David Komie Law David Komie Law 2026-06-12T05:08:08Z https://www.davidkomie.law/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1302743/2022/07/cropped-DKL-site-icon-32x32.jpg On Behalf of David Komie Law <![CDATA[People with spinal cord injuries may walk away from crashes]]> https://www.davidkomie.law/?p=49394 2026-06-11T09:45:26Z 2026-06-05T00:06:23Z Incomplete injuries are common Medical professionals generally classify spinal cord injuries into two main categories. There are complete spinal cord injuries, which cause immediate and permanent paralysis due to the injury severing the spinal cord. There is no treatment that can repair a severed spinal cord. People can also sustain incomplete spinal cord injuries that pinch, tear or otherwise damage the spinal cord. Incomplete spinal cord injuries are easy for people to overlook, especially in the minutes immediately after a crash. The human stress response often hides the pain and muscle spasms associated with incomplete spinal cord injuries. Those with incomplete injuries are at risk of abrupt motions or intense exertion exacerbating their medical condition. People can worsen incomplete injuries, making them complete injuries that cause permanent paralysis. Timely medical intervention, appropriate spinal stabilization and rehabilitative care can help people minimize the risk of a spinal cord injury worsening or causing lasting functional impairment. When a car crash leads to a spinal cord injury, the affected party may need help pursuing compensation for their medical expenses and lost wages. They may need assistance evaluating compensation options and quantifying their lifetime economic losses. Reviewing a diagnosis and the circumstances of a car crash with a personal injury attorney can help those with spinal cord injuries limit the financial impact of their injuries.]]> On Behalf of David Komie Law <![CDATA[Common causes of semitruck crashes]]> https://www.davidkomie.law/?p=49393 2026-04-27T09:43:23Z 2026-04-27T09:43:23Z Many people drive around without much thought about the fact that they’re traveling alongside semitrucks. These trucks are much larger and heavier than regular vehicles, which means that they can cause considerable damage if they’re involved in a crash. Victims of semitruck crashes often need immediate medical care, which can be costly. Those victims may opt to pursue a compensation claim for the financial damages associated with the crash, but they will have to determine the cause of the crash so that appropriate defendants can be named. Understanding some common causes of crashes might make it easier to determine who should be named in the legal claim. Consider these common causes of semitruck crashes:

Causes related to the trucker

Truckers’ actions sometimes lead to crashes, even if they aren’t the sole cause. Factors, such as fatigue, distractions and impairment, may play a role in a wreck. Truckers may also cause a crash if they’re driving too aggressively or in an unsafe manner. 

Causes related to the semitruck

Components on the semitruck or the cargo that’s on it can also be a contributing factor in a semitruck crash. When parts of the semitruck aren’t working properly, they affect the performance of the rig. Improperly secured cargo can cause the semitruck to move uncontrollably or fall off the trailer. 

Causes related to the trucking company

Trucking company policies can sometimes lead to crashes, particularly if they’re giving truckers tight deadlines that require them to rush. Trucking company policies may also discourage truckers from abiding by the hours of service regulations or from stopping when they feel fatigued. 

Causes related to other drivers

Other drivers sometimes contribute to crashes. One common cause is when they cut off a semitruck in a way that makes the trucker have to slam on their brakes or swerve to avoid hitting the vehicle.  Semitruck crash cases can be complex, so it may be beneficial for victims to work with someone with these matters. Filing the claim quickly is critical because there are time limits on these matters. ]]> On Behalf of David Komie Law <![CDATA[Don’t underestimate the costs of a car crash fracture]]> https://www.davidkomie.law/?p=49392 2026-04-10T15:51:50Z 2026-04-10T15:51:50Z What makes fractures costly injuries? Treatment for a fracture can cost more than people anticipate. Some broken bones require surgery. Other times, patients may need to attend physical therapy for multiple weeks to regain their flexibility and strength after the bone knits. Those costs can be higher than people anticipate initially. The lost wages during recovery are also an important consideration. The minimum recovery timeline for a fracture is usually eight weeks or longer, which can mean going several months without pay. Blue-collar workers and service sector professionals may be completely unable to work after breaking a bone. Even those who can work may require light-duty functions and may receive lower wages than usual. Those with fractures and other serious car crash injuries may need help estimating their losses and negotiating a reasonable insurance settlement. Filing a personal injury lawsuit may also be necessary. People often need to discuss their injuries with attorneys to understand their likely losses and their options for financial relief.  ]]> On Behalf of David Komie Law <![CDATA[How much will a car accident really cost me?]]> https://www.davidkomie.law/?p=49272 2025-12-12T19:48:11Z 2025-12-12T19:48:11Z Car accidents can have a significant financial impact, varying greatly depending on the severity and circumstances of the incident. While a minor fender bender might result in manageable expenses, more serious accidents like T-bone or rear-end collisions can lead to substantial costs, especially if they involve medical treatment and missed work. It is important for anyone who is the victim of a serious car accident to understand the potential financial burdens so they can determine the best course of action.

Financial impact of a car crash 

The cost of a car accident can range from a few thousand to millions. The National Safety Council estimates that the cost of an accident in 2023 averaged over $1 million if injuries resulted in a disability and $242,000 if there was a serious injury that did not result in permanent disability. These averages are a few years old so the actual cost today is likely higher. Factors that often signal a more expensive crash include:
  • Emergency response professionals. If you needed to call an ambulance, odds are high you or a passenger needed medical treatment. Although a necessary and important expense, it is costly. The ambulance ride alone can cost well over $1,000 not to mention the additional expenses if extra care is needed. 
  • Property damage. A dented fender is one thing, a totaled vehicle another. It is important to keep the cost of vehicle repairs and/or replacement in mind.
  • Additional medical treatment. The need for surgical interventions, physical therapy, and additional treatment are also indicators that the financial burdens of the accident will be high. 
Another, often difficult to estimate, impact is that on one’s professional development. Perhaps the crash means you miss work. You can include the lost wages in your calculation but what if injuries set you back on your upward movement within your job? Although more difficult to match with an exact financial impact it is something to consider when putting together an estimate of the total financial burden of the accident. 

Legal liability

If the other driver caused the accident, you can use legal action to hold them accountable. This can result in funds to help cover the costs of hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatment as well as income lost due to time off work for recovery and repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and other damaged property. The financial impact of a car accident can vary based on the details. While minor accidents may only result in temporary financial strain, more serious collisions can lead to substantial costs. Understanding these potential impacts and knowing whether it's worth it to pursue a personal injury claim can help victims navigate the aftermath of an accident and seek the compensation they deserve.]]> On Behalf of David Komie Law <![CDATA[How do spinal cord injuries change a personal injury claim?]]> https://www.davidkomie.law/?p=49271 2025-12-10T17:35:58Z 2025-12-10T17:35:58Z The lasting effects of spinal cord injuries Spinal cord damage can cause partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation and constant pain. These conditions often demand ongoing rehabilitation, in-home assistance and adaptive technology. Many people also need vehicle and home modifications to live independently. Texas law allows you to include both current and future expenses in a personal injury claim, such as therapy, medical care and lost earning potential. Since these injuries rarely improve with time, you must show how they affect your future ability to work and support yourself.

Proving the full value of damages

You must use detailed medical and financial records to show the true cost of a spinal cord injury. Reports from doctors, physical therapists and occupational experts help explain how the injury limits daily activities. Financial experts can estimate future costs for medical treatment, personal care and home modifications. Texas courts allow recovery for these future losses if you prove they will likely occur. The more evidence you present, the stronger your claim becomes.

Showing negligence and fault

To recover compensation in Texas, you must prove that another person’s negligence caused your injury. The more severe the injury, the more important clear evidence of fault becomes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages if you were 50% or less at fault, but not if your fault reaches 51% or higher.

Building a fair claim for serious injuries

A spinal cord injury affects far more than your health. It changes your financial stability, independence and daily routines. By presenting strong medical evidence and clear proof of fault, you can pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of the injury and supports your long-term needs.]]> On Behalf of David Komie Law <![CDATA[What do I do after a rideshare wreck?]]> https://www.davidkomie.law/?p=49232 2025-05-06T16:54:19Z 2025-05-06T16:54:19Z Imagine you're in the back of an Uber, scrolling through your phone, when suddenly - CRASH! The car jerks violently, and you're thrown out of your seat. In seconds, your relaxing ride turns into a scary accident. Your heart races as you try to make sense of what just happened. What should you do now?

Taking care of yourself after a crash

Any car accident can cause serious injuries, from whiplash and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and even fatalities. The physical and emotional toll of a crash can be significant, and it's essential to prioritize your health and well-being.  Here are some crucial steps to take after a rideshare accident:
  • Call 911 or report the accident to the authorities 
  • Document the scene, including photos and witness statements 
  • Get the driver's and the rideshare company's information 
  • Seek medical attention and keep records of your treatment
  • Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in rideshare accidents
Taking these steps after any accident is essential to protect yourself and your rights. They ensure you get necessary medical treatment and provide evidence to establish liability. Holding the responsible party accountable is crucial in maximizing your recovery and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

What makes rideshare accidents unique?

While the steps to take after an accident are largely the same for accidents that do and do not involve rideshare vehicles, there are unique differences.  Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have insurance policies, but figuring out which policy applies can be tricky. It depends on whether the driver was working, had a passenger or was waiting for a ride request.  When you're injured as a passenger, you deal with multiple parties: the rideshare company, the driver and possibly other drivers involved. This complexity can make it harder to determine who is responsible.  Because of these factors, it is wise to seek legal guidance from a qualified attorney in Texas. Legal counsel can help with investigating the accident, identifying all parties responsible and building a case for financial remedies. ]]> On Behalf of David Komie Law <![CDATA[What damages can pedestrians recover after a crash?]]> https://www.davidkomie.law/?p=49216 2025-03-17T12:32:09Z 2025-03-17T12:32:09Z Current and future medical expenses The cost of treating traumatic injuries can be shockingly high. Even broken bones sometimes require surgery. Every day spent in a hospital or rehabilitation facility can significantly increase overall medical expenses. Injuries may also trigger long-term medical expenses. People often need help calculating reasonable estimates for their future care costs in addition to seeking compensation for their outstanding medical bills after a crash.

Lost wages and earning potential

When car crashes break bones, cause brain injuries or put people in the hospital, the injured party usually loses income. If they have long-term symptoms caused by their injuries, then they might have difficulty maximizing their career success. Injured professionals often need to consider not just the short-term income they didn't earn because they got hurt but also the long-term consequences of their injuries. Lost advancement opportunities, lost employment benefits and reduced future earning potential can potentially add up to more than the lost wages they didn't earn during their recovery.

Pain and suffering

Those pursuing litigation instead of an insurance claim can request compensation for non-economic losses. Pain and suffering claims are among the most common. Someone who loses enjoyment of life, experiences mental anguish or has to change their daily activities because of an injury may qualify for pain and suffering compensation. Calculating how much to request for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages can be very difficult for an injured pedestrian to manage on their own. Pedestrians trying to hold drivers accountable for their injuries often need help after a major pedestrian crash. Calculating the long-term impact of a pedestrian collision is often the first step toward demanding accountability from the driver who caused the incident.]]> On Behalf of David Komie Law <![CDATA[How long does it take to settle a pedestrian accident in Texas?]]> https://www.davidkomie.law/?p=49217 2025-02-25T20:34:42Z 2025-02-25T20:34:42Z Liability investigation Texas applies a modified comparative negligence rule when assigning fault in a pedestrian accident case. According to these principles, there are exceptions to when a victim can recover damages. A pedestrian is disqualified from filing a claim if they are more than 51% responsible for the accident. To assign the percentages of liability to those involved in the accident, the investigation looks into:
  • Reports that police have of the accident
  • Statements from witnesses who were at the accident scene
  • Footage from traffic cameras around the accident scene
The compilation of evidence can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Medical treatment and recovery

The acuteness of a pedestrian’s injuries following an accident can impact the settlement timeline. It’s not uncommon for a pedestrian’s injuries to require ongoing medical treatment. In such a case, survivors should wait until they reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). This way, they can settle when they have either fully recovered or reached a stable condition where they expect no further improvement. Settling too early may result in inadequate compensation for future medical expenses.

Negotiations with insurance companies

Pedestrians who get involved in a car accident may be surprised to learn that insurance companies often make every effort to lower payouts. Survivors should expect an insurance company’s initial offer to be lower than what they deserve. Unfortunately, this can lead to back-and-forth negotiations that may last for months. The last thing a pedestrian may want to deal with following an accident is a long waiting period before receiving a fair settlement. Unfortunately, while some cases may be resolved within months, others could take years. To expedite the process and help ensure fair compensation, pedestrians may want to enlist legal guidance to better advocate for them.]]> On Behalf of David Komie Law <![CDATA[How to choose a pedestrian accident lawyer in Austin, TX]]> https://www.davidkomie.law/?p=49215 2025-02-27T17:19:03Z 2025-02-19T17:08:50Z Texas Department of Transportation, there were 5,924 collisions that involved pedestrians in 2023. There were 808 pedestrian deaths caused by those crashes. Another 1,456 sustained serious injuries. After a pedestrian crash, the injured pedestrian may have major expenses that they need to address. An attorney can help them hold the driver who hurt them accountable. How should an injured pedestrian choose the right lawyer?

Specialization is important

Some lawyers specialize and only take certain types of clients. Other lawyers try to offer a variety of services to their clients. In scenarios where people face complex compensation claims, partnering with an attorney who specializes in injury law can be of the utmost importance. While general practice attorneys can be helpful, an attorney who specializes in helping injured people secure insurance compensation or take legal action can often provide the best standard of representation for an injured pedestrian. They may already be familiar with laws and judicial precedents that a general-practice lawyer may need to investigate.

Prior success is also important

Not all lawyers who specialize in or practice personal injury law have a track record of success. Some attorneys simply settle every case that they take. Looking at their history of success and the amount of compensation they have obtained for clients can be an important consideration. Lawyers who have previously helped clients recover the maximum amount possible through an insurance policy or litigation may be a better option than lawyers who often settle their clients' cases for less than the maximum amount of compensation available. Those with a history of success may be able to help an injured pedestrian maximize their recovery. Other important considerations include compatibility. Clients and attorneys need to have similar perspectives and communication styles for the best possible working relationship. Finding an attorney who is supportive and down-to-earth in addition to being professionally competent can be helpful for those dealing with a stressful situation. Getting the right legal assistance after a pedestrian crash can help an injured pedestrian optimize their financial recovery. Injured pedestrians often need support communicating with insurance professionals and gathering evidence to pursue personal injury litigation if necessary. Those who take the time to identify and hire a lawyer who understands crashes may feel more confident about the outcome of their insurance claim or lawsuit.]]> On Behalf of David Komie Law <![CDATA[3 reasons not to speak to an at-fault driver’s insurance alone]]> https://www.davidkomie.law/?p=49209 2025-02-11T13:15:29Z 2025-02-11T13:15:29Z after the incident to gather information or offer a settlement. However, speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company without legal guidance can jeopardize your claim.

Be wary of insurance adjusters

You might notice that the insurance adjusters come across as friendly and concerned. However, you should know that their primary goal is saving their company money. Suppose you casually mention that you “feel fine” during a conversation; the adjuster might interpret this as proof that your injuries are minor or nonexistent. Similarly, the adjuster may exploit any inconsistencies in your account of the accident to cast doubt on your credibility. With legal guidance, you can help communicate effectively and help ensure that you don’t unintentionally harm your case.

You could undervalue your claim

After an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurer may make an offer they hope you’ll take. It will likely be an appealing settlement. However, this settlement may not be enough to cover all your damages. You should resist the temptation to accept this settlement no matter how desperate you are for resources. You might not fully understand the financial resources you deserve at this point. Therefore, seeking legal feedback to evaluate the true value of your claim is essential.

You risk making comments that could minimize your payout

Pay attention to every comment you make when you speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. What you might think to be an innocent comment can be misinterpreted and used against you later. For example, apologizing for the accident—even as a polite gesture—could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Legal support can:
  • Act as a buffer between you and the insurance company
  • Handle all communications
  • Protect your legal rights
You can benefit from partnering with someone who can teach you how to respond to questions and prevent you from making statements that might weaken your case. Dealing with an at-fault driver’s insurer can make the aftermath of an accident even more confusing than it already is. By enlisting experienced legal support, you can gain a knowledgeable advocate who can protect your interests and minimize the stress of seeking rightful compensation.]]>