If you are injured in a car crash, you might have multiple options for how to pursue financial compensation. An attorney can help you decide the best path forward and get you the compensation you need and deserve.
Immediately after an accident, you or someone else at the scene should call 911 and request an ambulance. The police should be dispatched, too. Exchange information with other drivers while waiting for help, and call a lawyer for assistance as soon as you can. Your attorney can guide you through the insurance claims process or help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Call our car accident lawyers at Cap City Injury Attorneys at (512) 612-3110 for a free, private case assessment.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
Following an accident, the following steps may help you and our car accident lawyers protect your and your legal interests.
Call for Emergency Help
Call for help immediately. If you are injured and cannot call for help, someone else at the accident scene should do it for you. You should also call the police and report the accident. They can investigate, help determine who might be responsible, and render emergency aid.
Exchange Information with Other Drivers
While waiting for help, exchange information with the other driver. You may need their information to file an insurance claim with their liability coverage. You may also need their personal details to begin a lawsuit.
Contact a Lawyer
Call a lawyer for help and legal advice as soon as possible. You might be dealing with significant expenses and a lot of pain because of some other negligent driver. Your lawyer should help you determine the best way to get fair compensation and navigate complex legal procedures.
How Do I Get Financial Compensation for a Car Accident in Georgetown, TX?
After a car crash, your attorney can help you get compensation by filing insurance claims, a lawsuit, or both.
Filing Insurance Claims
Since Texas is a fault-based state when it comes to auto insurance, you must file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. You must prove to their insurance provider that they are responsible.
If the insurance provider refuses to believe you, they could reduce or deny your claim. In that case, you can sue the driver for your damages.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
While lawsuits tend to be more complex and time-consuming than insurance claims, plaintiffs are often able to recover a broader range of damages, including non-economic losses like pain and suffering, which are often not covered by insurance.
What is My Car Accident Case Worth in Georgetown, TX?
Car accidents may be minor or severe, and what your claims are worth depends on your specific injuries and losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages typically cover medical bills, lost personal belongings, vehicle damage, and lost income due to being unable to work. Any other expenses you incur as a direct result of the accident may also be counted among these damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Your non-economic damages may encompass personal experiences that cannot be proven by financial costs. Your physical pain, emotional turmoil, distress, and psychological injuries from the accident may warrant significant compensation.
FAQs About Car Accident Cases in Georgetown, TX
Should I Sue After a Car Accident?
While you can sue after a car accident, whether you should sue is something to discuss with your lawyer. Suing may be necessary to recover compensation if the other driver is uninsured or has insufficient insurance to cover all your damages.
How Do I File an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident in Georgetown, TX?
Texas follows a fault-based car insurance system where drivers must file third-party claims with the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. However, you may have the option of filing first-party claims with your own coverage, such as MedPay or uninsured motorist coverage.
What Damages Can I Claim in a Car Accident Case?
You may claim damages related to the monetary costs of the accident, such as medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost income, and more. You may also claim non-economic damages, including physical pain, emotional distress, mental trauma, and more.
What Happens if the Other Driver is Uninsured?
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may choose to file a claim with your own uninsured motorist coverage, if you have any, or you can sue the other driver in a personal injury lawsuit.
What Do I Do if the Other Driver Fled the Scene After an Accident?
If the other driver fled the scene, call the police immediately. A hit and run is a serious crime, and the police may investigate and help you find the other driver.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Case in Georgetown, TX?
You are not required to have an attorney, but it is usually a good idea to get one before starting a lawsuit or filing a complex insurance claim. The legal process may be more complicated than you realize, and your attorney can help make everything go smoothly.
Do I Have to File an Insurance Claim Before I File a Lawsuit for a Car Accident?
Not necessarily. While many drivers pursue insurance claims before filing lawsuits, you may skip right to a lawsuit if you know the other driver is uninsured or does not have enough insurance.
Should I Call the Police After a Car Accident in Georgetown, TX?
Yes. In cases of serious accidents, you may be required by law to report the accident to the police. Even if the accident is minor, contacting the police is a good idea, as they may draft a formal report we can use in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
How Soon Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Car Crash?
You should call a lawyer for legal help as soon as possible. It is understandable to need some time to consider your options, but you should avoid waiting too long.
Can I Sue After a Car Accident if I am Partially to Blame?
Yes. In Texas, if a plaintiff is partially responsible for an accident, their damages may be reduced by their share of fault. However, if they are 50% or more responsible, they may be barred from recovery.
What Evidence Do I Need to Support a Car Accident Case?
Evidence might be almost anything relevant to your claims, but common pieces of evidence in car accidents include witness testimony, security camera or dashcam footage, and photos from the crash scene.
How Long Do Car Accident Cases Take to Complete?
The time it takes to complete a case varies based on the specific factors surrounding each case. It is not unusual for most lawsuits to take at least a few months. Cases that are more complex or contested may take longer.
Get Legal Help from Our Car Accident Attorneys in Georgetown, TX
Call our car accident lawyers at Cap City Injury Attorneys at (512) 612-3110 for a free, private case assessment.