If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by speeding or a traffic violation, you may be dealing with medical bills, time off work, and ongoing pain or stress. When another driver’s reckless or illegal actions lead to your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation.
At the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec, we are committed to helping you move forward by protecting your legal rights and fighting for the recovery you deserve.
Understanding Traffic Violation Accidents in Texas
Accidents caused by traffic violations are common on Houston’s busy roads. Drivers are required to follow laws that ensure safety, such as obeying speed limits, yielding the right-of-way, and avoiding distractions. When they violate these laws, serious injuries can result.
In Texas, the legal concept of negligence per se can make your claim stronger. If a driver breaks a law designed to protect public safety and causes an accident as a result, they may be automatically considered negligent.
For instance, if someone is speeding and causes a crash, that’s exactly the kind of harm the law was designed to prevent. This can simplify the process of proving fault in your injury case.
Common Violations That Lead to Accidents
If you are living in the Houston area, the thing is that it has a disproportionately high number of car accidents compared to its population size.
While Houston has about 8% of Texas’s population, it accounts for approximately 16% of its car accidents. Traffic violations that frequently result in serious crashes include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Illegal U-turns or reckless lane changes
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to yield or signal properly
- Driving with broken headlights or brake lights
- Using a phone or other device while behind the wheel
In more severe cases, such as drunk or reckless driving, your case may also involve the potential for punitive damages or criminal penalties against the at-fault party.
Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles
Commercial truck drivers are held to even stricter standards under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. CDL holders can violate traffic safety laws by driving too many hours without rest, skipping safety inspections, or operating their vehicles while distracted or fatigued.
If you’ve been hit by a commercial truck or 18-wheeler, contacting a lawyer is critical so time-sensitive evidence can be preserved.
How Our Law Firm Can Support You
At the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec, we bring decades of experience helping people recover after traffic-related injuries. Our process is designed to ease the stress of filing a claim and maximize your compensation.
Thorough Case Evaluation
We start by reviewing every aspect of your crash. Our team gathers police reports, photos, medical records, and witness statements to understand how the violation occurred and who is responsible. We’ll also speak with you in detail about the circumstances and listen carefully to your concerns.
Calculating the Value of Your Claim
Traffic violation accidents can cause a wide range of injuries and losses. We evaluate both current and future damages, including medical treatment, lost wages, property repair, and emotional hardship. Our goal is to capture the full scope of what you’ve suffered so that your compensation reflects it.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurers are often quick to offer low settlements. We step in to manage these communications on your behalf, using evidence to push back on unfair offers and avoid tactics that minimize your claim. If negotiations fall short, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
Trial Advocacy if Needed
Our firm is fully prepared to fight on your behalf if litigation becomes necessary.
What sets us apart is that our litigation team includes board-certified trial attorneys and recognized experts who bring exceptional skill and experience to the courtroom.
We build a strong case using expert testimony, accident reconstruction, and thorough documentation. From pre-trial motions to verdict, we advocate clearly and forcefully to secure the recovery you deserve.
What To Do After an Accident Involving a Traffic Violation
The steps you take immediately after a crash can make a big difference:
- Get medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor
- Collect information from the other driver and any witnesses.
- Take photos of the scene and vehicle damage.
- Avoid making statements about fault.
- Contact a personal injury attorney for legal guidance.
Early action helps preserve evidence and strengthens your position if you decide to pursue a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What compensation can I recover?
In most cases, you can seek coverage for medical bills, lost wages, car repairs, and pain and suffering. If your injuries are long-lasting or permanent, you may also recover damages for future costs and loss of quality of life. Historically, speed has been considered an element in personal injury cases for more than 70 years, with one of the earliest cases being Flanigan v. Carswell, where damages were awarded against a person speeding, even though they were driving an emergency vehicle.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Delaying beyond this period could prevent you from receiving compensation.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any attorney fees unless we recover money for you. We also offer a free consultation so you can learn about your options without any upfront cost.
Contact the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec Today
Speeding and traffic violation accidents can leave lasting impacts. If someone else’s illegal or reckless driving caused your injuries, we are here to help. Our team will investigate your case, gather vital evidence, and pursue full compensation on your behalf.
Call 281-643-2000 today or visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you confidently take the next steps toward healing and financial recovery.