You never expected a busy Saturday afternoon running errands with your family to turn into a night spent in the hospital after a life-threatening car accident. Now your world has been shattered as you try to piece together the courage to move forward after sustaining severe physical injuries and mental trauma.
If you’ve come to this page after a car accident in Texas has left you incapable of returning to everyday life, we are sorry you’re in this situation. We acknowledge your pain and frustration and hope to bring peace to your family by offering a FREE legal consultation with a top-rated Texas car accident lawyer from The Buzbee Law Firm.
How Does Car Insurance Work in Texas?
Car insurance protects drivers in case of an accident. According to the Automobile Insurance Guide, the Texas Department of Transportation provides that drivers must show proof of auto insurance after an accident to show they can pay for any damages they have caused. Texas drivers must purchase the minimum coverage required by law but can add extra protection by selecting from eight optional insurance coverages in Texas.
Liability Coverage
If you’ve caused a car accident in Texas, liability coverage will pay to repair the other driver’s vehicle. This coverage also covers a portion of the other driver’s medical bills and additional out-of-pocket expenses.
According to Texas law, each driver must have at least $30,000 of liability coverage per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This rule is called the 30/60/25 coverage. It is not required to purchase more than the mandated liability coverage in Texas, but it is always recommended.
Liability coverage ensures payment for damages does not come out of your pocket but rather from your insurance companies.
Collision Coverage
After a car accident, you will likely have to repair or replace your current vehicle, and collision coverage will provide you with the funds necessary to do so. Collision coverage typically offers up to the cash value of your car without your deductible. This type of auto insurance is not required in Texas, but it is strongly recommended.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your car that results from vandalism, flood or fire damage, your car being stolen, or any other kind of damage that does not result from a car accident. While this kind of coverage will not help you after a car accident, it is good to have in case anything happens to your vehicle.
Medical Payments Coverage
If you’re in a car accident, medical payments coverage will cover your and your passenger’s medical bills from your injuries. Medical payments coverage will also help with your bills if you are hurt while someone else is driving or if something happens while you are walking or biking. Without medical payment insurance, medical bills can be costly.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
Personal injury protection, or PIP coverage, will help pay for your medical bills. However, unlike medical payments coverage, PIP coverage assists with other damages like lost wages or out-of-pocket expenses that are not medical. Every insurance policy in Texas includes PIP coverage; however, if you do not want PIP coverage, you must inform your insurance company in writing.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you’re in a car accident with someone and they do not have auto insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will protect you if they can not afford to pay your property damage or medical bills. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will also pay for damages if you are hurt in a hit-and-run accident. Insurance companies have to offer you the type of coverage.
Towing and Labor Coverage
If your car is damaged enough that it can’t be driven after a car accident, towing and labor coverage will pay to have your vehicle towed to a repair shop. This coverage will also pay for assistance if you need your vehicle jumpstarted or a flat tire changed.
Rental Reimbursement Coverage
When a car accident happens, it is not always in your personal vehicle. If you’re in a car accident while in a rental car, rental reimbursement coverage will pay for damages if your rental is stolen or harmed. While this coverage is typically just for a rental car, some insurance agencies will honor this coverage for ride-share vehicles or taxis.
Filing a Car Accident Claim in Texas
When you’re in a car accident, you may experience personal losses that can change your life. Successful car accident claims aim to make up for the damages you have incurred; however, sometimes, insurance claims do not meet the required amount necessary to pay for all of your out-of-pocket expenses. If this happens, a Texas car accident lawyer can file a claim against the other driver.
However, if you are partially responsible for a car accident, this factor can influence your eligibility for fair compensation in Texas. According to Chapter 33 §33.001 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas is a comparative fault state for car accident claims. This means that if your percentage of fault exceeds 50%, you will not be able to claim damages for your personal losses from a car accident.
Can I File a Claim Against My Own Insurance Company?
If your damages exceed the amount of compensation you are awarded, you can file a claim against your own insurance company. This step is important if the other drivers do not have insurance or if you are still paying for damages out of pocket. Car accident victims who decide to take this route can file a claim against their own insurance company up to the limit of their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage policy.
If you have questions about how to file a claim against your insurance company, speak to a car accident lawyer in Texas for assistance.
Hire a Texas Car Accident Lawyer
If you won a successful claim that still does not cover the full extent of your personal damages, a car accident lawyer in Texas from The Buzbee Law Firm can negotiate on your behalf. We can help increase your chances of winning a settlement against at-fault drivers to recover damages not reimbursed by your insurance company.
Our top-rated personal injury lawyers in Texas understand this is a difficult time for your family. We wish to help make your transition to everyday life easier as we fight for your right to fair compensation after a car accident in Texas. Don’t wait to get help if you’re struggling.
Our car accident lawyers in Texas are here to offer expert legal advice to you and your family through a FREE consultation. Get started and contact us today.
