Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions
After a serious car accident, you probably have a lot of questions: How will I pay my medical bills? When can I go back to work? Who was at fault? What about missed wages? An Austin car accident lawyer from The Loewy Law Firm can help you find the answers. Below, you will find a list of common car accident questions to help you understand you legal rights and options after a serious Austin car accident:
What should I do if I’m hurt in a car accident?
After you seek medical attention, contact a car accident lawyer. You may be entitled to money for medical expenses, missed wages, emotional damages, and other costs associated with your injury. If you aren’t sure about the legitimacy of your car accident case, fill out an online case evaluation form and The Loewy Law firm will help you understand your legal rights and options.
What is my case worth?
Every car accident case is different; a variety of factors will determine the value of your accident claim. Common factors include the cost of your medical bills, whether or not the other driver acted negligently, and whether or not your sustained any noneconomic damages in the accident. Our Austin car accident lawyer can help you assess the value of your claim before you file.
I was partially responsible for the accident. Can I still file a claim?
Yes – you can file a car accident claim even if the other driver was only partially responsible for the accident. If your accident was worth $1 million and you were 25% responsible for the wreck, you may be entitled to $750,000 in damages. Some insurance companies try to avoid paying accident victims who were partially responsible for their accident, but a skilled car accident lawyer can help you obtain the compensation that you deserve.
I don’t think I was hurt in the accident; should I see a doctor anyway?
Yes. Some injuries may not manifest themselves right after the accident. Even serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, can remain hidden for some time after the initial crash. Visit a doctor to make sure that you did not suffer any unapparent injuries.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim?
The Texas statute of limitations states that most injury claims must be filed within two years of the initial trauma, with very few exceptions. The statute of limitations is designed to keep plaintiffs from filing personal injury lawsuits after the evidence surrounding their case is gone. Under certain circumstances you may be able to file a case after the two year window is closed. However, these situations are extremely rare.
Should I tell my insurance company about the accident?
Yes. Most insurance companies require accident victims to notify them right after the accident. Speak with your insurance company as soon after the accident as possible – even if the accident wasn’t your fault. Make sure that you state all of the facts related to accident clearly and avoid blaming other drivers or admitting fault.
What happens if the other driver doesn’t have car insurance?
You may still be able to collect payment for your injury. Although all Texas drivers are supposed to have car insurance, some drivers do not have car insurance. If you were hurt by an uninsured motorist, you may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim to obtain the financial compensation that you deserve. Our Austin car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights during through uninsured motorist claim.
What information do I need from the scene of the accident?
After an accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Once everyone involved in the crash is safe, talk to the other drivers. Exchange contact information with them, such as your names, phone numbers, and other contact information. Exchange insurance information with the other driver as well. If possible, take pictures of any property damage or physical injury related to the accident. Speak with any bystanders and gather information from witnesses. If possible, obtain contact information from anyone who saw the accident and may serve as a witness in the future.
Should I talk to law enforcement at the scene of the accident?
Yes. Speak with police officers after a car accident, but abstain from blaming other drivers. Above all, do not admit fault. Any statement that implies fault (such as “I’m sorry) may be used against you in the future. Instead, stick to the facts and provide relevant information so that law enforcement officers can draw their own conclusions from your testimony. Do not twist any information to make yourself or other drivers seem innocent or at fault.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
Do not give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to a qualified car accident lawyer first. If you must speak with the other driver’s insurance provider, do not say anything that could affect your accident claim – especially if it involves liability.
Contact Our Austin Car Accident Attorney Today
If you have questions about car accident claims in Austin, Texas, call The Loewy Law Firm today. We have more than ten years of personal injury experience helping clients in the Austin area. Contact our office today to see what The Loewy Law Firm can do for your car accident claim.