Car Accident Compensation Claims
Car Accident Compensation Claims
Like any state, Texas has its own rules for car accident claims. When a crash harms you or someone you love in the Houston area, you’ll need to know how car accident compensation claims work in Texas. This will help ensure you take all the necessary steps to get what you need. Hiring a lawyer will help you understand the process.
The Houston car accident attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek PLLC will put our experience and knowledge to work for your family in this tough time. Our attorneys have a long history of building these kinds of cases, and we are proud to help Texas families when they are suffering.
Texas Laws on Car Accident Compensation
If you’re in Texas and you decide to file a claim against the party responsible for your car accident, there are state laws that will govern your car accident case.
The most important one to know is the statute of limitations. In Texas, you must file a claim within two years from the date of your accident. If you wait too long, you may lose your chance to receive compensation. This is why you should contact an attorney as soon as possible after the crash.
It’s also critical to know how damages are awarded in successful car accident claims. Regarding damages, Texas has a fault-based liability system. When a case goes to court, juries determine how much responsibility lies with each driver, and compensation is awarded based on this ratio.
Juries determine the level of fault by examining every detail of the case, including:
- The nature of the accident (for instance, rear-end accidents are different from head-on collisions)
- The type and severity of the car accident injuries
- Treatment and resulting expenses for the injuries
Texas is considered a “fault” state for liability insurance. This means that the person found to be at fault for an accident is responsible for paying property damage and compensation resulting from the accident. Payment is often processed through his or her insurer.
Texas Car Insurance Rules
No matter what kind of car accident you have been involved in, car insurance will play a major factor in your case soon after the crash. Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about car insurance in Texas:
- As mentioned, Texas is a “fault” state for car insurance. Thus, you are allowed to file liability insurance claims and/or personal injury lawsuits against the other driver that caused your crash.
- According to theTexas Department of Insurance, the minimum car insurance coverage requirements are $30,000 for bodily injury per person (up to a total of $60,000 per accident). Additionally, $25,000 of coverage is needed for property damage. This is known as “30/60/25” coverage.
- Unlike some states, Texas does not require drivers to carry uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage. However, certain car insurance companies in Texas offer these types of coverage.
Insurance companies will typically compensate you for property loss and medical expenses. Those damages can be clearly defined. When it comes to pain and suffering, however, it’s more complicated.
The more severe your injury, the more you should demand in pain and suffering damages. But often, the amount offered by an insurance company is not enough to fully compensate you for the suffering brought on by this terrible ordeal. Insurance companies are multibillion-dollar businesses that make more money when they pay you less. Remember, they aren’t looking out for you.
Your attorney will deal with insurance companies on your behalf. It is their job to make sure you aren’t short-changed. The lawyers at Pierce Skrabanek know all the legal avenues to pursue in order to achieve maximum compensation for your case. We are always on your side. Contact us at 832-690-7000 for a free, no-obligation consultation about your car accident claim.
Houston Car Accident Lawsuit Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you typically have two years to file a car accident claim. This filing window is often referred to as the “statute of limitations.” Regardless of how strong your case is, if you file your claim after the statute of limitations has passed, your case will not be heard. This is why it is critical to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after your car accident.
Why are statutes of limitations in place? One reason is to protect defendants. When a deadline is enforced, plaintiffs are encouraged to pursue the case more quickly and with more diligence. Statutes of limitations also ensure evidence is not lost. For example, witnesses to an accident would be much harder to find 20 years after a crash as opposed to one year after. Courts are also often unwilling to consider testimony from someone who witnessed an event decades ago.
The statute of limitations begins the date of your accident. So, if your crash was on July 1, 2020, you have until July 1, 2022 to file your claim and begin your lawsuit. Your case does not need to be heard by a jury in this two-year period. A claim, which starts the car accident lawsuit process, only needs to be filed within two years.
Calculating the Value of a Car Accident Claim in Texas
Calculating the settlement amount of your claim is not a straightforward process. However, you can get a rough estimate by understanding how damages are calculated.
First, gather all your expenses to determine your economic damages. This means your medical bills, vehicle and property damages, and time missed at work. Once you have added all of these expenses together, you have your total economic expenses.
Non-economic damages are harder to put a dollar figure on. Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the emotional impact of the accident are all examples of non-economic damages. As stated in the section above, an insurance company will take your medical bills. Depending on the severity of your damages, they will multiply them by a number to calculate pain and suffering. The more severe the crash, the higher the number. Car insurance companies will also likely underestimate your non-economic damages. An experienced car accident attorney can help you determine how much you actually deserve.
What Does Car Accident Compensation Cover?
After a car accident, you can be eligible for the following types of compensation in a lawsuit:
Medical expenses: This includes physical and cognitive therapy, ambulance fees, consultations with health care professionals, medical devices like crutches and heat pads, disfigurements, permanent disability, and in-home services.
Property damage: In a crash, this typically involves damage to your vehicle.
Lost wages: Time lost from work due to your injury – as well as earning capacity — can be awarded in a crash settlement.
Pain and suffering: “Pain and suffering” is defined as mental or physical distress for which someone can seek damages. Emotional damage, anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD, and other negative impacts of the crash can be considered pain and suffering.
Testimonials
Read what our past clients have to say about our legal services.
Daryl M.
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“My experience with Mr. Skrabanek was honestly far better than all expectations that we had. He took care of us like we were family, making sure me and my wife always felt like a priority and walked us through all of the concerns that we had. If you are looking for a professional who truly cares for his clients you can stop the search. You won’t be disappointed.”
Denise J.
“Mike and his team helped me settle an injury claim case. I was informed and helped through every step and they were always professional and very responsive. I really enjoyed working with them.”
Victoria S.
“My attorney, Michael, did an amazing job with my case. He’s a straight shooter and has a vast knowledge of the law combined with an extensive amount of experience, making him a fantastic attorney. I fully recommend this firm.
Thank you Pierce Skrabenek!”
Gabriela C.
“Paul Skrabanek of the law firm Pierce Skrabanek was very professional and went above & beyond in handling my daughter's case. Very dedicated, worked diligently, and got justice for my family. If I could give a higher rating than 5 stars I would. Thank you and your firm for such tenacity.”
Raymond H.
“These guys are awesome, they were very informative from the beginning to end, working with them was super smooth, and I had all questions answered thoroughly. The whole team at this firm works to help in every way they can. They were able to get me the compensation I deserved and exceeded my expectations. If you’re ever in need of a stellar team to stand behind you and work for you, these guys are the ones you would want in your corner.
Thank you very much Paul and thank your team for me.”
Cam F.
“Working with Paul Skrabanek was a very positive experience. He helped me understand the legal process as someone who has never been a part of a lawsuit, and was able to get me settled quickly and painlessly! Loved working with Pierce Skrabanek law firm!”
Michele R.
“Michael Pierce and his team, especially Krystle, were very professional, always available (even on weekends), and very knowledgeable. We appreciate their hard work on our case and the time they took to explain every detail as our case progressed. Mike is a phenomenal attorney and we highly recommend them for your legal needs.”
Beverly C.
“I found Mr. Skrabanek to be very trustworthy, creditable, and genuinely concerned about my well-being while I was going through this very difficult process. He showed constant concern for me being completely satisfied before making any final decisions.”
Diane T.
“Fantastic team of attorneys and staff dedicated to their clients. Michael Pierce is an outstanding trial attorney for personal injury cases.”
Deborah S.
“We watched, participated & listened to Paul Skrabanek fight for a settlement which we could be happy with. Just this month the case has been put to rest.”
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Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer
The car accident lawsuit process can be complex, and Texas laws may differ from those in other areas. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you’ll need the advice, direction, and expertise of a local Houston attorney.
Only experienced car accident attorneys can tell you how much you may be entitled to, and only an attorney knows the best way to seek this compensation. At Pierce Skrabanek, we have the passion, determination, and skills to maximize your car accident case to the benefit of you and your family. We understand that you may be going through a difficult time, and we are here to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Contact one of our attorneys today at 832-690-7000 to begin the process of recovering your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a car accident lawsuit take?
This depends on each individual case. Typically, a car accident lawsuit can take anywhere from several months to a few years to complete. More complex cases can take longer, such as those involving multiple parties, product liability issues, or commercial vehicles (such as a trucking accident).
How can I get the most compensation from a car accident lawsuit?
Car accident compensation will vary depending on the facts of each person’s case, but there are a few steps you can take to help ensure the best outcome. First, retain all documents and reports related to your accident (hospital records, police reports, etc). Second, avoid making any statements to the other party or their insurance agents until you first consult with an attorney of your own. Lastly, hire an experienced personal injury lawyer with a proven history in your accident or injury type.
How much compensation can I expect for a back injury in a car accident?
Compensation for a back injury caused by a car accident varies depending on the severity of the injury. Other factors may include whether the injury has affected your ability to perform daily tasks or work, or whether you had any pre-existing back condition. Your attorney will help you assess the strength of your potential case during a consultation.
How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?
In the state of Texas, you have two years to file an injury claim after a car accident. This is known as the “statute of limitations.” Once the two-year period expires, you can no longer file a lawsuit in connection with your injuries. For this reason, it is highly important that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible if you believe you have a case involving car accident injuries.
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