
If you ever have the misfortune of getting involved in a car accident anywhere in Texas, the first step is to call emergency services. Drivers in Texas are required to carry a minimum liability insurance coverage of $30,000 per person for bodily injury, besides $60,000 per incident. In addition to this, all drivers are also required to carry a minimum liability insurance of$25,000 in property damage. Note that Texas is an at-fault law state, which means that the insurance company of the driver at fault pays the compensation. However, in case the injuries and losses are way beyond what the insurance company can cover, the victim may file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver/party at fault. No matter your circumstances, consulting with a Houston car accident attorney will come in handy. Here are some things worth knowing.
Is it mandatory to hire a personal injury lawyer?
No, hiring an attorney for your car accident case is not mandatory at all. You can choose to file your claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company by yourself. However, remember that insurance companies are never willing to increase their liability, so the offer they make is likely to be lesser than what you deserve. You need a car accident attorney, who can negotiate with the insurance company and get the settlement you deserve.
Know what your settlement is worth
Texas follows the comparative fault rule. This means that if you have a role in the accident, your share of the settlement will reduce accordingly. For example, if your share of fault in the accident is less than 50%, you can expect to get a considerable amount from the insurance company of the other party. However, if you have major role in the accident, no matter your injuries, you wouldn’t get any settlement. Sometimes, the fault is not clear in car accidents, which may lead to a blame game. Hire a car accident attorney, because they will handle things on your behalf.
Filing the personal injury lawsuit
If the insurance company of the at-fault party denies your claim, you may need to file a lawsuit against the other driver. The whole process can be overwhelming, for which having a car accident attorney always helps. They can take things forward, and if negotiations don’t go through, they may even choose to go to trial.
Check for top-rated attorneys in Houston right after your car accident.
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