Houston is well known for its busy traffic, so accidents are inevitable. If you were involved in a car accident in Houston, then you might be wondering whether you can sue the neglecter for damages. In Texas, you must always file a report with the local police or the local sheriff’s office right after the event of the accident.
You have 10 days to file an accident report in the state of Texas.
Should You Report An Accident To Your Insurance Company?
Check your insurance policy agreement
Reporting an accident to your insurance company is entirely up to you. However, your insurance company may have a statement in the contract you signed that states they must be informed of an accident as soon as it occurs.
Report the accident on time
Moreover, if you don’t report an accident to your insurance company on time then you may not be able to collect anything for damages and your insurance company may deny you coverage even if the accident was not your fault.
If you end up at the hospital as a result of an accident then you must find a way to inform your insurance company of the accident so that you can avoid paying the hospital bill out of your pocket.
Even if the accident was a minor fender-bender, you should still report it because you may not be able to afford the damages.
It is better to report an accident as soon as possible so that you don’t forfeit your rights to collect for damages and so that your insurance company can start the investigation. In addition, your insurance company can help pay for the damages but that is of course if your insurance company covers it.
How To Prove Fault in a Texas Car Accident
The best way to prove that the other driver that hit you was at fault is by taking photographs of the scene. Be sure to take several photographs at different angles, that way the insurance company and the judge can determine who was at fault by looking at the impact of the damage.
Also, take pictures of the roadway to prove the conditions of the accident. The weather can have a great impact on an accident, like an icy road can determine that no one was at fault while a sunny day will determine that the other driver was at fault.
Ensure you have plenty of evidence so it will be easier for the insurance companies to determine the damage done on both vehicles so that they will be able to construct and piece everything together in a process called “accident reconstruction”.
If your case needs the intervention of a court then you may need the help of an expert in order to testify the details of the accident. It will also help your chances to collect damages on your case.
How To Build Your Case
After the event of an accident, you should always gather information of any witnesses that were at the scene, such as their names, addresses, and phone numbers. You can also get a copy of each witness statements from the police. This will help support your case if it is to be brought up in court and if any of these witnesses need to testify in court.
You should also seek medical attention after an accident, that way you can prove that the injuries you received were due to the accident. If you wait too long then you will not be reimbursed and your insurance company may reject your claim stating that the injury you received was not the result of the accident.
It is also important to get a copy of your medical records so that you can prove the severity of your injuries and prove the other driver’s negligence. For example, if you were hit on the passenger side and your right shoulder was injured due to the impact then you will be able to prove the severity of the accident and the speed in which the other driver was going.
Placing Blame In The State Of Texas
If you can prove that the other driver was liable or at fault for the accident in the state of Texas, you increase your chances of success. You will also have a better chance of collecting any damages from an insurance claim if you file on time with your insurance company.
It is best to file a lawsuit early so that you have a chance at collecting anything for your claim, and you allow more time for negotiations instead of being rushed into a settlement that will most likely be less than you deserve because you are running out time.
It is best to seek assistance on your case that way an expert can help you get the compensation you deserve. The Houston car accident attorneys at Adley Law Firm can help you better understand your case and how the process works.
Contact us today at (713) 999-8669 or schedule a free consultation online. We are more than willing and compassionate in helping you receive the compensation you deserve.
