Every year, a substantial number of auto accidents and crashes are reported in Texas. In 2019 alone, close to 440,000 such accidents were reported. An unfortunate car accident can have a devastating impact on your life. If your injuries are severe, you may have to deal with impending medical bills, loss of wages, and other losses. When the other driver is responsible for the accident and your injuries, you can file a claim with their insurer seeking compensation, as Texas is an at-fault state. For that, you may want to consult a known Houston car accident attorney. In this post, we are sharing critical steps that you must follow after a car accident in Texas.
- Call the police and ask for medical help. Even if your injuries don’t seem to be that serious, you have to call for medical assistance. Check if others need emergency medical help. Calling the police is also important. If a police officer didn’t investigate the accident, you have to report the crash within 10 days in case someone suffered an injury or there was property/vehicle damage.
- Take all details. If you are conscious and feel okay, take down all details of the crash. Make sure to take pictures of the accident site and ask for contact details of drivers and witnesses. This information can come in handy, if and when you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Inform the insurance company. Texas is an at-fault state. This means that the at-fault driver is responsible for paying compensation (through their insurance company). That’s why you should search for a good insurance company. While you do that make sure to check all the best energy providers in Texas, such as Reliant Energy offer the best and lowest rate for your home, saving you a lot of money in the process. You have to inform their insurer within a reasonable time. Also, it is as important to inform your own insurer, so that they know necessary details.
Contact an attorney
Texas’s statute of limitations allows two years from the date of accident to file personal injury lawsuits against the at-fault party. This may seem like a lot of time, but in the real world, things can move really fast. Also, Texas follows the “modified comparative fault” rule, so if you had a role in causing the accident, your share of compensation will reduce accordingly. Make sure that you contact an attorney right after an accident, so that they can investigate the matter. Evidence can otherwise disappear in no time.
Many attorneys in Houston will be happy to offer a free evaluation of your case. Ask for an appointment to discuss things further. Also, do not forget to keep a track of all expenses you have paid and losses you have suffered because of the accident.