What Are My Rights After a Texas Car Accident?

Most drivers will experience a car accident at some point, as accidents are very common. You could be the best driver on the road, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you are completely safe from other drivers. Because of this, it is crucial that you understand your rights regarding car accidents and the car accident laws in the state of Texas.

You may be the victim of another driver, which can result in significant property damage and bodily injuries. If that is the case, you will most likely want to file a lawsuit to receive compensation to help you cover your damages.

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and experienced legal representation to our clients. We have worked on hundreds of car accident cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Keep reading to find out what to do after a car accident in the Houston area and how to get compensation.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas

The main thing you need to understand about your rights after a car accident in Texas is that you have the right to compensation. If you were not at fault, you could be entitled to compensation for things like medical expenses, property damage, fatalities, lost wages, etc.

If you believe you are entitled to compensation, there are certain things you need to do directly after the collision. Taking these steps ensures you are following the law as well as building a substantial case.

Report the Accident

According to Texas law, any driver involved in an accident is required to immediately report the accident to the police department or the sheriff’s office. This is required if there is an injury or death as a result of the accident or a vehicle is damaged to the extent that it cannot be safely driven from the scene of the collision.

Texas law does not require you to report the accident to your insurance company, but most policies do require this from the policyholder. You should ideally report the accident to your insurance company as quickly as possible so they can start their investigation. If you wait too long, they may be able to deny coverage.

Ensure you have read your insurance policy and understand the timeframe for reporting the accident.

Get Medical Care

Car accidents can lead to a variety of bodily injuries that may or may not be immediately noticeable. Things like bruising, cuts, and broken bones are easy to spot and must be treated immediately. However, there are also other serious injuries that you may not realize you have, such as internal injuries or a concussion.

It is always safer to seek medical care after an accident, whether you think you are injured or not. Doing this will also help support your claim later on if you have injuries you want compensation for.

Exchange Information

Another crucial step you need to take is exchanging your contact and insurance information with the other driver. This is necessary, no matter who caused the accident or how many drivers are involved.

Keep in mind that it is best to limit communication with the other involved drivers. Simply exchange contact and insurance information and go back to your vehicle instead of discussing what happened.

Collect Evidence

If you are not physically injured, you can take an additional step and start collecting evidence at the scene of the collision. The police will do this for their own report, but it is helpful to have this information as well, especially if they miss something. You can collect evidence such as:

• Video footage of the scene
• Photographs of property damage
• Photographs of bodily injuries
• Witness contact information

Hire an Attorney

As quickly as you can, you want to take the final step of hiring an experienced auto accident attorney. An attorney can represent you and help you create a substantial lawsuit that will help you get the compensation you deserve. They will also be responsible for communicating with the other involved parties to negotiate on your behalf.

Statute of Limitations For Car Accident Lawsuits

If you wish to file a lawsuit after a car accident, you need to understand the legal timeframe for auto lawsuits. In Texas, the statute of limitation for a motor vehicle accident is approximately two years. There may be some adjustments if the victim is a child or you cannot identify the at-fault party.

If the statute of limitation expires, the court will dismiss your lawsuit, which removes any opportunity for receiving compensation.

Common Challenges Getting Compensation After an Accident

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for drivers to experience issues when trying to get compensation for damages. Most of the time, this is a result of insurance companies refusing to pay or not providing a fair settlement amount. In these instances, you need an experienced car accident attorney who can negotiate on your behalf or take them to court.

You may also run into difficulties if the at-fault party cannot be identified. This can happen if it is not clear who caused the accident or if it was a hit-and-run accident. In both instances, an investigation will need to be opened, and your attorney can help you document evidence to prove that you were the victim.

If the driver that hit you was uninsured, this can also make receiving compensation a bit more difficult. You may have a policy that provides coverage in this instance, or you may need to file a lawsuit against the driver for damages.

Contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys For Legal Representation

Every car accident case will be very different depending on the situation and who was at fault. Because of this, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced auto accident lawyer in Texas. At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we can help you collect evidence, build a case, and negotiate a settlement. We will protect your rights and hold the at-fault parties responsible.

For legal representation in a car accident case, contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys today at 832-745-4878.