If you've been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Houston, you're probably wondering whether you should file a lawsuit or talk to a Houston car crash attorney. Depending on the severity of the injuries and the extent of damages, your case may be settled out of court, but many cases start as insurance claims and move toward litigation as soon as the injured party is no longer able to reach an agreement. If the damages are high, filing a lawsuit immediately may be the best course of action.
When filing a lawsuit, insurance companies will try to minimize the amount of money they pay out because they don't want to spend the time or money fighting with you. The good news is that the insurance company will often work with you on a contingency fee basis, so you have absolutely no out-of-pocket costs. The insurance company will likely offer you a settlement, but you're not going to get more than $15,000 without hiring an attorney.
Documents pertaining to the accident are important to your case, including insurance information and photos of visible injuries. If you're not able to do this, ask someone else to call on your behalf. Regardless of who was at fault, you should never give a recorded statement before you have consulted with a Houston car crash attorney. You're under no obligation to provide a recorded statement, and you have the right to decline it.
Insurance coverage and statute of limitations are the two most important laws in Texas. In addition, Texas has many other laws that drivers should know about. By following the proper procedure, you can avoid a costly fine or even jail time for the negligent driver. It's important to hire a Houston car crash attorney if you've been in an accident involving a distracted driver. You deserve justice and to receive the compensation you deserve.
In addition to collecting insurance information, you should also exchange driver's information. Take pictures of the driver's license, insurance policy and insurance card. Also, note down any other important information from these documents. Keeping these details handy will help your Houston car crash attorney prove that the accident was the fault of another party. Moreover, you'll be able to use these documents as evidence in court. If you're at fault, you might still be able to recover damages.
If the driver at fault is not insured, your case may still be eligible for underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage pays for the damages of another person without insurance. If the other party's insurance is not enough to cover your expenses, you'll need to hire a Houston car crash attorney. Having an attorney on your side is always helpful for both you and your loved ones.
When filing a lawsuit, remember that the statute of limitations in Texas is two years. If you don't file your case within this time frame, your claim will be dismissed. The defendant's attorney will file a motion for dismissal and the judge will allow it. This is usually the best course of action. You need to seek compensation for your damages before the statute of limitations runs out. If you don't file your lawsuit, your chances of success will go down the drain.
