lane change can result in catastrophe. After being hit by an 18-wheeler it may be all you can do to keep control of your car, if it remains in one piece.
You shouldn’t have to pay for their neglect. The law firm of Galmor, Stovall & Gilthorpe knows how to fight for your rights and will work to get you the compensation you and your family deserve for your injuries, pain, and suffering.
To win a case, the Plaintiff (person bringing the suit) must prove:
- The Defendant (person being sued) was negligent AND
- That negligence probably caused the plaintiff’s injuries or damages.
Negligence occurs when a person violates a safety law or otherwise fails to exercise ordinary care.
Common defenses often include “excuses” or defenses raised by defendants in automobile accident cases:
Often times, proving injuries is the hardest part of a case. Many conditions (sprains, strains, pain) cannot be medically tested, and can only be proved by the testimony of the plaintiff. Defense lawyers often try to show the plaintiff is lying or exaggerating about his injuries or damages. Many good cases are lost because a plaintiff gives inaccurate or incomplete information to his lawyer or doctor. It is very important to be complete and honest in your answers to your lawyer’s questions, and in statements to your doctors.
Elements of damages that can be recovered in a personal injury case are: Medical Expenses, Loss of Earning Capacity, Physical Pain and Suffering, Mental Anguish, Physical Impairment, and Disfigurement or Scarring. Damages are also available in the event of death, but only spouses, children and parents may bring a wrongful death claim.
Punitive damages can be sought if the Defendant acted with “malice,” which is defined as an intent to injure or a conscious disregard for the health and safety of others.
An attorney may spend several thousand dollars and hundreds of hours preparing a case for trial. For this reason, many lawyers only accept cases involving serious injuries.
Texas has a two (2) year statute of limitations in tort actions. Suits not filed by two (2) years from your date of injury are barred forever. Texas law also requires written notice of a claim must be given to units of city, state or federal government, often within 90 days to six months of an event. Failure to give proper notice may result in a claim being lost. Limited exceptions to these rules may affect the rights of minors and incompetents. However, these deadlines are rigidly construed. If you pursue a case, you should discuss these deadlines with an attorney.
Lawyers should handle injury cases on a contingent fee basis: the fee is a percentage of the recovery (usually one third to 40%), and no fees or expenses are charged unless your case is won or settled.
