Car Wreck Settlement How-To Guide
When seeking a car wreck settlement, there are certain steps you should follow in order to increase your chances of obtaining a suitable settlement.
Car accidents occur by the thousands nationwide, every day. Almost every one of them comes with insurance claims and possible legal action. However, every state deals with insurance and legal claims differently, including Texas. Though many steps are similar, knowing these tips about how to get a car wreck settlement in Texas will boost your chances of success.
TIP ONE: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING
Facts are your friends. After taking care of any emergency situation, make sure to gather the following information:
- Contact and Insurance information of everyone involved. Get pictures if you can
- Photos of the scene
- License plate and vehicle identification numbers
- Contact information of any and all witnesses
- Recordings of what happened from witnesses if possible
- The reporting police officer’s contact and badge information
TIP TWO: REMEMBER TO BE TIMELY
Time plays an important role when processing a car wreck settlement in Texas. Three important time frames to remember are 10 days, 15 days, and 2 years.
10 days is how long you have to report an accident to TxDot if a police officer was not a present and serious injury, death, or car damages cost over 1000 dollars. This normally occurs when accident participants did not originally anticipate high repair costs.
15 days is how long insurance companies have to approve or deny your claim. Some may try to push you to a decision prematurely to save money and others may attempt to drag your case out. Once your claim has been approved, insurance companies in Texas have 5 days to fulfill it.
2 years is your window from an accident to take legal action. Should you have ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering from your accident that has not been properly reimbursed, Texas will honor your claim for 2 years.
TIP THREE: KNOW WHO TO CALL FOR HELP
Securing a car wreck settlement in Texas is generally straight forward. However, if you are being pushed by insurance companies or have not been fairly treated, it is time to call for help. Choose a local accident attorney who knows the laws in the state where your accident occurred and how to get you what you deserve.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Pat Maloney specialize in car wreck settlements and have a proven record of getting clients the settlements they need. Give them a call. They know how to help.
Pat Maloney, Jr. is a skilled San Antonio personal injury lawyer who has acted as lead counsel and co-counsel in many multi-million dollar verdicts throughout Texas. Pat Maloney represents people injured in car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and more. He is well known for his expertise in representing victims of serious personal injuries and has participated as a lecturer in the field of personal injury litigation. He has been named as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” Reference Book every year for the last five years.