Where Do Car Accidents Happen in Waco, Texas?

Car accidents can happen anywhere in Waco, and at any time. However, there are certain areas in the city where accidents tend to occur more frequently. One such location is the busy intersection of Valley Mills Drive and Waco Drive, where heavy traffic and multiple lanes can increase the chances of collisions. Another intersection notorious for crashes is at Chapel and Old Lorena. I-35 certainly sees its fair share of collisions, especially during rush hour. This major highway runs through Waco and connects various cities in Texas, resulting in regular traffic and potential hazards.

Additionally, accidents often occur in parking lots, particularly near busy stores and centers, such as Walmart or the Central Texas Marketplace. Even slower-speed parking lot collisions can cause surprisingly serious injuries that you should never discount. No matter where your crash happened, our Waco car accident attorneys at Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers can assess your rights and options.

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The Elements of a Car Accident Claim

If you suffered an injury in Waco, Texas, due to another driver’s negligence, you’ll file your car accident claim with that driver’s car insurance provider. To file a successful claim, your car accident attorney will need to prove the following legal elements, which requires investigation and evidence.

  • The Duty of Care of Drivers: Every driver owes everyone else on the road a duty of care to drive safely and prevent harm, so this element can be relatively straightforward to prove. Driving is a big responsibility, and everyone who gets behind the wheel owes everyone else this duty of care owed.
  • Breach of the Duty of Care: There are many ways a driver can breach a duty of care, including by violating any traffic safety laws or making other errors or risky decisions while driving. 
  • Causation and Damages: You must demonstrate that the driver’s breach caused your injuries, and that you incurred actual damages and losses as a result. 

The following are some examples of how drivers might breach their duty of care and act negligently to cause Waco car accidents.

Failure to Follow Traffic Laws

The most basic form of negligence involves simply failing to follow the rules of the road, which can include:

  • Failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.
  • Jumping a green light or pushing a red light
  • Driving over the speed limit
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way

Many other driving infractions will also qualify as negligence in a car accident claim.


Excessive Speed

Driving at excessive speeds is one of the most dangerous forms of driver negligence. Reports indicate that excess speed played a role in 29 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in recent years. When a motorist chooses to drive too fast, they:

  • Reduce their ability to stop in time to avoid obstacles
  • Increase the distance needed for them to come to a safe stop
  • Increase the severity of any accident they might cause (as well as the chance that the accident will be fatal)
  • Decrease the effectiveness of their car's safety features and the effectiveness of safety features on the roadway (such as guardrails)

Excess speed is about more than just the speed limit. Drivers must also adjust their speed to safely accommodate the road or weather conditions.


Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Waco and across Texas. It happens anytime a driver diverts their attention from the road, often by engaging in activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or even using a GPS. Even a split second of distraction can result in a serious collision.

With the rise of smartphones and other portable devices, distracted driving has become a widespread issue. Many drivers are tempted to check their phones or respond to messages while behind the wheel, unaware of the dangers they are exposing themselves and others to. This dangerous behavior puts not only themselves at risk but also everyone else on the road.


Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving doesn’t get the attention it deserves, as it is more dangerous than many people realize. There are more than 90,000 drowsy driving-related crashes reported each year, leading to thousands of serious injuries and hundreds of fatalities. This might be a low estimate, as many drivers fail to report fatigue in the aftermath of a crash. 

Fatigue impairs a driver’s abilities and reaction times, similar to substance impairment. However, drivers regularly try to push through and keep driving when they are overly tired. This is particularly true of drivers on the job, including rideshare or commercial truck drivers.


Impairment

Drinking and driving are always a deadly combination, and while every driver knows this, far too many continue to get behind the wheel after having too many drinks or using controlled substances. About one-third of Texas vehicle crashes involve alcohol, according to state reports

While impaired driving is a problem everywhere, Texans have self-reported drunk driving at higher rates than the national average, heightening the risks of accidents in our state. While a driver might be arrested for DWI following a crash, injury victims must still take civil action to seek full compensation. 


Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving is reckless behavior that includes speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and engaging in road rage. Aggressive drivers pose a significant threat to others on the road, increasing the likelihood of collisions and injuries. Holding aggressive drivers liable for this conduct is necessary to keep everyone safe and seek justice following serious injuries.

Road rage incidents are a particularly concerning form of aggressive driving. These incidents involve drivers exhibiting extreme anger or aggression towards other drivers, often leading to dangerous confrontations on the road. Road rage can escalate quickly and result in intentional collisions or physical altercations, endangering the lives of all involved.

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Calculating Your Car Accident Losses

Once our car accident lawyers in Waco prove liability in your case, we then focus on proving how much compensation you deserve. We carefully consider and calculate all your losses, including:

  • Medical expenses, including any future or long-term costs
  • Lost wages and future lost earning potential
  • Physical and emotional pain and suffering
  • Property damage

Determining the full value of your claim is necessary to begin negotiations with insurance companies on the right foot. Further, knowing the full extent of your losses allows you to recognize when a settlement offer is adequate or not. 

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Waco Car Accident Claim

At Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers, we are here to support you every step of the way in your car accident claim. That said, there are some steps you can take to protect your Waco car accident claim.

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

Following a car accident, always seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms but could cause significant complications later on. By seeking medical care, you not only ensure your health and well-being but also document your injuries for your car accident claim.

Once you receive medical treatment, make sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Attend all follow-up appointments, complete recommended therapies, and take prescribed medications as directed. 

Consult Our Dedicated Car Accident Lawyers

The legal process after a car accident can be challenging, to say the least, especially while you are still recovering from your injuries. Fortunately, our dedicated team of car accident lawyers is here to relieve this stress. We know all relevant car accident laws in Waco and can ensure your claim meets all legal requirements and deadlines.

Our car accident lawyers will handle every aspect of your claim. By consulting our experienced car accident lawyers, you increase your chances of a favorable outcome and a fair settlement.

Leave the Insurance Company to Your Car Accident Lawyer

Dealing with insurance companies can be intimidating, and saying the wrong thing can jeopardize your claim, especially when they are trying to minimize your payment. They may use various tactics to undervalue or deny your claim altogether. That's why it's critical to leave the negotiation and communication with the insurance company to your car accident lawyer.

Our team at Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers has extensive experience dealing with insurance companies. We understand their tactics and know how to counter them effectively. 

Stay off Social Media

In today's digital age, it's common for people to share their lives on social media platforms. However, when it comes to a car accident claim, always be cautious about what you post online. Insurance companies often monitor claimants' social media profiles to find evidence that contradicts their injuries or damages.

Even innocent posts can be misinterpreted and used against you. To protect your Waco car accident claim, it's best to stay off social media altogether until your case is resolved. 

Discuss Any Settlement Offers with Your Lawyer

Insurance companies may attempt to settle your car accident claim quickly and for a minimal amount. They often use this tactic to save money and avoid paying the full compensation you deserve. Before accepting any settlement offer, you must consult our car accident lawyers.

We will review the offer and determine whether it is fair and adequate to cover your damages. By discussing settlement offers with your lawyer, you can ensure you make informed decisions and protect your rights as an accident victim. At Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers, we will never push you to accept a settlement that is against your interests or inadequate.

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Car Accident Lawyer, Stewart J. Guss

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Seek the Help You Need from an Experienced Waco Car Accident Lawyer

Your best chance for total recovery is with the right legal help. Our Waco car accident attorneys at Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers have the experience, legal insight, and commitment to skillfully advocate for your claim’s best outcome. Our team is nationally recognized for protecting the rights of injured victims for more than 30 years. 

If a Waco car accident injured you, contact our office right now for a free consultation. Because we take all of our car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, you will not owe us anything unless we win your case. 

Testimonials

They are not too pushy but provide you with the information to make an informed decision.

Heka

Guss, has a phenomenal Team and has hired great staff that is very caring! They are not too pushy but provide you with the information to make an informed decision. They are also really resourceful! Some of the staff have had real experiences that happened to them and were also taken great care of which prompted them to begin working for such a great law firm. Thank you Guss and Associates.

Stewart J. Guss and his team did an outstanding job handling my case.

James

From start to finish, they were professional, attentive, and incredibly effective. I was thrilled with the results – they secured a settlement that was twice what I expected! Their expertise and dedication truly set them apart. I highly recommend Stewart J. Guss for anyone in need of top-notch legal representation.

Mr. Stewart Guss is such a kind and caring attorney.

Ben

Mr. Stewart Guss is such a kind and caring attorney. In a world of attorneys that is very difficult to maneuver these days he stands out from the crowd not only for his expertise but for his integrity. Should you need a personal injury attorney to help you with a case do not hesitate; Run and get his help. You won’t regret it!!

I had the best experience with this firm. I have never gotten in an accident, so I didn’t know the process or what to expect at all.

Sabrina

I worked with Whitney and Kristen and they explained everything thoroughly from start to finish. They were always prompt in responding to any questions or concerns I had, and always kept me updated. My sister had also used them and I didn’t even know, but they said they liked working with them so that put me at ease. They honestly made a really great impression on me. And I would definite...

I recommend Mr. Guss to anyone who seeks hard-working staff.

Amanda

The law office of Stewart J Guss has very friendly staff, and is always accurate and reliable.  They got me what I deserved and was fast and on point with the whole case. They keep you up-to-date with your case and return any calls you place to them in a timely manner.  They answer your questions and concerns appropriately for all parties involved.  I recommend Mr. Guss to anyone...

I made the right decision to choose Stewart J Guss law firm.

Khanh

I made the right decision to choose Stewart J Guss law firm. Especially thanks to Ms Andrea Yoss and Whitzney. They were professional and communicative. Though it took time longer than expected but it was finally settled well. I highly recommended the law firm to anyone whom need help with auto accident cases!

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