What to Do if Someone Files a Car Accident Claim Against You?

Getting into a car accident is an overwhelming process that can lead to long-term repercussions. For instance, the other driver may turn around and file a car accident claim against you. If this happens, you will need to know what to do next to protect yourself.

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, our Houston car accident lawyers have handled hundreds of Texas car accidents. We can help you navigate the process after someone has filed a car accident claim against you so that you can get the best possible outcome.

Keep reading to find out how to protect yourself after a car accident in case somebody files a claim against you.

Protecting Yourself After a Car Accident in Houston, TX

One of the first things you need to do directly after a car accident is take steps to protect yourself. No matter who is at fault or how the accident occurred, there is always a risk of the other driver turning around and filing a claim against you. Because of this, there are a few things you need to do that can help protect you in the future.

• Call 911: No matter how severe the accident is, calling 911 is often necessary in Texas, depending on the extent of the damage or injuries. Calling 911 also ensures you can get medical care if necessary and that law enforcement will document the accident.
• Don’t admit fault: You need to be very careful regarding what you say to anyone after the accident has occurred. Many things could be interpreted as admitting fault, such as apologizing to the other driver or a bystander.
• Exchange information: After any kind of vehicle accident, you are legally required to exchange information with the other driver. This should include your contact information and insurance information.
• Take photos: If possible, try to take photos of the scene of the crash, your injuries, and property damage to use later. Photographs can act as evidence to showcase what happened and the damages caused.
• Witness information: If you aren’t injured, it is a good idea to get contact information from any bystanders who could provide eyewitness testimony. Your attorney can later contact these witnesses to get a statement for your claim.
• Get medical care: Even if you do not believe you are injured after a car accident, you should still get medical care. Some injuries don’t show up till later, and you will want to document any type of injury for a future personal injury claim.
• Avoid social media: It is crucial to avoid discussing the accident online as this could later be used against you. Even something as innocent as talking about the details of the accident or posting photos could be misconstrued.
• Hire a car accident attorney: You should never try to fight a car accident claim on your own, as there are many legal complexities. A car accident lawyer in Houston can help you create a case and protect your rights if the other driver files a case against you.

Steps to Take if Someone Files a Car Accident Claim

Has someone filed a car accident claim against you after an accident? If so, there are certain steps you need to take to protect yourself and fight this claim.

File an Appeal

If someone has filed a car accident claim against you, you should always try to file an appeal. This is important because having someone file a claim against you does not necessarily mean you are at fault. They may have been at fault but can still file a claim against you, which can have significant legal and financial repercussions.

Most insurance companies have a filing process that you can easily follow to make your appeal.

Gather Evidence

If you follow the steps above after the car accident, you have already gathered some vital evidence. If someone has filed a claim against you, this evidence is more important than ever when it comes to showing that you were not responsible for the accident.

It is always best if you can provide evidence that clearly shows what happened to prove that you weren’t at fault. For instance, there may have been a surveillance camera nearby that caught the accident on camera, or there may have been a few witnesses who could corroborate your side of the story.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Houston

One of the steps to take after getting into a car accident is hiring a car accident lawyer in Houston. However, this is more important than ever if the other driver has filed a claim against you.

The best way to protect yourself against this claim is to have an attorney on your side who can help you dispute it. They can walk you through every step of the process and help you understand what your options are when contesting it. If necessary, your attorney can also represent you in court to prove that you weren’t at fault.

Repercussions of Car Accident Claims Against You

In Texas, most car accident cases are based on negligence, as every driver has a legal duty of care to avoid causing accidents or injury. If the other driver filed a car accident claim against you, this is their way of trying to point the blame towards you. If you were not at fault in the accident, you want to fight this claim, as it can come with long-term repercussions.

For instance, having someone file a car insurance claim against you can result in your auto insurance premiums going up. Having someone file a claim against you can also impact your ability to get compensation from insurance after a car accident.

Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, our car accident lawyers and Houston can help protect your rights after a car accident. We can help you gather important evidence, create a claim, and file an appeal if necessary.

Has someone filed a car accident claim against you? Call our Houston office today at 832-745-4878 to speak with one of our attorneys.