After you have been involved in a car accident that was caused by someone else, your first action should be to contact the local authorities. This should be done regardless if the accident is considered minor by both parties. It is best to have documentation of the crash. If you need medical attention, be sure to contact emergency personnel first. The following are a few frequently asked questions about car accidents that may also help you.

1. Do I have to have an attorney?

You don’t have to hire an attorney after a car accident, but they can be helpful, especially if your wreck was serious. These professionals can provide help with determining if a personal injury claim or lawsuit is an option for you.

A claim may come down to the severity of your injuries and other expenses that have accumulated over time. If you have sustained any suffering from the crash, then you may have grounds for a claim. Your hardship offers a evidence to gain some form of financial compensation.

2. How long do I have to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit?

In most cases, the statute of limitations when filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident in Texas is two years from the date of the wreck. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame, you will lose your right to seek financial compensation for your pain and suffering. The courts will refrain from hearing your case, so it’s smart to act quickly to protect your legal rights. It’s important to understand the statute of limitations for personal injury cases and adhere to those rules. There are definitely other factors to consider and hiring a lawyer is the best way to know your rights.

3. What about filing a claim with the insurance company?

You should also know how claims work with insurance companies. Many times, an insurance adjuster will contact you very soon after the car accident. They will request information from you about the wreck and ask for a recorded statement. Never give a recorded statement without an attorney if you are seeking compensation. It is best to have an attorney to help you with the claims or settlement process, even if their won’t be a lawsuit. Anything you say can and will be used against you so it is important to be very careful about what is said and to whom.

4. What should I do in the days following a car accident?

After you have been in in a car accident, try to collect as much evidence as possible. This should include the other driver’s personal information such as their name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, vehicle type, and insurance provider.

It’s important to get information from any witness who might have seen the car accident. At the time of the crash, try to have them stay at the scene until the authorities have arrived. This will aid the police in securing a full statement while the incident is fresh in their minds. Also, try to take photos of the accident site and the damage done to each vehicle. If injuries were sustained, photos should be taken of these as well. Finally, any other evidence such as road conditions and obscure traffic signals should be photographed before leaving the scene of the accident.

If you are not able to get any of this information due to injuries, it is vital to gather as much as possible in the days and weeks after the accident. A car accident attorney can help you or anyone assisting you with this process.

5. What compensation can I receive from a car accident?

Most times, if you were injured in a car accident because of another person’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. If you weren’t at fault for the accident, then the other driver could be held liable for all expenses incurred from the wreck. Your compensation could include lost wages, medical bills, aftercare treatment, and pain and suffering.

The other party’s insurance provider might compensate for damages sustained in a car accident or they might not. You may need the assistance of a personal injury attorney to negotiate a fair settlement and to avoid going through any legal proceedings. Their professional experience can help you if you are dealing with pain or unexpected financial burden from the crash. They can construct a legal argument that shows how your injuries restrict your ability to work, hindering your earning capacity. The sudden loss of income could also cause a struggle in maintaining the quality in life you once had.

6. What should I know about pedestrian accidents?

Sometimes car accidents involve a pedestrian. There are several factors that you should know about pedestrian accidents. Generally, compensation depends on the insurance policy of the driver. The extent of the financial compensation depends heavily on the pedestrian’s injuries and their contribution to the accident.

If the pedestrian is found to be responsible for the accident, then the driver’s insurance may not be held liable to compensate. Some insurance providers will only pay for a certain amount for lost wages and medical bills. Once that limit has been reached, then the victim may seek a lawsuit for the remainder of the costs.

Car accident attorney in Amarillo and Lubbock

If you have been in a Car Accident or Pedestrian Accident, Contact Attorney Dean Boyd and his team to see how we can help with your claim. Call us at (806) 242-3333 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our Services. You can also visit us at 4423 SW 45th Avenue in Amarillo, Texas or 10623 Quaker Ave #102 in Lubbock, Texas for more information.