Car accidents are a common sight on Texas highways. According to statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation, 2019 saw 3,893 deaths occur, while thousands of others were left with serious injuries. Sadly, these numbers have always been on the rise even with concerted efforts from state and federal governments to reduce these numbers. If you have been injured in a Katy car accident, you deserve maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Filing a car accident case in Katy is often not an easy process. It may be easy to prove that the other party was negligent and at fault for your injuries. However, the difficulty comes with proving the true value of your injuries, your pain and suffering, and what was taken from your life. But at Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we understand the depths of Texas car accident laws. We have helped victims like you get the justice they deserve, and it all starts with you scheduling a FREE case evaluation with one of our skilled car wreck attorneys.
To successfully file a lawsuit in Katy, there are important steps you must take immediately after you are in an auto wreck. The fate of your claim is largely in your hands, and as such, it’s in your best interests that you understand the following major steps that make up the car accident claim process.
The car accident claim process begins right where the crash occurs. You should collect as much information as you can from the scene. Among the most important things you must do is obtain the other party’s insurance information. This helps you understand the course of action you are likely to take and how the information provided affects your case. For example, if it’s established that the other driver was not insured, it means you can only file a car accident case against your insurance company or the individual party.
Other important pieces of information you should note down are:
Collecting evidence or any other information from the scene should only be done after checking yourself for injuries. If you are severely injured, have someone you trust do that on your behalf.
The second step in filing a car accident case in Katy after collecting the other driver’s insurance information is negotiating with the insurance company. Most personal injury cases settle here depending on how willing the insurance adjuster is. Depending on the seriousness of your injuries, the insurance company may offer an initial settlement that marks the beginning of negotiations. Insurance companies have between 15 to 45 days to respond to your claim according to the Texas Insurance Code 542.056.
Unfortunately, it is not unusual for insurance adjusters to act in bad faith, especially when a lot of money is at stake. For example, they may argue that your injuries are self-inflicted and not related to the accident. They may also argue that you were partially at fault for the accident. By doing so, your compensation may be reduced as per Texas comparative fault rules. The best way to protect yourself is by retaining an aggressive lawyer who understands the tactics used by insurance companies to deny liability.
Settling with insurance companies is never guaranteed. Your ability to recover damages lies in the hands of insurance adjusters. If you strongly believe the offers made do not reflect your actual losses, you may proceed to court. A judge or jury will review your case before making a ruling. The process is very complex, especially for persons without any legal background. So if you decide to self-litigate, you are likely to end up confused about the rules regarding court procedure and what evidence you can and should present. You can avoid all these by hiring a trial-tested Katy car accident attorney. Their experience and legal knowledge are crucial in:
You shouldn’t be afraid of retaining an attorney for your case. Most personal injury law firms such as Lone Star Injury Attorneys have a contingency fee policy. This means that they can only be paid if your car accident case is successful and you receive compensation.
Filing a car accident case in Katy is not for the fainthearted. Sadly, you may not be best suited to fight for your rights when juggling between treatment for your injuries and working on your case. Retaining a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can save you the complex process that personal injury law is. Talk to us today.
