Even if you have been involved in a car crash, you may still be uncertain of what to do if it happens again. Accident victims often have many questions, including how to deal with the insurance company, handling partial fault for the accident, and hiring a qualified attorney.
If you have questions, contact a trusted Houston personal injury attorney at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD. Nhan Nguyen, Nader Rabie, and our entire team of legal professionals have a proven track record of securing verdicts and settlements for our clients.
We are going to take a look at the most common questions asked by Houston car crash victims and provide some advice on what you should ask your attorney as you consider your legal options.
What Should I Do Right After a Car Accident?
We advise that accident victims seek immediate medical treatment, especially if they suffered serious injuries. Call 911 to report the accident to the authorities. Take pictures of the scene of the crash and any resulting injuries. Take down contact information for any witnesses, including names, phone numbers, and addresses. Be wary when speaking to insurance adjusters about the crash — your attorney can handle communications with the insurance provider.
How Much Compensation Should I Expect?
The value of your claim depends on many factors, including who was at fault for the accident, the severity of your injuries, whether your injuries made you miss work, the involved insurance policies, and whether you suffered from psychological or emotional damages.
How Long Do I Have to File My Injury Claim?
Texas law requires that most car crash claims be filed within two years from the date of the accident. However, there are certain circumstances that may adjust the deadline, and that is why it is crucial to discuss your case with a qualified attorney in order to know the time you have to file your individual claim.
What If I Am Partially at Fault?
In some cases, accident victims believe they may have contributed to the accident and may feel the need to apologize to the other driver, but this could be viewed as an admission of guilt by the insurance provider and can be used against you later.
You may be partially liable. However, you should discuss this with your lawyer — not the insurance company. Your conversations with your lawyer concerning your claim are confidential and are protected by attorney-client privilege.
If your lawyers believe you are partially responsible, you may still be entitled to lost compensation. Texas’ comparative negligence laws allow you to qualify for compensation as long as you are no more than 50% liable for causing the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.
What Should I Say to the Insurance Company?
Insurance providers train their adjusters to search for ways to discredit your claim and trick you into saying things that can lower the value of your claim. Insurance providers would be out of business if they paid out huge settlements to every single accident victim.
If an insurance adjuster calls you after a crash, you should only provide essential information about the accident, like when and where it took place. If you provide too much information, you could accidentally say something that hurts your claim.
Houston Personal Injury Lawyers
West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD has the knowledge and experience to make sure your case is treated fairly and that the liable party is held responsible. When you have been injured in an accident, your focus should be on healing yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally so you can return to your normal life. Contact our offices today at 713-840-7200 to discuss your case with a qualified Houston personal injury lawyer.
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