After a car accident in Houston, you may be wondering who you can sue for damages. There may be more parties involved in the accident than you realize. Depending on the circumstances of the accident and state laws, you may have different options for recovery.
A car accident lawyer in Houston can provide insight into who you might be able to sue after an auto collision. A personal injury attorney can help you gather proof and build a strong case against the liable party. Here is a review of who you may be able to sue after a car accident in Houston.
The Driver
The vehicle driver is the most obvious party that you may be able to sue after a car accident in Houston. If they are deemed negligent in causing your injuries, you may be able to recover damages from them.
To be successful, you will have to prove that the driver was negligent and that their actions caused your injuries. You may have to provide evidence such as statements from witnesses or your medical records.
The Car Repair Shop
Negligence in repairing a vehicle can be grounds for a car accident lawsuit. If the car repair shop did not properly inspect or maintain your vehicle, you could have grounds for a claim against them. Repair shops are typically responsible for ensuring that the car is safe. The law requires them to perform a vehicle’s safety inspection before releasing it to you.
The Owner of the Vehicle
The owner of a car is legally responsible for any damages or injuries due to that vehicle. This can be tricky, though, because the owner may not be the person driving the car. Therefore, the owner may not be liable for the conduct of another person who is operating the vehicle.
If someone is injured in an accident involving a vehicle owned by someone else, the owner may be liable for damages. Still, the liability will depend on the circumstances of the accident. This can be challenging for auto accident victims, but a Houston car accident lawyer can help determine who is liable for the injuries.
Other Entities Involved in the Accident
In some cases, other entities may be involved in the accident. If you were injured in an accident caused by an animal crossing the road, you might have a claim against the owner of that animal.
To prevail in your legal pursuit, you must show that the other party knew or should have known that the animal was on the road and did nothing to stop them. You must also prove that the animal was directly responsible for the crash and your injuries.
The Vehicle Manufacturer
If the car was defective, you might have a case against the manufacturer. A manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are safe for use on public roads. To prove that a car is defective, you will need to show that it was unreasonably dangerous due to defects in design or manufacturing.
The Driver’s Insurance Company
If your injuries are severe enough to require medical treatment and extensive rehabilitation, your insurance company will likely cover your medical bills and lost wages. If you are injured in an accident, you may be able to sue the insurance company for damages.
Contact a lawyer to take over negotiations with your insurance agent. An attorney will know how to avoid any traps laid by the insurance company and will fight to get you fair compensation.
Final Thoughts
Depending on the specifics of the accident, one or more people can be responsible. If you have been injured in a car crash, it is crucial to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine your rights and options for recovery.
The law can be complicated, and it is vital to understand your rights. Accidents can happen in a moment, and it is essential to act quickly to protect your best interest.
With a law degree under his belt, Mark Scott understood very early that law communication was a relatively neglected area. He decided to help people by “translating” the language and offering information and advice in a clear, useful, and actionable manner. For this reason, instead of finding him in court, you will most likely find his name online, where he is very active and thriving as a legal columnist. His part of making the world a better place is to make the law a less convoluted maze. He aims to make it easier for people to understand when and how to seek legal counsel, how to proceed in a significant number of legal matters, and to find the proper resources so they can stand up for their rights.