If you were in a traffic accident in Dallas, you may take legal action against the at-fault driver to recover compensation. However, if you do not file your claim within the Texas statute of limitations for a car accident, you may not be able to recover any compensation for your damages.
This can create financial hardship as medical bills mount and if you are unable to return to work because of your injuries. Many drivers may even experience pain and suffering that might go uncompensated. Thus, be sure to abide by the time limit and file your claim.
Within two years of the accident, you must file your accident claim. Many see this as plenty of time and may procrastinate preparing for and filing the claim. But those two years can fly be quickly and before they know it, the time limit is approaching and there’s too much to do in too little time.
It is a good idea to file your car accident claim as soon as possible, even if there’s plenty of time until the Texas statute of limitations for a car accident runs out. But first, make sure you take the proper steps to prepare your claim, with which an attorney can help.
At the scene of the accident, you should have gathered information like the following.
You should have called the police to report the accident if:
However, if you did not call the police to the scene of the accident, you have 10 days from the date of the accident to file an accident report in Texas.
Once you take care of these initial steps, call an attorney to set up a consultation. Your attorney can help you ensure that you not only file within the Texas statute of limitations for a car accident but that you are prepared to do so. This requires collecting additional evidence.
Request a copy of the police report, contact your eyewitnesses for a statement of events leading up to the accident, and evaluate any photographs you took at the scene. Also start collecting medical records detailing your injuries, and ask your attorney if you require a medical expert to testify about your injuries and prognosis.
To prove the damages you’ve suffered, you may collect medical bills and receipts, pay stubs to prove lost wages, and even expert testimony about your capacity to work and the permanent disabilities you might suffer. Your attorney can go over a full list of evidence you may need to prove your case.
Car accident cases can be complex and between ensuring they file on time and present strong evidence of liability and damages, victims can become overwhelmed.
A lawyer can, therefore, be very helpful when navigating the insurance claim process and later filing a lawsuit against the defendant, if necessary. Call the Law Office of Julie Johnson now at 214-290-8001, or contact us via our online form, to set up a consultation about your case.