Close to 440,000 vehicle crashes and accidents were reported on Texas roads in 2019. Some accidents were minor bumps, but others involved fatalities and extensive property and vehicle damage. After an accident, you may feel overwhelmed and shocked, but taking appropriate action is necessary and important. Among other things, you have to consider hiring a skilled Houston car accident attorney, even though it is not mandatory by law. Here’s more on accident laws in Texas and benefits of having an attorney.
A quick look at the laws
If a police officer didn’t investigate the case, you are required by law to file a crash report within 10 days of the accident. This is a must for all car accidents and crashes that resulted in injury or property/vehicle damage. The statute of limitations in Texas allows for two years to file personal injury lawsuits after an accident, but this doesn’t apply to insurance claims. Inform your insurer immediately and contact the at-fault party’s insurer within a reasonable time.
Benefits of having an attorney
There are many reasons why you may want to engage a car accident attorney for your case-
- For protecting your rights. Texas follows the “modified comparative fault” rule. This means that if you had a share of fault, your awarded compensation will be reduced by that percentage. In the real world, people involved in an accident often end up blaming one another. So that the entire blame doesn’t fall on you, you need a car accident attorney by your side.
- For maximizing compensation. The claims adjuster of the at-fault party’s insurer may contact you with an offer, but this is likely to be way less than what you deserve. With an attorney by your side, you don’t have to deal with the insurance company on your own. An experienced car accident attorney knows everything about state laws and can see through the tactics used by the insurance company.
- For handling the paperwork. From filing the claim to negotiating with the insurer and filing a personal injury lawsuit, your accident attorney will take care of everything. They will ensure that you get a fair deal, no matter the circumstances. The paperwork can otherwise can be hard to understand and finish.
Check online now for the best-rated accident attorneys in Houston. The first meeting with an attorney doesn’t have to cost anything, and you can ask all relevant questions related to your case.
