There is a lot of traffic out there, and when you add in driver negligence, car accidents become nearly inevitable. If you have been injured by another driver’s negligence, obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled is paramount to your ability to recover, and knowing the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding car accidents may help you accomplish this goal.
The Questions
If you have been injured by another driver’s negligence, you have questions, and they may correlate with some of those that are asked most frequently.
Can’t I just trust the car insurance company to compensate me fairly?
The issue of the car insurance company is complicated because, while it is true that the insurance company is paid to cover your damages, it is also a for-profit business that is driven by those profits. Beware of the following telltale signs that the insurance company is attempting to keep your settlement as low as possible:
Rapid claims denial (some claimants will simply give up)
Early, lowball settlement offer
Artificially prolonged and complicated claims process (the claims process is complicated and lengthy enough to begin with)
Doubt cast on the severity of your damages and/or on their policyholder’s fault in the matter
What if I share blame for the car accident?
First of all, just because you believe you may be partially at fault does not mean that you are. This is a matter to discuss with a knowledgeable car accident attorney. Further, even if you do share blame for the accident, the State of Texas does not bar you from seeking compensation for the percentage of fault that the other driver bears (as long as you are not deemed more than 50 percent responsible).
What damages can my claim address?
In your car accident claim, you will carefully address your complete array of damages, which can include:
Property damage to your vehicle
Your medical expenses, which should include your ongoing medical needs
Your lost earnings, which may encompass lost earning potential
Your pain and suffering, which can be more difficult to pinpoint but remains an important component of your damages
Do I really need a car accident attorney?
While the law does not require you to have a car accident attorney in your corner, not doing so can decrease your ability to fully recover for your losses and, thus, to reach your fullest physical recovery. Car accident claims are often quite complicated, and having professional counsel on your side can make a significant difference.