If you’ve recently been involved in a car crash in Austin, Texas, you likely have many questions about what to expect in the litigation process. What steps should you take first if you believe you’re entitled to compensation? How will a judge determine what party is at fault? Sorting through legal jargon for these answers can be stressful and difficult. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate the process and answer your questions.
The trusted attorneys at Slingshot Law are here to prepare you for what’s ahead and we’ve answered some commonly asked questions to help.
What are the most important actions to take immediately after the accident?
In order to secure maximum compensation if you plan to file a personal injury lawsuit after the accident, there are several key steps to take swiftly after the accident. To build your strongest claim, evidence is key. If you’re able to, take as many photos of the accident as possible. Photographs of your vehicle and the other party’s vehicle will be valuable to have. You should also take as many photos as possible of your injuries, which will help showcase how the car accident impacted you and what damages you may be able to claim compensation for.
Next, contact an experienced Austin car accident lawyer as quickly as possible. This will ensure you have immediate support from a skilled attorney and know exactly what steps to take next in your unique case.
Who’s at fault in a car accident?
Determining what driver is at fault in a car accident can be complex. In some instances, the answer may seem audience: a driver was under the influence and rear-ended another, or a driver was texting while driving and ran a red light. In other cases, the answer may not be so clear.
A skilled Austin car accident lawyer will help you evaluate your unique case and determine your best path forward. If you believe the other party is at fault, you and your attorney will gather evidence to prove it and present that to the judge. Importantly, you don’t need to prove the other driver was fully at fault under Texas law. You must only prove the driver was at fault for more than 50% of the accident and damage, and the driver who is more at fault will be the party who owes compensation for damages.
What damages can I claim from my car accident?
Damages are the suffering you experience from the accident, and they include both economic and non-economic harms.
Economic harms include the cost to replace or fix your damaged vehicle as well as all medical costs, from the ambulance ride, hospital stay, or doctor visit to the treatment, both in the immediate and long term. Car accidents can rack up high medical bills, and these are made even more difficult to pay when you’re unable to work due to your injury. Your economic damages will also include your lost income and account for whether you’ll ever be able to return to work.
Non-economic damages are also important. You are entitled to fair compensation for your emotional suffering, pain, loss of enjoyment in life, and more.
What if the other driver doesn’t have car insurance?
In instances where the driver at fault doesn’t have car insurance, the process for pursuing compensation becomes more complex but not impossible. A skilled attorney on your side is necessary to evaluate your best course of action for securing the settlement you deserve.
Do I have to hire a lawyer?
Technically, Texas does not require you to hire a lawyer in order to pursue a car accident settlement. However, without a lawyer on your side, you stand to lose a large amount of money by not receiving a fair settlement.
Insurance companies want to provide the lowest settlement possible in order to preserve their profit margins. Because you lack the experience to know what a fair settlement would be in your unique circumstances, you may accept a lower offer without fighting for what you deserve. If you were severely injured in a car accident, you’re likely dealing with healing and recovering. Interacting with lawyers and battling it out for the money you need may not be possible, so it might feel easier to take the first offer and get it over with.
That’s why Austin car accident lawyers like us are here to help. We fight for a fair settlement so you can focus on your recovery. We have the skills and successful history necessary to secure you the funds you deserve, and we’ll never accept the lowball offers of insurance companies. We work hard to get you the money you need and our efforts allow you to sit back and recover while trusting you have a skilled team fighting for you while you rest.
How can I get started?
When you’re ready to face car accident litigation, partner with the skilled attorneys at Slingshot Law. We’ll work hard to fight for your fair compensation and we’ll handle every detail of your case so you can focus on healing. When you’re ready to maximize your settlement and minimize your stress, contact our team.
Call 866-689-7488 or fill in our online form today.
