Socorro Car Accident Lawyer

Helping Auto Accident Victims in Socorro, TX

Socorro, TX, has seen a lot of growth over the last decade.  What once was a sleepy rural area has turned into a busy El Paso suburb. Unfortunately, the growth of Socorro has brought with it lots of accidents and injuries. Being involved in a Socorro car accident can have life-altering consequences. 

One moment your life is going along as planned, the next you find yourself facing injuries and a mountain of debt thanks to the negligence of another driver. When we get into our car, we have an obligation, known as a duty of care, to drive safely and to obey all traffic rules and laws. A driver who breaches that duty of care, causing an accident, is considered negligent. If the accident causes injuries, and those injuries cause damages (financial or emotional), then you have the right to file a claim against the insurance company of the negligent party. It can be extremely beneficial to speak to a Socorro car accident attorney from Harmonson Law Firm, who can guide you through the process, ensuring you receive a full and fair settlement for your injuries.

Attorneys Clark Harmonson and Hadley Huchton have worked on both sides of the aisle, giving them an excellent perspective on how big insurance companies think. This allows Harmonson Law Firm to put together a comprehensive assessment of your damages and to ensure the insurer won’t get away with paying a fraction of what your claim is worth. At Harmonson Law Firm, we like to say we are “small but mighty.” What this means in practical terms is that while we offer highly personalized service to our clients, we also have big-firm resources.

Those resources include a wide network of medical professional services to ensure you get the treatment you need, along with experts who can help us prove liability and build your case. We have a full understanding of what another’s negligence has cost you, and we will fight aggressively on your behalf to secure a full settlement that will cover all your damages. You must have a strong advocate who will zealously defend your rights and your future. Harmonson Law Firm can provide such an advocate.

Contact our Soccoro car accident lawyers from Harmonson Law Firm at (915) 233-6427 today for a free consultation.

Texas Car Accident Laws

Car accident laws in Texas are primarily based on a fault system, which means that the driver who is found to be responsible for causing the accident is also liable for any resulting damages. 

Here are the common types of damages from a car accident claim:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Disfigurement
• Physical impairment
• Punitive damages

Texas follows a "modified comparative fault" rule, which allows a party to recover damages only if they are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. If a party is more than 50% responsible, they are barred from recovering any compensation. If the party is partially at fault (but not over 50%), their damages are reduced in proportion to their degree of fault. For example, if someone is 30% at fault, they can only recover 70% of the awarded damages.

Texas law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage. The minimum coverage amounts are $30,000 for injury to one person, $60,000 for total injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (often abbreviated as 30/60/25). Drivers involved in an accident must stop, render aid if necessary, and exchange information, including insurance and contact details. Failing to do so can result in criminal charges, especially if the accident involved injuries or fatalities.

After an accident, Texas law requires drivers to report it to law enforcement if it resulted in injury, death, or apparent property damage exceeding $1,000. Victims typically file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, but they also have the option of filing a lawsuit in civil court. Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage claims stemming from car accidents. This means legal action must be filed within two years from the date of the crash, or the right to seek compensation may be lost.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can result from a variety of factors, often involving human error, environmental conditions, or mechanical failure. Here are the most common causes:

• Distracted Driving: This is the leading cause of accidents. It includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, using a GPS, or any activity that diverts attention from driving.
• Speeding: Driving over the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol or drug impairment significantly reduces a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction times.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Includes tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, running red lights, and general road rage behavior.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, or ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crashes.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Disobeying traffic signals is a common cause of T-bone or side-impact collisions.
• Driver Fatigue: Drowsy driving, especially among truck drivers or shift workers, can be as dangerous as drunk driving.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, construction zones, and poorly marked roads can contribute to accidents.
• Vehicle Defects or Mechanical Failure: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or other malfunctions can lead to loss of control.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Young or new drivers may lack the skills and judgment needed to react appropriately in traffic situations.