Being involved in a car accident can leave you shaken and confused about your next steps. With Texas roads being some of the busiest in the nation, knowing how to handle the aftermath of a collision is essential for protecting your rights and securing proper compensation.
Your actions immediately following a crash can significantly impact your ability to recover damages. Understanding Texas compensation laws can help you confidently navigate this complicated process and ensure that you don’t miss critical deadlines.
Vital first steps after a crash
Safety should be your top priority immediately following an accident. What you do in these first moments matters. Important steps include:
- Checking yourself and others for injuries
- Moving vehicles to a safe location, if possible
- Calling 911, even for minor accidents
- Exchanging information with other drivers involved
- Taking photos of the scene and the damage
- Collecting contact information from witnesses
Stay at the scene until the police arrive. If you take off early, you can face hit-and-run charges, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Understanding Texas compensation laws
Texas operates under an “at-fault” system, which directly affects how you recover damages after an accident. Important features of Texas’s car accident compensation rules include:
- You must carry minimum liability insurance (30/60/25 coverage)
- The at-fault driver’s insurance typically pays for damages
- Modified comparative negligence rules apply – if you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages
- Your compensation decreases by your percentage of fault
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% at fault, you’ll receive $80,000. This makes establishing the other driver’s liability crucial to your case.
Protecting your right to compensation
Time is of the essence when seeking compensation for your injuries and damages in Texas. Steps you can take to safeguard your interests include:
- Seeking medical attention promptly, even for seemingly minor injuries
- Reporting the accident to your insurance company right away
- Obtaining a copy of the police report within 10 days
- Keeping detailed records of all accident-related expenses
- Being aware of the two-year statute of limitations for filing claims
One important note is that insurance companies focus on protecting their own financial interests rather than yours. That’s why it’s essential not to accept a settlement offer without understanding the full implications.
Working with a skilled car accident attorney who can guide you through the complex claims process and evaluate insurers’ offers can protect your right to receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.