The testimony of eyewitnesses can make or break an accident claim, especially if the other driver fled the scene of the accident. If there were people who saw your accident happen, it’s important that you get in touch with them to help to substantiate the fault and injuries incurred. Here are some tips on getting the information you need to contact any witnesses to your accident:
Insurance disputes are an enormous headache for car accident victims and may lead to litigation when they cannot be settled. Unfortunately, this happens often when the insurer tries to apportion fault for the accident to you, such as when they claim you were driving recklessly.
When you are injured in a wreck that was caused by someone else, you will generally file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. If they find that was to blame – at least in part – for the accident, they will either deny your claim or drastically reduce your settlement check.
When you ask your insurance agent how much insurance you should buy, know that vehicle owners in Texas are required to have a minimum of $30,000 for each injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. However, the minimums are often not enough to adequately cover your needs should a car accident occur.
You’ll want to carry enough insurance to meet the minimums and purchase additional coverage accordingly to your needs and budget.
When the other driver flees the scene of the accident, you will need first, to contact the police and tend to your medical needs, and second, to contact your auto insurance company. There are specific actions one must take after an accident.
A crash is a hit and run (driver fled after the accident) if these things do not occur.
- No exchange of information
- Driver does not call the police or wait for the police to arrive
- The driver will not render aid: the driver isn’t expected to perform medically, but at the least, should call 911
If nobody can find the driver then your damages may be compensable via your insurance policy if you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), insurance to carry in addition to Texas minimum requirements.
Typical car accident injuries can keep a victim out of work for days, weeks, even months. Even simple injuries like a broken leg can require surgery to repair, and operation means recovery time. Whether your personal injuries keep you in the hospital or at home on doctor’s orders, time lost from work should be compensated for in a car accident injury settlement.
When a person fails to act in a way that’s reasonable, safe, or meets an expected degree of care, the behavior is termed negligent. In a car accident, negligence is often the determining factor regarding fault – the person who acted negligently most likely will be held liable for damages according to Texas negligence laws.
If you’re in an accident with a driver who does not have a valid driver’s license, this fact may help you in establishing negligence and fault, and recovering the different types of compensation.
For drivers in the state of Texas, it’s mandatory to carry car insurance.
Required insurance types are as follows.
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability per accident
However, there are additional insurance options you may want to consider.
After a fatal car accident takes the life of your family member or loved one, you may not know what your options are moving forward. Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be extremely trying and emotional, especially if the person was the primary wage earner for your family. While nothing can ever replace your lost family member, an attorney can help you to file a wrongful death claim for damages.