How to Handle Insurance Disputes After a Car Accident in Texas

The aftermath of any personal injury is filled with stress, confusion, and trauma. However, you may be eligible for financial compensation if you or a loved one were harmed in an injury-causing accident that was another party's fault in Texas. The insurance policy of the negligent party or motorist will often cover your damages.

That said, it's important to understand the dos and don'ts of dealing with insurance companies in Texas, as well as your legal options. Moreover, contacting a lawyer right away is essential to have the best chance of securing compensation.

How Does Texas Auto Insurance Work?

All Texas motorists, like motorists in most other states, are required by law to maintain liability insurance. State law often requires a bare minimum of liability coverage. This insurance will cover the costs of any necessary medical attention, vehicle repairs, or a rental automobile if you are involved in an accident.

According to the Texas law on auto insurance coverage, the following are mandatory forms of liability insurance in the Lone Star State:

• Individual injury compensation of $30,000.
• Costs associated with injuries to two or more persons amount to $60,000.
• Damages to property are limited to $25,000 per incident.

Different Types of Motor Vehicle Insurance

In addition to mandatory liability insurance in Texas, motorists statewide are free to choose from various optional coverages. The following are among the many options drivers may choose:

• PIP Coverage: No matter who caused the accident, those with PIP insurance will get financial reimbursement for their medical bills and 80% of their lost income. Compensation in the event of an accident caused by a driver without insurance or with insufficient coverage is provided by this insurance for uninsured/underinsured motorists (UM/UIM).
• UM Coverage: In Texas, drivers must have the same minimum liability and (UM/UIM) coverage, with individual injury compensation of $30,000. Meanwhile, costs associated with injuries to two or more persons amount to $60,000,  and damages to property are limited to $25,000 per incident.
• Comprehensive/Collision Coverage: If your car is damaged in an accident, collision insurance will pay to fix or replace it. By contrast, comprehensive insurance will pay to repair or replace if your car is stolen or destroyed in any way other than a collision, such as by sleet, hail, an animal, or a fire.
• Medical Care Coverage: This type of insurance for medical care covers related expenses, regardless of who was at fault for an accident.

Texas Fault Laws and Dealing with Insurers

Like many other states, Texas has an "at-fault" insurance system to resolve claims arising from vehicle accidents.

According to this theory, the at-fault party is responsible for covering the injured person's medical expenses and other expenditures from the accident.

The other driver is generally at fault in an accident, but it might also be the carmaker or parts supplier. If an insured driver causes injuries or property damage, the insurance company has to cover payment up to the policy's limits. Again, insurance companies are frequently contacted by accident victims seeking compensation after a car crash.

Plus, after an accident, you should always report it to your insurance company. Notifying your insurance company as quickly as possible is crucial, even if you did not cause the collision. All traffic accidents must be reported to your insurance company in accordance with the conditions of your policy, and an official police report must be made in Texas if any person involved is hurt or if property damage caused by the crash exceeds $1,000.

Moreover, make sure that you do not respond by phone or in writing to the other driver's insurance provider before speaking with an attorney. Whatever statements you make or put in writing to the insurance company about your accident claim might be used against you.

Here's what to do if the insurance company for another driver contacts you:

• Avoid answering questions, and don't go into any detail when describing your accident with your own insurer.
• Consult an attorney immediately.
• If your insurer or the other driver's provider has additional questions, direct both to your lawyer.

Should I Accept an Insurance Settlement?

Per Texas law on personal injury, companies covering at-fault motorists are required to respond within 15 days of your filing.

The insurance company has up to 45 days to make a judgment on whether to pay out your accident claim, but they are required to provide a written explanation for the delay.

Of course, you may want to accept a settlement offer made by the insurance company of the individual who caused your injury if they approve your claim and you have significant out-of-pocket expenditures linked to the accident on top of your usual monthly payments.

The initial settlement offer is usually far lower than the actual amount of your damage claim. In addition, if you accept a settlement offer, you will not be entitled to any more compensation, no matter how much more money you wind up spending in the future because of the accident. Insurers all know this to be true. This is why insurance firms may pressure you into accepting a lowball offer soon after an accident occurs.

If the other insurer tries to make a settlement offer, don't argue your case over the phone. Ask for the offer and the rundown of the offer in writing so that you can review everything with an attorney.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Dallas

Getting in touch with a Dallas personal injury attorney as soon as possible is essential if you're dealing with the aftermath of an accident. You may find that you can collect compensation to help you meet current and anticipated expenses.

At the Rasansky Law Firm in Dallas, we've been helping people hurt in dog attacks, slip-and-fall accidents, car crashes, and so much more for over three decades. In addition, we provide reliable legal counsel to our clients, thanks to our staff of experienced, compassionate car accident lawyers in Texas.

Contact our Dallas injury lawyers at (214) 651-6100 for a free consultation at any time after you have sustained injuries in a Texas accident and need advice on what to do next.