Some auto accidents are just minor “fender benders” which have little impact on a victim’s daily life. But an auto accident can also leave a victim paralyzed, permanently disabled, disfigured, or unable to work. These devastating consequences of a car accident can impact a victim for the rest of his or her life. In the worst case, a victim’s death leaves family members devastated, and their lives are never the same.
It is important to understand all of the losses caused by a car accident in order to negotiate fair compensation. Here are just a few of the many stories of Fort Worth victims whose lives have been devastated by auto accidents.
Families Torn Apart
The Star-Telegram reports on the tragic story of a young Fort Worth woman who was killed while riding in a Jeep with her cousin. The driver has been charged with intoxication manslaughter. The two cousins had been riding home from a family celebration when the younger cousin drove the Jeep into a tree. Now, family members are unable to discuss the incident with the driver due to the criminal case that is pending.
Another family tragedy occurred when a man crashed a vehicle while enjoying a night out with his wife. According to the Star-Telegram, the couple was celebrating a last night out on the town before the man returned to prison. After the accident, in which his wife was critically injured, he now faces additional charges of intoxication assault, as well. The driver told police that he had smoked marijuana before going to a bar with his wife and consuming alcohol.
The Scope of Damage from One Light
Another Fort Worth woman’s life was dramatically changed by a defective flashing yellow light. WFAA reports that Fort Worth - along with many other cities - has adopted permissive turns on yellow lights after a national study concluded that this traffic pattern was safer than existing systems. But according to one city council member, one light at a specific Fort Worth intersection wasn’t properly working. Seven accidents had been reported in the intersection immediately after the flashing yellow light was installed. This is the intersection where a couple on a motorcycle was struck by another vehicle. The husband was killed, and the wife required a leg amputation.
Our Fort Worth auto accident attorneys have seen how a car accident can affect victims, families, and loved ones for years. Negligent drivers, defective vehicles, and poorly-maintained roadway infrastructure can all contribute to causing traffic accidents. These factors all present different legal issues, different claims, and different defendants. It is important to properly understand these factors in order to effectively pursue a personal injury claims.