Car accidents can be a hassle. They cause damage to your car and injuries to you or your passengers, and they can even cost you hundreds of dollars in auto repairs. They also take time out of your schedule, as you try to get back on the road as quickly as possible. Tens of millions of Americans have been in car accidents, but what happens if you’re involved in one? Each state handles these situations differently, but these are some things you should know about how car accidents work.
Trying to determine who is at fault for a car accident can be difficult. The police report can offer some insight into the accident, but it may not shed light on who was responsible for causing it.
What do you need to know about car accidents? Read on for the best advice from the Accident law firm in Texas about auto accidents. Below are the most common questions asked about this type of incident.
If I file a personal injury claim, will I have to go to court?
After a car accident, you may be wondering if you’ll have to go to court. It’s a common question, especially if you’ve been seriously injured or lost a loved one. In some cases, it is necessary to go to court after an auto accident that causes injury or death.
But not every accident case results in a trial. In most cases, you won’t have to go to court. You may have to go for a deposition, which is a short interview under oath that’s similar to testifying in court. But you shouldn’t have to appear for trial unless your case goes to appeal. And remember: If you win, the other side might appeal (called “appellate litigation”). But if you lose (called “trial”), you don’t get another chance on appeal. Here some other conditions where a trial may be recommended:
- The role of the state’s no-fault insurance system
- The amount of insurance coverage available under the policy of each driver involved in the crash
- How much money is at stake in terms of medical bills and property damage
- Whether you’re planning to file a claim with your own insurance company or hire an attorney immediately afterward
- The severity of injuries to all parties involved
Should I show my medical evaluation and records to the other party’s insurance adjuster?
The answer is no. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask a lot of questions. Some of them may be hard to understand, confusing, or misleading. They may even try to trick you into inadvertently giving them information that could hurt your case. That’s why it’s important to talk with a lawyer before answering any medical questions from an insurance company.
Car accident lawyers know how to evaluate and analyze information in order to help their clients get the best possible compensation for their injuries. Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind, so it’s unwise to allow them access to your medical information before consulting with a personal injury trial lawyer.
Can I rely on my Insurance Company?
The first thing to understand when you’re involved in a car accident is that no one is automatically at fault for the accident or responsible for paying for damages. Liability comes down to the facts of the case and maybe established by driver testimony or video camera evidence.
Insurance companies will try to settle a claim before any investigation takes place, but this isn’t necessarily an attractive option, as many insurance companies will offer less than the value of the car or your medical bills if they think they can get away with it.
If you’re injured during a car accident, your insurance company might cover all or part of your medical expenses, depending on your policy’s coverage. However, again, insurance companies will often try to limit their liability in these situations by offering less than you might expect to receive from a personal injury lawsuit.
If I don’t feel injured after the car crash, do I still need to see a doctor?
If you were injured in a car accident, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. But even if you don’t think you’re injured, the doctor may be able to tell otherwise. It’s also important that your passengers be examined by a physician.
A car accident can cause injuries that are not immediately apparent. You might not realize how badly you’ve been hurt until the next day or two when the pain sets in. In addition, some injuries can take days or weeks to develop. A doctor’s examination can uncover problems that would otherwise go undiagnosed and untreated.
What if I think that the accident was my fault?
If you were involved in an auto accident, someone may have been hurt and you want to do what you can to make it right. But do you tell the other driver that it was your fault? That may be a mistake.
Remember, once you admit fault for the accident, even if only partially, all of your rights to injury compensation are gone. You will not be able to sue the at-fault driver or his insurance company for damages.
Instead, focus on helping the other parties involved in the accident. Call emergency services if anyone is injured (or was hurt during the incident). Call the police and make a report. If there’s damage to your car, get estimates from repair shops to document your expenses. Keep receipts for everything—you might need them later.
Do I need a car accident attorney?
If you have been injured in an accident, then yes, you should contact a lawyer. An experienced car accident attorney can help you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. Even if you are not injured, but someone else was driving your vehicle at the time of the collision and they are claiming that they were not at fault, then yes, you should contact an attorney.
Speak to an experienced car accident attorney in your area about how you can obtain the money you need to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and any other damages you might have incurred as a result of an auto accident. A lawyer can help by gathering evidence and evaluating the strength of your case. If you decide not to pursue legal action, however, it is still highly recommended that you consult with an attorney to protect yourself from possible liability down the road.
Consult an Experienced Attorney: Atty. Moore
Since establishing Moore Law Firm, Mr. Moore has recruited some of the top legal minds in the state to represent plaintiffs for personal injury and property damage insurance claims. Over his notable legal career, Mr. Moore was named a Multi-Million Dollar Advocate, one of the Best Attorneys of America, received the second largest products liability verdict in Texas, and currently Lead Liaison Counsel In Re: Fraudulent Hospital Lien Litigation, MDL-15-0360. Moore Law Firm seeks to practice law and represent clients aggressively as Mr. Moore has established himself as a distinguished litigator in South Texas.