If you have been involved in a car accident in Texas, you may be wondering what to do next. How can you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve? Do you need to hire a lawyer? What are the laws and regulations that apply to your case? In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will explain the basics of Texas car accident law, the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer, and the steps you need to take after a crash. Whether you are a driver, a passenger, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, this article will help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Texas Car Accident Law
Texas is a “fault” state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying for the damages and injuries that resulted from the crash. The injured party can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, or sue the driver in court for compensation. The compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses.
There are some important laws and rules that you need to know if you are involved in a car accident in Texas. These include:
- The statute of limitations. This is the deadline for filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or property damage claim. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to sue.
- The comparative fault rule. This is the rule that determines how much compensation you can recover if you are partly to blame for the accident. In Texas, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can recover $80,000 ($100,000 minus 20%).
- The minimum liability insurance requirements. This is the minimum amount of insurance coverage that drivers in Texas are required to have. The current limits are $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. These are the minimum amounts that the at-fault driver’s insurance company will pay for your claim. If your damages exceed these limits, you may have to sue the driver for the difference.
The Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured in a car accident in Texas, you may be tempted to handle the claim process on your own. However, this may not be in your best interest. Dealing with insurance companies can be complicated and stressful, especially if you are not familiar with the law and the procedures. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your injuries, deny your claim, or offer you a low settlement. They may also try to get you to admit fault or sign a release that waives your right to sue.
This is why you need a personal injury lawyer on your side. A personal injury lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in representing people who have been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. A personal injury lawyer can help you by:
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence to prove liability and damages
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf and fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve
- Filing a lawsuit in court if the insurance company refuses to pay or offers an unfair settlement
- Representing you in trial and presenting your case to the jury
- Advising you on your legal rights and options and answering your questions
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Studies have shown that people who hire lawyers for their car accident claims receive significantly more money than those who do not. According to a report by the Insurance Research Council, the average payout for injury victims who had a lawyer was 3.5 times higher than those who did not.
The Steps You Need to Take After a Car Accident in Texas
If you have been involved in a car accident in Texas, there are some steps you need to take to protect yourself and your claim. These include:
- Call 911 and report the accident. This will ensure that the police and emergency services arrive at the scene and document the incident. The police report will be an important piece of evidence for your claim.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident, as this may be used against you later.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, you should see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, but may worsen over time. Getting a medical evaluation will help you document your injuries and link them to the accident.
- Take photos and videos of the scene. If you have a smartphone or a camera, take pictures and videos of the damage to your vehicle, the other vehicle, the road conditions, the traffic signs, and any other relevant details. These will help you prove the extent and cause of the accident.
- Talk to witnesses. If there are any people who saw the accident, get their names and contact information. They may be able to provide valuable testimony for your claim.
- Contact your insurance company. Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Be honest and cooperative, but do not give any statements or sign any documents without consulting your lawyer first. Your insurance company may try to use your words against you or pressure you into accepting a low settlement.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer. As soon as you can, contact a personal injury lawyer who has experience in handling car accident cases in Texas. A lawyer can advise you on your legal rights and options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Car accidents can be traumatic and life-changing events. If you have been injured in a car accident in Texas, you need to know your rights and options. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. However, getting the compensation you deserve is not easy. You need to deal with the insurance company, the legal system, and the other driver. You need to prove liability, damages, and fault. You need to follow the laws and rules that apply to your case.
This is why you need a personal injury lawyer on your side. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex and stressful process of filing a car accident claim. A personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and interests, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. A personal injury lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Texas, don’t wait. Contact a personal injury lawyer today and get the help you need.