Midland Car Acident Lawyer
Nationally Recognized Trial Attorneys
Welcome to Keith & Lorfing, your trusted personal injury law firm in Midland, Texas. We understand that being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. Our team is here to listen, support, and guide you through this challenging time with compassion and expertise.
Car accidents in Midland are, unfortunately, all too common. According to the City of Midland, the number of crashes with injuries increased by 9% between 2022 and 2023, with 20 fatalities. These statistics highlight the frequency and severity of car accidents in our community, making it essential for accident victims to have a knowledgeable and empathetic legal team by their side.
Our nationally recognized trial attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience in personal injury law, and we are dedicated to advocating for the rights of hardworking West Texans. We believe that everyone deserves a fair chance at justice, and we are here to level the playing field for you.
Let us help you rebuild your life after a car accident. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s take the first step towards your recovery together.
Do You Have a Claim?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Midland, you may be wondering if you have a valid personal injury claim for compensation. Here are the elements you need:
- Duty of Care: Every driver has a legal duty to operate their vehicle responsibly and to follow traffic laws to ensure the safety of others on the road. Establishing that the at-fault driver had a duty of care towards you is the first step in pursuing a claim.
- Breach of Duty: You must demonstrate that the other driver breached their duty of care. This breach can occur through actions such as speeding, running a red light, texting while driving, or other forms of negligent or reckless behavior.
- Causation: It is not enough to show that the other driver was negligent; you must also prove that their breach of duty directly caused the accident. This involves demonstrating a clear connection between the driver’s actions and the collision that resulted in your injuries.
- Damages: Finally, you need to show that you suffered damages as a result of the accident. Damages can include physical injuries, emotional distress, lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage. Documenting these damages with medical records, bills, and other evidence is essential.
Damages You Be Able to Recover
You may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of your case. Here are the key categories of damages that may be available:
1. Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to compensate you for the financial losses you have incurred as a result of the accident. These damages are typically straightforward to calculate and include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for the income you have lost during your recovery period.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for the reduction in your future earning potential.
- Property Damage: This covers the repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Any additional expenses you have incurred due to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments or hiring help for household chores, can also be claimed.
2. Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate you for the intangible losses you have experienced. These damages can be more challenging to quantify but are equally important:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured as a result of the accident and your injuries.
- Emotional Distress: This covers psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and trauma resulting from the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have negatively affected your relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship and support.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the impact of your injuries on your ability to enjoy day-to-day activities and hobbies that you once enjoyed.
3. Punitive Damages
In some cases, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are awarded in addition to economic and non-economic damages and are intended to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious or reckless behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future.
Factors Influencing the Amount of Compensation
The amount of compensation you may be entitled to can vary based on several factors, including:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- The degree of fault of the other party
- The impact of the injuries on your daily life and ability to work
- The quality of the evidence and documentation provided
Getting in Touch With a Midland Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Midland personal injury lawyer from our law firm for a free consultation:
- Call Us Directly: Speak with our experienced legal team by calling us at (325) 025-0143. We are available to answer your questions and provide immediate assistance.
- Online Inquiry Form: Fill out the contact form with your details and a brief description of your case. One of our attorneys will get back to you promptly to discuss your situation and the next steps.
Our Experienced Midland Car Accident Lawyers Stand Out
At Keith & Lorfing, we take pride in being a top-tier litigation firm in Midland, Texas. Our attorneys have dedicated decades to championing justice in the courtroom. We’re renowned for our exceptional trial skills, sharp litigation abilities, and practical, approachable style in handling cases both effectively and efficiently.
With a stellar reputation and a proven track record in personal injury law, you can trust that our firm has the expertise and resources to safeguard your legal rights when life throws you a curveball. Rest assured, we’re here to stand by your side through any challenge.
- Extensive Trial Experience: Boasting more than 500 jury trials under our belts, we know how to fight for justice in the courtroom.
- Decades of Expertise: With over 75 years of combined experience, our team brings unparalleled knowledge and skill to every case we handle.
- Award-Winning Lawyers: Proudly recognized as the Best Lawyers in Abilene for 2023, we are committed to excellence in all we do.
- Former Prosecutors on Staff: Our team includes multiple attorneys who have served as state and federal prosecutors, giving us unique insights and a strategic edge.
- Tailored Legal Strategies: We take a personalized approach to each case, ensuring that our clients receive solutions that are specifically tailored to their needs.
- Convenient Locations: With multiple offices spread across West Texas, including Midland, we are easily accessible and ready to serve our local communities.
How Our Midland Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
First Steps After Your Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Knowing the right steps to take immediately after the accident can help protect your health, your rights, and your ability to pursue a claim for compensation. Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a car accident in Midland, Texas:
- Check for Injuries: Immediately assess yourself and others for any injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 for emergency medical assistance.
- Move to Safety: If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the traffic flow to prevent further motor vehicle accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Report the Accident: Contact the Midland Police Department or local law enforcement to report the accident. Having an official police report is crucial for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
- Gather Details: Exchange names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
- Witness Information: If there are any witnesses, obtain their names and contact information as well.
- Take Photos and Videos: Use your smartphone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be crucial for your claim.
- Note Details: Write down the time, date, location, weather conditions, and any other relevant details about the accident.
- Visit a Doctor: Even if you feel fine, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and having medical records will support your claim.
- Follow Medical Advice: Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments to ensure your injuries are properly documented and treated.
- Seek Legal Advice: Contact a personal injury attorney from our firm to discuss your case. We can help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Report the Accident: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary details and cooperate with their investigation.
- Be Cautious: Be honest but avoid giving detailed statements or accepting blame until you have consulted with a lawyer.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Midland, don’t hesitate to reach out to Keith & Lorfing for the legal support you need. We are here to help you navigate this challenging time and pursue justice on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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Essential Evidence Needed to Build Your Car Accident Case
Building a strong car crash case requires thorough documentation and compelling evidence to support your claims. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the types of evidence you need:
- Official Documentation: Obtain a copy of the police report from the Midland Police Department or the local law enforcement agency that responded to your accident. This report provides an official account of the accident, including details about the involved parties, witness statements, and any citations issued.
- Accident Scene: Take clear photos and videos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Capture vehicle positions, road conditions, traffic signs, and any skid marks.
- Vehicle Damage: Document the damage to all vehicles involved in the accident.
- Injuries: Photograph any visible injuries you sustained.
- Contact Information: Collect names and contact details of any witnesses to the accident.
- Statements: If possible, record or write down their statements about what they saw. Witness testimony can be invaluable in corroborating your account of the accident.
- Immediate Medical Attention: Seek medical treatment immediately after the accident, even if injuries seem minor. Medical records will serve as proof of your injuries.
- Ongoing Treatment: Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, therapy sessions, and follow-up visits. Document your medical expenses and any future treatment plans.
- Expert Analysis: In complex cases, accident reconstruction experts can provide a detailed analysis of the accident. They use evidence such as vehicle damage, skid marks, and other physical evidence to recreate the accident and determine fault.
- Lost Wages: If the accident caused you to miss work, provide pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to document your lost wages.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: For long-term serious injuries affecting your ability to work, gather evidence of your previous earnings and future earning potential.
- Journal: Keep a personal journal detailing your injuries, pain levels, and how the accident has impacted your daily life. This can help demonstrate non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Receipts and Bills: Save receipts and bills for all accident-related expenses, including medical costs, vehicle repairs, transportation, and any other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Insurance Policies: Gather information about your insurance policy and that of the other driver(s) involved. This includes policy numbers, coverage details, and any correspondence with insurance companies.
- Medical Experts: Testimony from medical professionals about the extent and impact of your injuries.
- Economic Experts: Experts who can testify about the financial impact of the accident, including future medical costs and loss of earning capacity.
- Communication: Keep records of all communication with insurance companies, medical providers, and any other parties involved in your case.
While this feels like an overwhelming list initially, not all elements are necessarily needed, and our team can do the hard work in getting this together for you.
Car Accident Statute of Limitations in Texas
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to a car accident is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have this timeframe from your accident to file a personal injury claim. This applies to claims for bodily injuries, property damage, and wrongful death.
While the two-year deadline applies in most cases, there are exceptions that can alter this timeframe:
- Discovery Rule: If injuries or damages are not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may begin from the date the injury or damage is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
- Minors: If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations typically begins when the minor turns 18. Therefore, they have until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit.
- Government Claims: If your claim is against a government entity, special rules apply. You must file a notice of claim with the government agency within six months of the accident, and the lawsuit must be filed within the standard two-year period.
At Keith & Lorfing, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you every step of the way. We will ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and how we can assist you in protecting your legal rights. Don’t delay – the sooner you act, the better your chances of a successful outcome.
Understanding Contingency Fees
At Keith & Lorfing, we operate on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, including car accident claims. This means you don’t pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses. Instead, our legal fees are contingent upon successfully securing compensation for you.
- No Win, No Fee: If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
- Percentage-Based: Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or award we obtain for you.
- Risk-Free: This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without financial risk, ensuring that you can focus on your recovery while we handle your case.
By choosing Keith & Lorfing, you can be confident that we are fully committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your claim.
Why Choose Keith & Lorfing Over Other Midland Auto Accident Attorneys
At Keith & Lorfing, we believe our compassionate and dedicated team stands out for several reasons:
- Extensive Expertise: With over 75 years of combined experience, our legal team is highly skilled at handling a wide range of complex cases, providing you with seasoned and knowledgeable representation.
- Strategic Approach: Our method is designed to achieve outstanding results, maximizing your chances of securing a favorable settlement or winning at trial. We employ strategic planning and meticulous preparation to give you the best possible outcome.
- Highly Qualified Team: We take pride in employing only the most skilled and credentialed attorneys and staff. When you compare our credentials to any other firm in West Texas, the difference is clear.
- Ample Resources: Our team includes multiple attorneys, ensuring we have the resources necessary to maintain high-quality service and client satisfaction for every case we take on.
- Convenient Locations: To better serve our West Texas communities, we have offices in Lubbock, Midland, Abilene, and San Angelo, making us easily accessible no matter where you are.
- Flexible Meeting Options: We understand that convenience is key. Whether you prefer to meet in person or virtually, we offer flexible arrangements to suit your needs.
- Rapid Response: By utilizing modern business best practices, we ensure quick turnaround and response times, which are vital in time-sensitive situations. Your case will receive the prompt attention it deserves.
- No Upfront Costs: We operate on a contingency fee basis, covering all expenses related to your case out of our own pocket. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing, making legal representation risk-free for you.
OUR STREAMLINED PROCESS
FASTER. SIMPLER. EASIER.
With access to your very own legal team, a network of medical professionals, and clear direction on how to maximize your recovery, we take the pain and hassle out of the equation:
- Step 1: Meet with our Legal Team – it’s free!
- Step 2: Seek Medical treatment – we’ll help.
- Step 3: Follow the checklist in your client portal.
- Step 4: We’ll Make ‘Em Pay!
- Step 5: Cash your check.
Other Locations We Serve
As expert Texas personal injury attorneys, we cover the entirety of West Texas, including but not limited to:
Speak to a Midland Personal Injury Attorney Today!
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident or suffered an injury in Midland, don’t wait to seek the legal help you deserve. At Keith & Lorfing, our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to provide the compassionate and skilled representation you need. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Let us stand by your side and help you navigate this challenging time. With no upfront costs and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for your case, you can trust us to be your advocate.
Contact us now to speak with a Midland personal injury attorney and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
"Delivered an incredible victory!"
The relief was extraordinary! We will never be able to express our gratitude enough.
"Great, honest, and incredibly knowledgeable."
Russell is a top-notch person. Hands down will recommend him to anybody.
"Absolutely an amazing man, and an honest one at that."
This was absolutely the best defense experience I have ever had with an attorney.
Representing
West Texas
Our attorneys come from humble beginnings and understand the value of hard work. Our fathers and grandfathers were farmers, mechanics, laborers, firefighters, and servicemen – and we carry those roots with us every day.
We’ve consciously decided not to represent corporations or the elite. Instead, we fight for people like us – dedicated, family-oriented West Texans striving to give their kids a better life. Sometimes that means taking on big insurance companies trying to shortchange you.
Other times, it involves standing firm against oil companies attempting to bully our clients. No matter who the adversary is, our mission stays the same – to level the playing field for folks like you and me.
At Keith & Lorfing, our dedication to leveling the playing field for hardworking Texans fuels every choice we make, every client we take on, and every case we pursue.
Trey Keith
Founding Partner Meet Trey
Russell Lorfing
Founding Partner Meet Russell
&
3 Things you’ll get With Keith & Lorfing
A Lawyer Will Answer Your Calls & Emails
You’ll Be Informed About Your Case Every Step of the Way
You’ll Be Treated With Compassion & Respect
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At No Cost To You!
We’re committed to being the best in the West! Proudly serving clients throughout Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, Midland & all of West Texas.