How to File a Car Crash Claim in Texas

Most car accidents necessitate filing an insurance claim. Sometimes, you may file with your own insurance company. However, most of the time, you file your claim with another driver's insurance company.

Insurance companies are in business to make a profit. Claims adjusters are trained to deny any claim they can and settle others for as little as possible.

Insurance companies prioritize their interests, not yours. Remember this any time you deal with an insurance company representative.

Your best option is almost always to seek the consultation and representation of an experienced Dallas personal injury attorney. They will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf.

Evidence You May Need to File a Car Crash Claim in Texas

You will likely need to complete a proof of claims form and provide documents such as a copy of the police report from your car crash. The insurance company will also need proof that their insured driver was at fault and evidence of your damages.

Evidence used to prove fault and damages may include:

• Picture and any video footage from the accident scene and of the vehicle damages
• Medical records
• Photographs of your injuries
• Any dashcam or surveillance video of the accident scene or the moments leading up to or immediately after the accident
• Eye witness statements
• Expert witness testimony such as medical providers, accident reconstructionists, and economic experts
• Medical bills
• Pay stubs or tax returns
• Records showing the cost to repair your vehicle
• Any other proof of expenses related to our crash and injuries

Your Texas personal injury attorney will determine what evidence best supports your claim.

Actions to Take After a Texas Car Crash

You can take several steps to help protect your health and your right to recover damages after a Texas car crash. If you can do so, consider taking the following actions:

• Always stop at the scene of an accident. Failure to do so could result in a hit-and-run charge in Texas.
• Call 911 or the local authorities to seek medical attention. Texas law requires you to report accidents resulting in bodily injury or property damages exceeding $1,000. Additionally, you will need a police report for your car insurance claim.
• Even if you do not think your injuries are severe, you should be evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries are not immediately apparent but can cause long-term disability and chronic pain.
• Exchange contact information with all parties to the accident. Collect the names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plates, registration, and insurance information. You can use your cell phone camera to snap pictures of all these documents.
• Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
• Take photographs and video footage of the accident scene, including the vehicles, your injuries, and anything relevant, such as traffic signs and signals or road hazards.
• Contact your insurance company and the at-fault party’s insurance company immediately. However, you should be very careful what you say. Only explain there was an accident. Do not give them a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first.
• Do not admit fault or apologize after the accident. This could be used against you later.
• Keep all your medical appointments and follow through with any prescribed therapy.
• Keep a journal of your pain and how the accident and your injuries affect your daily life.
• Stay off social media. Insurance companies often look at social media accounts to try and find some evidence that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. You should also ask your friends and family to refrain from posting pictures of you or commenting about your injuries.
• Seek the help of an experienced Texas personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They can deal with the insurance companies and file your claim for you.

These are good suggestions. However, you should always follow your attorney's advice about what to do and what to refrain from doing after your accident.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Texas Car Crash?

The statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims in Texas is generally two years from the date of your accident. If you fail to file your suit timely, you will likely be unable to recover damages for your injuries.

However, there are exceptions to the two-year deadline. For example, if you file a claim against a government entity, your filing deadline is much shorter.

Likewise, in some circumstances, you may have a more extended period to file if the statute of limitations is tolled for a legally recognized reason.

You must seek the advice of a Texas personal injury attorney as soon as possible to determine your deadline to file. Another reason to act quickly after an accident is to protect vital evidence.

When Bush & Bush Law Group attorneys take a case, we promptly investigate the accident, determine possible causes, and identify potentially liable parties. Then, we gather essential evidence to help support your case.

Evidence can easily be lost, destroyed, or diminished over time. For example, surveillance video footage is often overwritten quickly, and witnesses may not recall important aspects of the accident if their statements are not taken soon after.

The sooner you contact an experienced Texas personal injury attorney, the sooner they can build your case and the better they can protect your rights.

Contact Bush & Bush to Help With Your Texas Car Crash Claim

The attorneys at Bush & Bush have decades of combined legal experience and an intimate understanding of handling car crash claims. We believe in working tirelessly to get our clients every dollar they deserve.

Our results speak for themselves. We have a proven track record of recovering maximum compensation for our clients.

We have the resources to get you the compensation you deserve, yet we are small enough to give you personalized attention.

If you have been injured in a car crash and have questions about filing a claim, we want to help. Call (469) 977-7777 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. We will listen to you, answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you get the full recovery you are entitled to.