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CAR WRECK ATTORNEYS

5-Star Advocacy & Strategic Representation to Help Victims Get Compensation & Justice

Life may never be the same after a car wreck. When you or someone you love is the victim of an auto crash, pursuing a legal claim can offer hope and a path to justice and recovery.

At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to providing crash victims exceptional advocacy in all types of car accident cases.

With 20 years’ of experience and a winning record, our car accident attorneys know how to stand up to the toughest opponents, and we are proud to offer the counsel and advocacy we would expect if we were in your shoes. That’s why we work relentlessly for the best possible resolutions and the maximum possible compensation, no matter how complex or challenging a case may be.

Whether you need answers about a potential claim or it’s time to take the next steps, we are here for you, ready to help 24/7.

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Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

After a car accident, you’re dealing with pain, medical bills, and questions about what happens next. One of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to hire a car accident lawyer. We understand this choice can feel overwhelming when you’re already dealing with so much.

The honest answer is that not every car accident necessitates the involvement of a lawyer. However, many situations benefit significantly from legal representation. Here’s how to know if you need professional help with your case.

You Should Strongly Consider a Lawyer If:

  1. You Were Seriously Injured: If you suffered injuries that required emergency room treatment, surgery, or ongoing medical care, you need a lawyer. Serious injuries often mean expensive medical bills and time away from work. Insurance companies are aware of this and may attempt to settle quickly for far less than your claim is worth.
  2. The Other Driver Was Clearly at Fault: When the other driver ran a red light, was texting, or was drunk, you have a strong case. However, even clear-cut cases can become complicated when insurance companies get involved. A lawyer ensures you get the full compensation you deserve.
  3. You’re Facing Significant Medical Bills: If your medical expenses are mounting, you need someone who understands how to calculate current and future medical costs. We work with medical experts to ensure all your treatment needs are included in your claim.
  4. You Can’t Work or Have Reduced Earning Capacity: When injuries prevent you from working, you’re entitled to compensation for lost wages. If your injuries permanently affect your ability to earn income, calculating this loss requires legal expertise.
  5. The Insurance Company Is Giving You the Runaround: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. If they’re delaying your claim, denying coverage, or offering unreasonably low settlements, you need a lawyer to level the playing field.
  6. Multiple Parties Were Involved: Accidents involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or rideshare drivers can involve multiple insurance companies. These cases can quickly become complex, and you need someone who knows how to handle them effectively.

A lawyer can advise and guide you

A lawyer can advise and guide you throughout the process, representing you effectively as you move forward. That can provide integral help when it’s time for:

What Happens When I File a Car Accident Claim?

After you file a claim, what happens next will depend on who you are suing, whether liability is clear, and other factors. That’s because:

To get insights about your potential claim — and to receive case-specific answers about what to expect going forward — simply contact a car accident lawyer at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers. We can share key information with you and answer all of your claim-related questions during a free, confidential consultation.

Lawyer justin dewett on a reunion

Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers has recovered millions for survivors and families

in various types of car accident claims, including those involving catastrophic injury and death. Your claim and recovery could be our next victory.

Click on a link below to jump directly to that section and learn more about car accident causes, cases, lawyers, and compensation.

How Do Most Car Accidents Happen?

Avoidable oversights and preventable negligence are the underlying causes of most car crashes, as the table below shows (source: NHTSA).

The following takes a closer look at each cause and how negligence may be involved.

Auto Accident CausePercent of Crashes Caused By Error (per year)
Driver Errors94%
Vehicle Component Failures2%
Environmental Factors
(Road and/or Weather)		2%
Unknown2%

Motorist Negligence & Auto Accidents

Drivers are not always as careful, alert, sober, or responsible as they should be. In fact, driver negligence is the leading cause of car crashes in Louisiana, Texas, and across the U.S. (source: NHTSA).

Whether that negligence comes from commercial drivers or passenger vehicle motorists, the results can be serious and deadly car crashes. Here’s a closer look at the different forms of driver errors that commonly cause auto wrecks, along with some examples of each (source: NHTSA).

Driver ErrorsPercent of Crashes Caused By Error (per year)Number of Crashes Caused By Error (per year)Examples
Recognition Errors41%845,000Driver distraction, inadequate surveillance
Decision Errors33%684,000Driving too fast for conditions or curves, Misjudging others' actions or speeds
Performance Errors11%210,000Failure to maintain control of direction, Oversteering
Non-Performance Errors7%145,000Falling asleep behind the wheel

Vehicle Component Failures & Auto Wrecks

Auto parts, equipment, and systems do not always perform flawlessly. In fact, like drivers, vehicle components can fail to perform as expected or necessary to prevent wrecks.

When vehicle problems contribute to traffic collisions:

  • Brake System Failures: Defective brake pads, fluid leaks, or ABS malfunctions can prevent you from stopping in time to avoid a collision.
  • Tire Defects: Tread separation, blowouts, or sidewall failures can cause you to lose control of your vehicle suddenly.
  • Steering and Suspension Problems: Power steering failures or defective steering components can make it impossible to control your vehicle’s direction.
  • Engine and Transmission Issues: Sudden acceleration, stalling, or transmission failures can render your vehicle unsafe to operate in traffic.
  • Safety System Failures: Airbags that don’t deploy properly or seatbelt defects can turn a survivable crash into a fatal one.
Emergency services after a severe car crash

More Causes of Car Accidents

Weather and road factors can also contribute to car crashes, injuries, and death. For example, liability can arise for auto crashes caused by weather and/or road conditions when those accidents result from. Learn more about the common causes of car accidents:

Poor Road Maintenance and Design

  • Inadequate Road Maintenance: Government agencies have a responsibility to maintain roads safely for drivers. When they fail to repair potholes, fix broken guardrails, or clear debris, they may be liable for accidents that result.
  • Defective Road Design: Some roads are poorly designed, with dangerous curves, inadequate signage, or insufficient drainage, creating hazardous conditions during normal weather.
  • Construction Zone Hazards: Construction companies must properly mark work zones and provide safe traffic flow. When they fail to do so, accidents in construction areas may be their responsibility.

Weather-Related Negligence

  • Failure to Treat Icy Roads: Local governments are responsible for salting and sanding roads during winter weather. If they fail to treat dangerous ice conditions, they may be liable for resulting crashes.
  • Inadequate Storm Drainage: When roads flood due to poor drainage systems, the government entity responsible for maintaining those systems may be held accountable for accidents.
  • Missing or Damaged Weather Warning Signs: Roads prone to flooding, ice, or other weather hazards should have proper warning signs. When these signs are missing or damaged, accidents may result from this negligence.

Any number of parties could be liable when these or other forms of negligence contribute to car accidents. Often, liability for a car crash won’t be clear without further investigations and additional evidence. This is where a car accident lawyer can play a pivotal role, taking charge to identify every liable party, so victims can make them pay for the harm caused by their negligence.

Car Accident Statistics & Facts

To get a better idea of the prevalence and impacts of auto crashes in the U.S., here’s a look at the latest statistics from federal authorities (sources: NHTSA and IIHS):

Overall Fatality Statistics

  • Annual Deaths: NHTSA estimates 39,345 traffic fatalities occurred in 2024, representing a 3.8% decrease from the 40,901 fatalities in 2023. In 2022, there were 42,514 deaths from motor vehicle crashes in the United States.
  • Daily Impact: This corresponds to 12.8 deaths per 100,000 people and more than 100 people dying in car accidents every single day across America.
  • Fatality Rate: The 2024 fatality rate decreased to 1.20 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled — the lowest since 2019, though still at 1.33 deaths per 100 million miles traveled based on 2022 data.
  • Positive Trend: Traffic fatalities have declined for 10 consecutive quarters through the first nine months of 2024, showing progress in road safety efforts.

Who Is Most at Risk

  • Gender Differences: For nearly every year from 1975 to 2022, the number of male crash deaths was more than twice the number of female crash deaths. Men consistently face higher crash risks across all age groups.
  • Age Factors: Males ages 20 to 29 and those 85 and older had the highest rates of crash deaths, while teenagers accounted for 7% of motor vehicle crash deaths in 2022.
  • Teen Drivers: The fatal crash rate per mile driven for 16-19 year-olds is nearly 3 times the rate for drivers ages 20 and over, making inexperienced drivers particularly vulnerable.

Types of Crash Victims

  • Passenger Vehicle Occupants: Passenger vehicle occupants accounted for 61% of the 42,514 motor vehicle crash deaths in 2022, with 76% of these fatalities involving drivers rather than passengers.
  • Vulnerable Road Users: 18% were pedestrians, 15% were motorcyclists, 3% were bicyclists, and 2% were occupants of large trucks in 2022 fatalities.
  • Pedestrian Deaths: Pedestrian deaths have increased 83% since reaching their lowest point in 2009, with 76% occurring between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Contributing Factors

  • Speeding: Speeding was a factor in 29% of motor vehicle crash deaths in 2022, making it one of the leading preventable causes of fatal accidents.
  • Seat Belt Use: While seat belt use among front seat occupants was 91.6% in 2022, tragically, 45% of fatally injured drivers and 42% of passengers were not wearing seat belts.
  • Alcohol Involvement: 22% of fatally injured drivers ages 16-17 had blood alcohol concentrations at or above 0.08%, showing impaired driving remains a serious problem.
  • Distracted Driving: 3,126 drivers in fatal crashes were categorized as distracted, with 63% being “generally distracted or lost in thought”.

Crash Types and Timing

  • Impact Types: Frontal impacts accounted for 59% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths, while side impacts accounted for 22% in 2022.
  • Rollover Risk: Crashes involving rollovers accounted for 29% of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths, with only 23% of fatally injured occupants in rollover crashes wearing seat belts.
  • When Accidents Happen: About half (49%) of crash deaths occurred on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, and about one-third (32%) occurred between 3 p.m. and midnight.

Child Safety Progress

  • Significant Improvement: The rate of motor vehicle crash deaths per million children younger than 13 has decreased 79% overall since 1975.
  • Remaining Risks: Despite progress, 70% of child motor vehicle crash deaths in 2022 were passenger vehicle occupants, 16% were pedestrians, showing children still face serious risks on our roads.
  • Car Seat Usage: The proportion of fatally injured children who are restrained has risen from 15% in 1985 to 58% in 2022, though there’s still room for improvement.
As shocking as these car accident statistics may be, it only takes one auto crash to cause life-shattering injuries and lasting harm. When that happens, you can turn to Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers for advice, advocacy, and guidance in the pursuit of justice.

Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

After a car accident, you’re dealing with pain, medical bills, and questions about what happens next. One of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to hire a car accident lawyer. We understand this choice can feel overwhelming when you’re already dealing with so much.

The honest answer is that not every car accident necessitates the involvement of a lawyer. However, many situations benefit significantly from legal representation. Here’s how to know if you need professional help with your case.

You Should Strongly Consider a Lawyer If:

  1. You Were Seriously Injured: If you suffered injuries that required emergency room treatment, surgery, or ongoing medical care, you need a lawyer. Serious injuries often mean expensive medical bills and time away from work. Insurance companies are aware of this and may attempt to settle quickly for far less than your claim is worth.
  2. The Other Driver Was Clearly at Fault: When the other driver ran a red light, was texting, or was drunk, you have a strong case. However, even clear-cut cases can become complicated when insurance companies get involved. A lawyer ensures you get the full compensation you deserve.
  3. You’re Facing Significant Medical Bills: If your medical expenses are mounting, you need someone who understands how to calculate current and future medical costs. We work with medical experts to ensure all your treatment needs are included in your claim.
  4. You Can’t Work or Have Reduced Earning Capacity: When injuries prevent you from working, you’re entitled to compensation for lost wages. If your injuries permanently affect your ability to earn income, calculating this loss requires legal expertise.
  5. The Insurance Company Is Giving You the Runaround: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. If they’re delaying your claim, denying coverage, or offering unreasonably low settlements, you need a lawyer to level the playing field.
  6. Multiple Parties Were Involved: Accidents involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or rideshare drivers can involve multiple insurance companies. These cases can quickly become complex, and you need someone who knows how to handle them effectively.
Confrontation between two men after a car accident

A lawyer can advise and guide you

while representing you going forward. That can provide integral help when it’s time for:
A lawyer can advise and guide you while representing you going forward. That can provide integral help when it’s time for:

What Happens When I File a Car Accident Claim?

After you file a claim, what happens next will depend on who you are suing, whether liability is clear, and other factors. That’s because:
To get insights about your potential claim — and to receive case-specific answers about what to expect going forward — simply contact a car accident lawyer at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers. We can share key information with you and answer all of your claim-related questions during a free, confidential consultation.

How Long Do Car Accident Cases Take?

The nature and complexity of your car accident claim can impact how long it takes to resolve.

So can your legal representation. In fact, when it comes to the process and how long it takes to resolve car accident cases, it’s essential to understand that:

  1. Every Case Is Different: No two accidents are alike, and settlement timelines vary based on your specific injuries, damages, and the complexity of your case.
  2. Your Recovery Comes First: We never rush to settle before you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. You deserve compensation that covers all your current and future needs.
  3. Insurance Companies Control Their Response Time: While we work quickly on your behalf, insurance companies often delay responses, request additional documentation, or drag out negotiations to pressure you into accepting less.
  4. Serious Injuries Take Longer: Cases involving permanent disabilities, ongoing medical treatment, or significant lost wages require more time to properly document and value your damages.
  5. Litigation May Be Necessary: If the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, filing a lawsuit protects your rights, though it does extend the timeline.
  6. Quality Preparation Gets Better Results: We thoroughly investigate your case, gather all necessary evidence, and build the strongest possible claim – this preparation time leads to higher settlements.
  7. You’ll Know What to Expect: We keep you informed throughout the process, explaining each step so you’re never left wondering what happens next.
A car accident attorney from Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers can explain more about your potential claim after hearing more about your crash.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

The value of an auto crash claim is dictated by the harm, losses, injuries, and suffering caused by a given car wreck. For victims and their claims, that means that:

  1. More Severe Injuries Lead to Higher Compensation: Serious injuries requiring surgery, hospitalization, or long-term treatment result in significantly higher settlements than minor injuries.
  2. All Medical Expenses Must Be Documented: We calculate current medical bills, future treatment costs, rehabilitation needs, and any ongoing care requirements to ensure full compensation.
  3. Lost Wages Include More Than Just Time Off: Your claim covers missed work, reduced earning capacity, lost benefits, and diminished future income if your injuries affect your ability to work.
  4. Pain and Suffering Have Real Value: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life all deserve compensation beyond just medical bills.
  5. Clear Fault Increases Your Recovery: When the other driver’s negligence is obvious, insurance companies are more likely to offer fair settlements without lengthy disputes.
  6. Permanent Injuries Deserve Lifetime Compensation: Disabilities, scarring, or chronic pain that will affect you for years to come significantly increase your claim’s value.
  7. Quality Documentation Strengthens Your Case: Detailed medical records, expert testimony, and thorough accident investigation help us prove the full extent of your damages.
  8. Insurance Policy Limits May Cap Recovery: Even in strong cases, the available insurance coverage can limit the amount of compensation available, which is why we explore all possible sources of recovery.
Man in suit working at a desk signing papers

For these and other reasons,

It’s usually in a victim’s best interests to determine compensation with the help of an attorney. A lawyer can help determine whether a given claim is eligible for financial recoveries for damages like (but not limited to):

  • Current and Future Medical Expenses: All hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatment you’ll need.
  • Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Money you’ve missed from work and future income losses if your injuries affect your ability to earn.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact on your quality of life.
  • Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash.
  • Loss of Consortium: Compensation for your spouse if your injuries have affected your relationship and companionship.
  • Disfigurement and Scarring: Additional compensation if you have permanent scarring or disfigurement from your injuries.
  • Home and Vehicle Modifications: Costs to modify your home or vehicle if your injuries require wheelchair access or other accommodations.
  • Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Travel costs for medical appointments, home care assistance, and other accident-related expenses you’ve had to pay.
No amount of money will ever erase the pain or trauma caused by serious car crashes, but the recoveries from these cases can help victims start to rebuild their lives.

How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Cost?

You pay $0 to consult with and retain a 5-star car accident lawyer at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers. In fact, because we work on contingency, you only pay legal fees if or when we recover compensation for your car accident claim. So, you will pay us nothing until or unless your case results in a financial recovery.

A Car Accident Lawyer Is Ready to Help You 24/7

After a car crash, don’t wait to get answers or advocacy. Time and insurance companies can be working against you, but you can rely on a 5-star car accident lawyer at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers for exceptional representation when you need it most. We are skilled at winning all types of car wreck cases, and we can help you recover.

Tireless, strategic, and known for winning, our car accident attorneys are proud to offer fierce advocacy when it’s time to make negligent parties pay. Discover the difference our team can make in your car accident case and recovery by contacting us today.

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“We focus on being the best at 3 things: preparing hard for our cases, making sure we deliver what clients need, and making sure they are treated well throughout the process.”

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