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Car accidents can be stressful and scary situations. Although, even a small fender bender can be a headache. With the help of a Texas car accident attorney, you can seek the compensation you deserve after an accident. With the right strategy, you can receive financial remuneration for personal injuries and property damage. But there are a few things about Texas car accident laws you need to know before filing a claim or lawsuit.
Reporting a Car Accident in Texas
You do not need to report all accidents to the local police or sheriff’s office. Full guidelines for reporting vehicle accidents are laid out in Texas Transportation Code 550.026. Generally speaking, you only need to report an accident if it meets certain conditions. In Texas, you are only legally required to report a car accident if that accident resulted in injury/death or damage to a vehicle that renders it unsafe to drive away from the scene.
Dealing with Car Insurance
There is no state law requiring you to report your accident to your insurance company. However, the sooner you do report your accident and begin the claims process, the better your odds are for receiving compensation. Texas state laws set the statute of limitations for car accidents at two years. This means that if you do not file an insurance claim or lawsuit within a two-year period from the date of the accident, you can no longer seek compensation.
It’s important to note that contacting your Texas car accident attorney before your insurance company is always a good idea. Your insurance adjuster works for your insurance, not for you. They’ll be more interested in saving their own money and trying not to pay, while your attorney will fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
Texas Comparative Fault Laws
Like most states, Texas follows a fault-based system for car accident compensation. This means that your ability to seek financial assistance with injuries and property damage depends on who’s at fault for the accident. The at-fault driver and their insurance company are responsible for the payout.
However, Texas also has a modified comparative fault rule for situations where two or more drivers are at fault. In these situations, any driver who was under 50% responsible for the accident can seek compensation. This compensation, however, scales with their percentage of fault. For example, if a driver is found to be 10% at fault for the accident, they are able to receive 90% of the compensation they would be awarded.
How a Texas Car Accident Attorney Can Help
If you were recently in a car accident, you don’t have to struggle through the aftermath alone. Moreover, as a knowledgeable and certified Texas car accident attorney, Attorney Vickery is here to help. With his years of expertise, Attorney Vickery will help you navigate the claims process. He’ll fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve. For help with your car accident, call the Vickery Law Firm today at (903) 504-5490 or send an email to ron@vickerylawfirm.com to schedule a consultation.
