Car accidents can be life-changing events, resulting in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. If you were injured in a car accident in Texas, you may be wondering how to get the compensation you deserve. The legal procedure can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to recover and get your life back on track. That’s where Tate Accident Law comes in. Our experienced Texas personal injury attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Understanding how car accident compensation works in Texas can help you make informed decisions about your case. This guide breaks down what compensation you may be entitled to, what factors affect the value of your claim, and how a personal injury attorney can help you maximize your settlement.
How Much Compensation Can I Get After a Car Accident in Texas?
One of the most common questions we hear from car accident victims is, “How much compensation can I get?” The response is based on the specifics of your case, such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the circumstances surrounding the event. In Texas, compensation is intended to cover both economic and noneconomic damages, ensuring that you are adequately rewarded for your losses.
What’s the Average Auto Accident Settlement in Texas?
While each case is unique, the average vehicle accident compensation in Texas can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. Minor accidents with minimal injuries may result in lower settlements, whereas serious accidents involving catastrophic injuries, long-term disability, or wrongful death can result in much higher compensation.
For example, the compensation for a minor whiplash injury could range from $10,000 to $20,000, whereas a case involving a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage could result in a settlement or verdict in excess of $1 million. However, these amounts are only averages, and your case may be valued more or less depending on the circumstances.
What Factors Affect My Compensation?
Several factors can determine how much compensation you receive following a car accident in Texas. This includes:
- The Severity of Your Injuries: More serious injuries usually result in larger compensation due to increased medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Medical Expenses: The cost of your medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation, plays a significant role in determining your settlement.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to get compensation for your lost income and future earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Your settlement includes compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle as well as other damaged property.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are considered when calculating compensation.
- Shared Fault: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the accident. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.
An experienced personal injury attorney can accurately determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to. Your attorney will conduct an investigation to determine all of the facts surrounding the accident and calculate your economic and non-economic losses.
Damages Your Texas Personal Injury Attorney Can Pursue On Your Behalf
When you partner with Tate Accident Law, our team will vigorously pursue every form of compensation that Texas law entitles you to. Here are the damages we can seek on your behalf.
- Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and future medical expenses.
- Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for intangible losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
When seeking compensation for your car accident injuries, remember that evidence is the foundation of a successful claim. Whether you’re seeking economic damages such as medical expenses and lost income, non-economic damages for pain and suffering, or punitive damages, you’ll need strong evidence to support your case.
Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Texas?
In Texas, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is usually responsible for covering your medical bills. However, insurance companies frequently attempt to reduce settlements, which is why having a skilled lawyer on your side is important. Tate Accident Law will negotiate with the insurance company to guarantee that your medical expenses are properly reimbursed.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for compensation under your insurance policy, depending on your coverage. Our team of experts will analyze your policy and consider all available options to ensure you receive the payment you require.
Texas Is an “At-Fault” State
Texas has an at-fault system for car accidents, which means that the driver who caused the collision is responsible for paying for the damages.
Victims can seek compensation in three ways:
- Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider.
- Filing a claim with their own insurance provider (if applicable).
- Filing a personal injury case against the at-fault driver.
Texas also follows a modified comparative negligence law, which means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be lowered by your proportion of responsibility. However, you will not receive any compensation if your fault exceeds 50%.
How To Increase the Value of a Car Accident Case
If you sustained injuries in a car accident, you might be considering ways to optimize the value of your claim. One of the most effective methods to accomplish your goal is to gather compelling evidence to back up your assertion. Here’s how:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: It is crucial to consult a doctor immediately, regardless of the severity of your injuries. Delaying treatment may allow the insurance company to claim your injuries were minor or not caused by the accident.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses, and how your injuries have impacted your daily life. Photograph the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Failure to comply with suggested treatment may hurt your case. Make sure to attend all appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Avoid Social Media: Insurance companies frequently keep an eye on claimants’ social media accounts for evidence they could use against them. Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries online.
- Hire an Experienced Attorney: A skilled personal injury attorney can help you build a strong case, negotiate with the insurance company, and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help with My Claim?
Hiring a Texas personal injury attorney can dramatically improve your chances of receiving adequate compensation following a vehicle accident. At Tate Accident Law, we’re here to take the burden off your shoulders and fight for your rights. Here’s how we can help:
- Evaluate Your Case: An attorney can assess the value of your claim and advise you on the best course of action.
- Gather Evidence: Building a strong case requires collecting medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but an attorney can negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
- Handle Legal Paperwork and Deadlines: Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. An attorney ensures all legal documents are filed correctly and on time.
- Represent You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Being injured in a vehicle accident can be frightening and life-changing, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Understanding how compensation works in Texas and following the appropriate actions after an accident will help you protect your rights and receive the settlement you deserve. A skilled car accident attorney from Tate Accident Law can guide you through the claims process, ensuring that you receive full and fair compensation.
