At our firm, we receive plenty of questions related to car accidents that happen in and around the Dallas area. Here, we want to take some of the most common questions that we get asked and provide brief answers. Feel free to reach out to our Dallas car accident attorneys for a free consultation of your case today.
The most important thing you need to keep in mind if you are struck by a hit-and-run driver is to not chase down any driver that flees the scene. Briefly, the steps you need to take immediately following a hit and run accident should be the following:
Fault in the aftermath of a vehicle accident will be determined using a variety of evidence. When our attorneys investigate the car accident to determine liability, the evidence that we are looking for includes:
If all of the evidence gathered does not clearly prove fault, it may be necessary to work with a skilled accident reconstruction expert who can use the evidence as well as their scientific expertise to help paint a clear picture of what happened.
The number one thing you need to remember is that insurance claims adjusters are going to look for any way to limit the amount of money they pay out in a settlement. This means you need to be wary when speaking to an insurance adjuster after an accident occurs. First, you need to decline to give a recorded statement. You also need to decline to sign over all of your medical records to the insurance adjuster. The more you speak and the more you turn over, the better the chance that the claims adjuster will find a reason to limit the settlement amount or even deny the claim. We strongly advise you to seek assistance from a skilled Dallas car accident attorney who can handle all communication with other parties on your behalf.
If you got into a vehicle accident and did not have insurance, this does not mean that you will not recover any compensation, particularly if the other party was at fault. Texas is a fault-based state when it comes to vehicle accidents, which means that whichever party is found to be liable will be responsible for the other party’s losses. If you caused the crash and did not have insurance, you need to be aware that you will likely be cited by police officers for failing to maintain adequate vehicle insurance, and you could be held personally liable for the expenses of other parties involved.
At our firm, we know that vehicle accident victims in Dallas sometimes miss work while they are recovering from their injuries. This can lead to lost income that could jeopardize your finances. We include lost wages when we file a claim on your behalf with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. You deserve to receive full coverage in these situations. In these cases, lost wages can be calculated by analyzing all of your recent paychecks, bank statements, tax returns, and more. The insurance carrier will also want proof from a doctor that you are unable to work during the time period in question.
Vehicles collide with animals all the time in and around the Dallas area. In many cases, particularly accidents involving deer, this can result in significant property damage. Your vehicle insurance could potentially cover accidents involving animals, but only if you have purchased comprehensive coverage in Texas. When you choose your vehicle insurance plan, comprehensive coverage is not standard. This type of coverage needs to be purchased in addition to the regularly required insurance in the state. If you do not have comprehensive coverage, the insurance carrier will not pay for your vehicle damage. If you do have comprehensive coverage, the cost of the damage will have to exceed whatever deductible you have chosen. Otherwise, you will have to pay for the cost of repairing your vehicle.
If you were a passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident, you should be able to recover compensation for any injuries you sustain. The total amount of compensation you receive will vary depending on the facts related to your particular situation, and you will generally file your claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. However, these situations are not always cut and dry. If one or more driver was at fault for the incident, it may be necessary for you to file a claim against the insurance carrier of each driver involved. As a passenger, it may be necessary for you to retain your own Dallas vehicle accident attorney to help you through this process.
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a Dallas car accident caused by the negligent or wrongful actions of another driver, it is important that you understand how to receive compensation for your losses. At our firm, our attorneys had extensive experience handling these cases, and we are here to help when you need a Dallas car accident lawyer by your side. Here, our team wants to discuss the basic car accident settlement steps so that you have a general idea of what to expect.
Regardless of whether or not your injuries are severe enough to warrant immediate medical care, you need to be evaluated by a doctor. This not only ensures your well-being and prevents any hidden injuries from causing permanent damage, but this also establishes a link between the car accident and your injuries. When insurance carriers see an immediate link between the two, it will be harder for them to deny that the accident caused the injuries.
If you can safely do so at the scene of a crash, you can begin gathering evidence that could help your claim. This can include using a phone or another type of camera to take photos of any damage, injuries, debris, traffic and weather conditions, and more. Additionally, make a note of any cameras on nearby buildings, as your attorney may be able to get the footage from them.
You should get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the crash as well as the insurance information and driver’s license number of any other drivers involved. Finally, make sure you know how to get a copy of the accident report filled out by law enforcement officials.
Soon after an accident occurs that was caused by another party, you will likely be asked by their insurer to make a statement and to sign a release of liability statement. Our Dallas car accident lawyers want to make a few statements here:
If an insurance company calls you soon after an accident, do not give a recorded statement and do not talk about the incident other than basic facts (where it happened, who was involved, etc.). As soon as you feel any pain after an accident, go to the doctor and let them start a treatment plan.
Consider seeking assistance from an attorney soon after an accident occurs that was caused by another person. Your lawyer will handle all communications with insurance carriers and other parties.
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a car accident caused by the careless or negligent actions of somebody else, contact the team at our firm for help with your case today. Our attorneys have the resources and experience necessary to conduct a full investigation into your claim and help you secure the compensation you need. When you need a Dallas car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling us at 214-295-2900.
