Car Wrecks/Trucking Accidents

Semi-Tractor/18 Wheeler Crashes

18 Wheelers pose a unique danger on our roadways based on size, speed and the number of them sharing the roadway with the motoring public. Federal Motor Carrier laws give strict safety guidelines for the motor carrier to comply with. Sometimes these Federal Regulations are ignored at the peril of the motoring public. Trucking Companies and their insurance carriers have lawyers, expert witnesses and claims adjusters that are frequently on the scene of a fatality or catastrophic injury immediately following the occurrence to an effort to defend against any subsequent claims that may be brought. That is why it is so important that a lawyer experienced with litigating 18 Wheeler cases be retained immediately in an effort to secure evidence.

Recently, the Law Office of W. Brice Cottongame and Associates represented crash victims in the worst traffic collision in Tarrant County history in which 5 people were killed and 2 were catastrophically injured. It’s not surprising that the worst traffic collision in Tarrant County history involved the negligence of an 18 wheeler driver. Our clients involved in that tragedy recovered more monetary compensation than any of the others involved in that occurrence. Fortunately, we were retained early and secured valuable evidence necessary to establish liability.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed in a motor vehicle collision involving a semi-tractor/18 wheeler, time is of the essence. Be certain you understand your rights and responsibilities after a serious crash and take measures to protect those rights with the help of a qualified Fort Worth Attorney that is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and experienced in handling 18 wheeler cases.

Fort Worth motor vehicle collisions create serious stresses for those who are injured or the surviving family members. A person’s life can be drastically altered for the balance of a lifetime. The Law Office of W. Brice Cottongame and Associates is skilled at handling Semi-Tractor/18 Wheeler collisions, as well as car wrecks in Tarrant, Dallas, Parker, Palo Pinto and surrounding counties and is ready to help you protect your rights after a serious accident.

The Law Office of W. Brice Cottongame only gets paid if and when our clients do. We work on a contingency fee. If there is no recovery, our clients don’t owe us any attorney’s fees.

Car Crashes

Attorney W. Brice Cottongame has been Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1989. And his law practice, his whole career, has been devoted exclusively to representing persons injured through the negligence of others. Consequently, The Law Office of W. Brice Cottongame and Associates represents persons injured or killed in car wrecks in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. And The Law Office of W. Brice Cottongame and Associates represents persons with car wreck injuries or fatalities in Dallas, Parker and Palo Pinto Counties.

The Law Office of W. Brice Cottongame and Associates has its principal office in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas and also has affiliated offices in Dallas and Palo Pinto Counties.

Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcycle operators have the same rights on the roadway as passenger car and truck drivers. But unfortunately, not every automobile operator will pay close enough attention. Motorcycle crash injuries are frequently severe and often fatal. A common tactic used by insurance adjusters for the negligent car or truck driver is to blame the motorcycle operator. The Law Office of W. Brice Cottongame and Associates has experience and expertise in litigating motorcycle crash cases resulting in serious injury and death. We are aware of the tactics used by insurance companies and are not deterred by them.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident

A motor vehicle accident happens quickly and can leave you feeling dazed and confused. The steps you take immediately following an accident can make a difference in the case presented in the future.

1. Take pictures. Use your smartphone to take pictures of the damage to the vehicle, the position of the vehicles and an overview of the accident scene and where the cars/trucks are located. The more pictures the better. Take a video as well. If you are injured and cannot take the pictures or video, ask the officer who comes to the scene to help. Or call someone to take pictures for you. Most everyone has a camera with them these days.

2. Talk to witnesses. If someone saw the accident, get their name and number. Call them later, or have your Fort Worth attorney call them, to find out what they saw.

3. Take insurance information. Get insurance information from the other drivers, and present your insurance information as well. A smartphone photo of the driver’s license and insurance card of the responsible driver is very helpful.

4. Don’t offer information. Other than your contact information and insurance policy information, don’t offer any other information. Even if you think the accident was partially your fault, keep your communication to a minimum. Simply get immediately to a safe place and exchange the necessary information and seek medical attention immediately if you are injured. Be candid and responsive to the investigating officer if contracted. Just answer his/her questions, but don’t volunteer anything.

Don’t Delay, Seek Legal Help Right Away

As soon as you are able, contact the Law Office of W. Brice Cottongame and Associates. Delaying the phone call after a motor vehicle collision could impact your ability to make a case against the other driver. The insurance company for the negligent driver will immediately begin their defense of the claim. You should immediately begin your prosecution of it. Insurance claims representatives may call you seeking to take a recorded statement from you. Don’t give them one. It can be used later against you. If you are injured, talk to an experienced Fort Worth Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Law specialist before you give a recorded statement to the insurance company of the negligent driver that hurt you.

As an experienced Fort Worth attorney specializing in car accident cases, Attorney Brice Cottongame and the team at W. Brice Cottongame and Associates have the experience you need to protect your rights as you seek compensation for your injuries or the death of a loved one. We maintain an open door policy with our clients. And return calls promptly. We are not a “car wreck mill”. We will keep you informed as the case progresses and no case will be settled or tried without the express consent of our client.

We handle all types of vehicle accidents, including accidents involving: