How To File An Insurance Claim Against the Other Driver’s Insurance
In Texas, all drivers are required to have liability insurance. This insurance is intended to cover any injuries and property damage that a motorist might cause to others. If you’ve been involved in a collision in Austin and someone else was to blame, you might wonder if you can file a claim against their insurance. Doing so could help pay for your medical bills if you were injured, get your vehicle repaired, recoup lost wages from time missed from work, and ensure that you aren’t forced to pay for unexpected out-of-pocket expenses from an accident that was not your fault.
However, filing an insurance claim against another driver’s insurance in Texas can be a complex and overwhelming process. That’s why it’s crucial to hire an experienced Austin car accident attorney to help make sure your claim is handled properly. Here, the Austin injury attorneys at the Loewy Law Firm have provided some helpful information on how to protect your claim after an accident, how to file an insurance claim, and how a lawyer could help you recover the full compensation you’re entitled to.
What Are The Insurance Coverage Requirements in Texas?
Texas state law requires that all drivers carry a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage to pay for injuries and property damage in the event of a coll. Specifically, drivers must have:
- $30,000 in coverage for each injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident
- $25,000 in coverage for property damage per accident
This type of insurance is often referred to as 30/60/25 coverage. If an uninsured motorist hits you, the situation can be complicated. It isillegal to drive without insurance in Texas. If the other driver does not have insurance and is found to be at fault for the accident, they may be required to pay for any damages or injuries out of pocket and might face additional criminal charges as a result.
If the other driver does not have sufficient financial resources to cover the damages, you might need to file a claim with your own insurance company to cover the costs. This is where uninsured motorist coverage, which is an optional type of insurance that you can purchase, may be helpful. Uninsured motorist coverage could help pay for your medical bills and repairs to your vehicle if the other driver does not have insurance or if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
What To Do To Protect Your Insurance Claim After a Collision in Austin
If you have been involved in an accident in Texas and need to file an insurance claim against another driver’s insurance, here are the steps you should follow:
- Gather information about the accident. It is important to collect as much information as possible about the accident, including the date, time, location, and details of what happened. Be sure to document the accident by taking photos of the scene and getting the contact information of any witnesses.
- Notify your insurance company. Promptly inform your insurance company about the accident and follow their process for reporting it. Your insurance company will be involved in the claims process and will work to protect your interests.
- File a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. You will need to provide the other driver’s insurance company with information about the accident, including details of what happened and the damages you sustained. Be sure to accurately and completely fill out any forms or paperwork required by the insurance company.
- Negotiate a settlement. The insurance company may offer you a settlement to cover your damages. It is important to have an experienced attorney like Adam Loewy on your side to help negotiate a fair and just settlement. If you cannot reach a settlement agreement with the other driver’s insurance company, you may need to consider other options, such as taking legal action.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer to Represent Me?
You should hire an experienced car accident lawyer to help with your claim against the at-fault party’s insurance. Your attorney could help you by:
- Reviewing your insurance policy to ensure that you understand your coverage and what is and is not covered
- Gathering and organizing evidence to support your claim, such as police reports, witness statements, and documentation of damages and injuries
- Negotiating with your insurance company to reach a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit and seeking compensation in court, if necessary
While you could handle your case alone, having a lawyer handle your insurance claim against another driver will likely increase your chances of recovering a larger settlement or award. This is because a skilled car accident lawyer will have the knowledge and experience to negotiate with the insurance company and build a strong case on your behalf.
How An Austin Car Accident Lawyer Could Help If You Need to File a Claim
For more than 15 years, the Austin car accident lawyers at the Loewy Law firm have helped our clients seek fair compensation through insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits against negligent drivers in Texas. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We’ll be ready to stand up and fight for you.