Our Texas car accident lawyers know how the financial toll of a car crash in Texas can add up fast. Emergency medical expenses. Car repairs. Lost income from not being able to work. And the longer your recovery time, the more all these expenses can add up.
If you don't demand the money you deserve for your crash, you could end up paying for many of your accident-related expenses out of your own pocket - even if another driver clearly caused your accident. That's why it's important to talk to a Texas car accident attorney who understands how the legal system works and knows how to get results. That's why you need Tracey Fox & Walters.
Our car accident compensation lawyers are aware of all the different types of financial compensation for car accident victims in Texas. That's because we have helped people get the money they deserve for decades. Learn more about the types of car accident compensation available to you after your accident.
Texas is a fault insurance car accident state
Each state has its own unique legal system when it comes to determining who's responsible for compensating car accident victims. Texas has a fault insurance system. That means the at-fault driver is responsible for compensating the other driver (or drivers) involved in the accident. In most cases, the at-fault driver's insurance company compensates all accident victims, including other injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians or cyclists.
The at-fault driver is defined as the driver who was at least 51 percent at fault. Determining who was at fault might seem straightforward, especially if the other driver clearly caused your accident. Many accidents turn out to be much more complicated. That's because many at-fault drivers – and their insurance companies – deny any wrongdoing or try to downplay the severity of such accidents.
First-party, second-party and third-party car accident claims
Under Texas' fault insurance system, there are three main types of claims normally associated with car accidents. These include:
- First-party claim – Request for financial car accident compensation filed with the injury victim's own insurance company.
- Second-party claim – Request for financial compensation filed by an insurance company after an accident.
- Third-party claim – Request for financial compensation filed by injury victim with the at-fault driver's insurance company.
As your attorney, we can help you decide what's the best method for obtaining the maximum compensation allowed after your accident.
Types of car accident compensation in Texas
The financial impact of a motor vehicle accident can be staggering. Many people only take into account their expenses immediately after an accident. But it's important to factor in every expense when determining the true financial impact of an accident.
Every accident is unique. During the course of someone's lifetime, accident-related expenses can add up to hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. Some of the most common expenses associated with auto accidents include:
- Emergency medical care after an accident
- Long-term hospital care
- Surgical procedures
- Physical therapy
- Lost income during recovery
- Lost future earnings (if you cannot return to work)
- Modifications to a home to accommodate a permanent disability
In addition, you or your family may be able to obtain financial compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
If a loved one died in a car accident, your family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to obtain the money you rightfully deserve.
Common injuries in car accident claims
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, and if you've been involved in one, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional toll. Some common types of injuries victims can claim car accident compensation for include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Fractures and broken bones (Broken ribs, legs, arms, etc.)
- Back injuries, lower back pain
- Neck injuries
- Sciatica (nerve injury)
- Shoulder pain
Minimum car insurance requirements in Texas
Under Texas law, all drivers must have auto insurance. The minimum amount of insurance drivers must have in Texas includes:
- $30,000 for bodily injuries per person per accident
- $60,000 for bodily injuries if two or more people are hurt in accident
Such amounts often don’t cover the complete cost of a car accident. That’s why it’s critical to contact our law firm if the at-fault driver who caused your crash was underinsured (did not have enough insurance) or had no insurance at all.
What if the at-fault driver had no car insurance?
You might think there’s little you can do if the driver who crashed into your car has no insurance coverage, but many legal options exist. That’s why it’s important to contact our law firm as soon as possible.
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company. You can also file a similar claim with your insurance company if you're victim of a hit-and-run car accident.
You may be able to pursue other legal options, but it’s important to speak with an attorney right away. Otherwise, you could miss out on an important opportunity to be fairly compensated.
What is the average compensation for a Texas car accident claim?
Every car accident case is different. So, there is no standard average compensation for a Texas car accident claim. Typically, factors that determine car accident compensation include injury type and severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other things Therefore, someone who is anticipated to suffer lifelong chronic back pain after a car accident will likely recover a higher amount than someone with a fractured arm that is expected to heal.
Ultimately, only an attorney an tell you how much your car accident claim or lawsuit may be worth. That’s why you need to speak with a lawyer about your legal rights and options as soon as possible.
How our Texas car accident compensation lawyers can help you
Under Texas law, you only have a limited amount of time to seek compensation for a car accident. Specifically, the deadline for taking legal action after a car accident in Texas is two years in most cases. Such a deadline is known as the “statute of limitations.”
Two years might seem like a long time, but finding the evidence you need to build a strong, legal case often takes a tremendous amount of work. The longer you wait to take legal action, the harder it can often be to find the facts you need to build a strong case.
Our experienced Texas car accident compensation lawyers know what evidence to look for and how to compile all that information into a compelling, legal case. Remember, you didn’t do anything wrong. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. Put your trust in Tracey Fox & Walters. Contact our law firm right now.
