After a car accident, you may wonder what you’re supposed to do next. Will insurance cover your damages? Can you sue the other driver?
Insurance will pay for your medical bills and property damage, but first, you must make a claim. Learn what you’ll need to recover compensation for injuries sustained in a Texas motor vehicle crash.
Collect Evidence at the Accident Scene
Many victims don’t think about collecting evidence after a crash, which makes sense. You’re probably dazed and shell-shocked, and you may have injuries to tend to. Then the police arrive, along with paramedics, and before you know it, it’s too late to gather any evidence.
If you’re still at the accident scene and feel well enough to do so, take pictures of your surroundings, your car, and the other driver’s car. Speak to witnesses if you can find any, as this will probably be your only chance to talk to those who saw the accident happen.
See Your Doctor
You need to know how badly injured you are. It is best to generate medical records from any provider who treated you after the accident.
Gather all accident-related bills for ambulance transportation, hospitalization, surgery, medication, and medically necessary equipment.
Understand the Damages You Can Seek
Damages you can seek depend on your case but typically include:
- Damage to your car and others’ property
- Accident-related medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Speak to a Texas motor vehicle crash attorney to help determine the value of your damages.
Determine Who Is Liable
If another driver hits you, you might consider them liable for the accident, and that may be true. However, you may also be partially at fault. You can’t seek compensation in Texas if you’re more than 50% at fault.
Motor vehicle defects can contribute to accidents, too. For instance, air bags may fail to deploy (or deploy when they shouldn’t) because of a flaw in the car.
If a defect in your vehicle contributes to an accident, you may be able to hold the manufacturer liable with the help of an experienced lawyer.
File a Claim With Your Insurance Company
Next, you will typically file a claim with your insurance company. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely call you for a statement. No matter how pushy the adjuster is, you are by no means obligated to tell them anything. Instead, you can direct them to contact your attorney with their questions.
If the insurance company offers a settlement, don’t accept it right away. Many insurers will offer a lowball amount at first, and if you take it, you can’t ask for more money later. Talk to your lawyer before accepting to know whether the offer is fair. If it isn’t, they can negotiate for a bigger number.
Contact an Attorney From McLaurin Law
If you’re injured and feeling lost after your accident, McLaurin Law is here to guide you. Our attorneys can determine fault, calculate your damages, and deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
For a consultation with a Texas motor vehicle crash attorney about your case, call McLaurin Law at (713) 528-8012.
