Attorney Analysis: At the bottom of this article, pile-up accident lawyer Anjali Nigam shares insight on legal options for persons injured in auto accidents.
Around 6:30AM on Thursday, February 11th, a massive pile-up accident on Insterstate 35 West resulted in 5 confirmed deaths and at least 36 injuries, per Forth Worth officials. The I-35W pile-up, which occurred just north of Downtown Fort Worth, is believed to have been caused by freezing rain resulting from a winter storm that affected large swaths of the region.
Emergency crews, including officers from the Fort Worth Police and Fire Department, responded to the evolving accident scene and spent many hours rescuing drivers and passengers from the wreck. As the emergency responders worked their way into the pile-up, both "front to back, back to front," they were forced to use wreckers to physically separate vehicles that had been crammed together. The scene was estimated to have been a mile long.
The victim's identities have yet to be released, though officials have asked for loved ones of suspected victims to reach out to the Fort Worth Office of Emergency Management's family reunification hotline.
Attorney contributor to Legal Herald, Anjali Nigam, Esq., represents victims of truck, auto, and pile-up accidents in claims intended to help them achieve the financial compensation they deserve. Anjali offered the following insight regarding the legal avenues available to victims and their loved ones:
"No one ever thinks that they're going to get into a severe car accident when they head out to work in the morning. However, the fact of the matter is that this exact scenario happens to thousands of Texans each year.
As drivers who pay our insurance bills every month, we expect the insurance company to step in and cover our expenses when unexpected accidents happen. Whether it's medical expenses, lost wages, or even diminished quality of life due to permanent injuries, the insurance company should have our backs. Unfortunately, insurance coverage is often insufficient given the increasing costs of healthcare, particularly when dealing with grave car accident injuries or even death.
When insurance policy benefits simply don't cut it, the civil justice system allows victims of auto accidents to seek compensation via a lawsuit.
Individuals who are thinking about taking legal action should understand the importance of having an experienced legal professional by their side. If your attorney has never handled a case similar to yours in the past, then it's likely that they will be ineffective in getting you the full compensation you need. When looking for an auto accident attorney, make sure that you pick one who has the experience and dedication to fight for your rights until justice is made."