When you sustain significant injuries in a car accident, you might be wondering about your legal options. To recover compensation for your injuries and other crash-related losses, you will need to file a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver. However, it is important to note that you do not have to accept the insurer’s offer of settlement without consulting a dedicated car accident attorney.
Knowing what steps to take when filing a car accident claim in Houston can streamline the process and help you get compensation sooner rather than later. We could assist you in filing a claim against the at-fault driver, anticipate any potential hurdles to recovering the compensation needed, and advise you of your options throughout the process.
Steps to File a Car Accident Claim in Texas
This is a fault-based state for car accident claims, meaning that to recover financial compensation, those injured must file a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance. The driver who caused the crash will be responsible for accident-related injuries and damages in the claim. Below are the steps to take after the Houston auto wreck:
Contact the Police
After a car accident, the responding officer will document the accident and prepare a report, which can support a claim against the person responsible.
Do Not Negotiate
The driver who caused the accident may apologize or accept the blame; they may even offer to pay for any damages out of pocket. However, it is critical to decline any offers and insist the claim go through their insurance company.
Obtain Contact Information
Exchange contact information with the other driver and any eyewitnesses. This could help an injured person obtain contacts for witnesses in case the claim goes to court.
Document What Happened
If possible, write down every detail about the crash, when it happened, where it was located, and the traffic and road conditions. Take photographs of any injuries or damage to the vehicle.
Seek Medical Attention
Even with seemingly minor injuries, it is crucial to document the injury with a healthcare professional. Sometimes, clients will delay treatment because they fear the cost. While this is understandable, a record of the injury will support a claim against the driver’s insurance.
Lastly, be sure to consult an attorney about the claim. A legal professional can review what happened and identify any potential hurdles to financial compensation and will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf for a settlement.
Time Frame to File a Car Accident Claim
There is a limited time frame to bring a claim for personal injuries arising from a car accident. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, victims have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, starting at the time of the accident or injury. While the specific deadlines vary from state to state, it is critical to file a car accident claim within this time. Missing the applicable statute of limitations can forfeit a right to financial compensation.
After a car accident, injured people are entitled to consult an attorney about their claim. A Houston lawyer could advise victims of their legal rights and any potential hurdles to filing their claims. They could also help make the process go smoother to ensure victims obtain the compensation needed to move forward.
Discuss Filing a Claim with a Houston Car Accident Attorney
After a car accident, you need to act quickly to preserve your rights. Not only is there a limited time frame to recover damages, but filing a claim can also have its own hurdles. If liability is in dispute, the insurance company may require additional evidence to establish fault. Additionally, you need to gather all medical records and supporting documentation to build your case.
Although securing a claim can take time, we could help you get started on your case right away and ensure you have all the evidence you need. If you or a loved one were injured in a crash due to another driver’s negligence, we could review the process of filing a car accident claim in Houston with you. Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation.