How Car Accident Compensation Works in Texas
After a serious car accident, many victims are left facing long-term financial burdens. From medical bills to lost income, these expenses can have a serious impact on the victim’s life.
Having an experienced Texas auto injury lawyer on your side can make all the difference in getting you the compensation you deserve. Learn more about how car accident compensation works in Texas, and how Hoover Rogers Law, LLP can help you.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists
If you have been in a car accident, there are a few different ways that your injuries or losses could be covered. One of the most common types of compensation is through your own insurance policy carrier. However, you should never count on this type of compensation alone if you have been injured in a car accident. You should also consult an experienced Houston auto accident attorney for assistance.
In Texas, drivers are required to carry a certain amount of liability insurance in order to lawfully drive on the road. This is designed to protect other drivers from paying out of pocket in the event that they cause an accident.
Many people don’t understand that the minimum insurance required by law is often not enough to cover medical expenses or property damage in a motor vehicle accident. The truth is that medical care can be expensive, and even a small claim can be devastating to someone’s finances.
Another way that your damages can be compensated in an auto accident is through the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage you may have on your own policy. This type of coverage helps pay for your damages if you are hit by an at-fault driver who does not have sufficient liability insurance to fully pay for your injuries and damages.
This can happen for a number of reasons, including if a driver is not carrying insurance or has a suspended license. If you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is important that you speak with an experienced auto accident attorney to ensure that you get the full amount of compensation that you deserve.
An experienced Houston car accident lawyer can help you maximize your recovery and protect your interests in the process. He will conduct a thorough investigation to establish the cause of your injuries or other losses and build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims are notoriously complex, and you should not try to deal with them on your own. It is always best to seek the assistance of a qualified and compassionate lawyer.
Statute of Limitations
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s likely that you want to make a claim for compensation. However, you should know that you only have a certain amount of time to do so. This is called the statute of limitations, and it is important to understand how it works so you can get the help you need.
In most cases, you’ll need to file your claim within two years of the date of the accident. This is a fairly strict deadline, and it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the crash.
There are a few exceptions to the rule, though. For example, if you lose someone in a car accident as a result of their injuries, the statute of limitations begins 2 years after that person’s death instead of when the incident occurred.
One way to prevent missing the statute of limitations is to keep a detailed record of your injury. This can include medical records, police reports, and witness statements. It can also help to take photographs of everything that happened, including the location and extent of your injuries.
This will allow your attorney to gather evidence for your case. It’s also helpful to have a good understanding of how the statute of limitations for car accidents in Texas operates.
The statute of limitations in Texas is a very strict two years. If you don’t file your lawsuit before the deadline, you can lose all rights to sue the other party. This is a serious matter, and you’ll need an experienced lawyer on your side to help ensure that you don’t lose your opportunity to recover for your losses.
It’s especially important to be aware of the statute of limitations in Texas if you were injured as a result of the at-fault driver’s negligence. This is because it can be difficult to prove your damages when you’re not sure who was at fault for the accident.
In addition, the state of Texas uses a modified comparative negligence standard for car accident cases. This means that if you are partially at-fault for the accident, you will receive a percentage of your damages based on how much you were at fault.
Damages
In Texas, victims of car accidents are entitled to compensation for all the damages they suffer due to the other driver’s negligence. This includes economic and non-economic damages such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.
Typically, the victim’s attorney will build a case that shows that the other driver was negligent in their actions. This can be accomplished through witness testimony and accident reconstruction experts.
If you were involved in a serious car accident that resulted in injury, it is important to seek the legal guidance of a lawyer as soon as possible. This is because each state has a statute of limitations for filing lawsuits, which is often two years from the date of the accident.
It is also critical to consult with a car accident lawyer before the time limit expires because insurers often use stalling tactics that can delay or even prevent you from filing your claim.
A qualified Houston car accident lawyer can help you understand the full extent of your damages, so you can ensure that you receive fair compensation for all of your losses. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
The value of your car accident claim will depend on many factors, including your injuries, past and future medical expenses, property damage, loss of income, pain and suffering, and more. You need a car accident lawyer who knows how to calculate these numbers and who has the experience to back up their claims with evidence.
In addition to compensatory damages, injured victims may also be awarded punitive damages. These are sometimes referred to as “exemplary” damages, and they serve to deter the at-fault party from engaging in behaviors that are dangerous or reckless. Examples of exemplary damages include purposely running red lights or stop signs, negligent truck driver hiring practices, and other egregious actions.
The total amount of compensation you receive will be based on a formula that determines the percentage of fault that each driver contributed to the accident. In Texas, this is called a “modified comparative negligence” rule.
Insurance Coverage
A car accident can leave you with a lot of expenses that you aren’t sure how to pay for. Medical bills, car repair costs and lost wages can add up quickly.
If you are in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you can file a personal injury claim with their insurance company to receive compensation for your losses. However, it is important to understand how car accident compensation in Texas works so you can make the best decisions possible.
The law requires that all drivers have liability coverage to protect against the cost of damages if they cause an accident. In Texas, drivers must have $30,000 for one person and $60,000 for all people injured in a single accident, plus $25,000 for property damage.
Liability coverage pays for the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle, repairing the other driver’s vehicle and paying their medical bills. It also covers your legal fees if you decide to sue for damages.
You can purchase optional coverage that may help you get additional compensation, such as personal injury protection (PIP). PIP offers financial compensation for your medical bills and a portion of your lost income while recovering from injuries sustained in a crash.
Moreover, you can purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to make up for the damages that might not be covered by your own policy. This option is especially helpful in hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault party is not found.
A skilled Houston, Galveston, San Antonio or Dallas auto accident attorney knows how to handle these claims and can help you recover the damages you deserve. They can also help you negotiate with your insurance company to get you the most money possible for your losses.
The amount of money you receive for your claim depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries and the fault of the at-fault parties. The average settlement in a Texas car accident lawsuit can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
However, if you want the best chance at getting a settlement that will cover your medical expenses and lost wages, it is essential to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. In Texas, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.