Texas operates under a fault-based insurance system. This means that if you are hurt in an auto accident, you need to determine who was to blame and take steps to hold that defendant accountable for your losses.
You are entitled to recover full and fair compensation for both economic and non-financial damages in the state. But it is up to you to prove the extent of your loss. The San Antonio car accident attorneys at The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC can help you build a strong case. You can also read on to learn about some of the key steps that you should take to maximize your car accident settlement in Texas.
Having a strong claim helps you get a larger settlement, as you want the insurer of the at-fault driver to believe you are highly likely to win in court. This will help convince them to make a fair settlement offer to avoid a losing trial.
Try to take pictures of the vehicles, the debris in the road, the surrounding areas, and your injuries. You should document everything that shows how the accident happened or how badly you were damaged.
You need clear proof that your injuries were caused by your accident, so it’s very important that you get prompt medical attention. Visit a hospital or qualified medical professional immediately after the accident, describe all of your symptoms and make sure your medical record shows everything that could potentially prove how badly you were hurt.
You should be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The more proof you have of your losses and damages, the greater your chances of being able to recover full payment.
Keep copies of all of your medical bills for every treatment you endure. Track your transportation costs when you attend medical appointments. Keep track of each hour or day of work you miss, even if you take vacation time or sick leave. And keep a diary to show your emotional and physical pain so you can paint a clear picture of the extent of the harm.
Insurance companies are going to be looking for reasons to pay you less. They may want to try to get you to admit that you aren’t hurt as badly as you claimed, or that you were partly at fault for the accident. Unfortunately, even innocent statements can sometimes be taken out of context and can jeopardize your case.
To ensure you don’t accidentally hurt your claim or your chances of maximizing your car accident settlement, be very cautious about giving any statements to the insurance company. Ideally, you will say nothing and allow your lawyer to talk with the insurer on your behalf. But if you do interact, keep your statements as short and simple as possible.
Finally, you should work with a Texas car accident lawyer to help you build a claim, negotiate a settlement or go to court. Your attorney can help you gather evidence and make a strong claim, and the insurer is also more likely to take your lawyer seriously than to take you seriously if the insurer knows that your lawyer can go to court on your behalf.
The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC is here and ready to help you after an accident. Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you maximize your car accident settlement in Texas.
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