San Antonio effortlessly merges its Western heritage with modern urban conveniences, which explains why it is the most visited city in Texas. The 1.4 million residents and the daily influx of visitors create traffic headaches on major thoroughfares like I-10 and I-35. Unfortunately, impatient drivers also lead to an increase in car accidents, often resulting in serious injuries and even fatalities.
San Antonio is one of Texas’s top cities for vehicle crashes, with more than 40,000 in 2023. Victims of these collisions may face time off work, medical treatment, and significant vehicle damage. Where do victims turn for help? The San Antonio auto accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw have spent more than two decades helping accident victims pursue compensation that keeps their bills paid while they heal from injuries. Check our reviews and then contact our team 24/7 at 800-862-1260.
What Does “At Fault” Mean?Texas is an “at fault” state, which means the person responsible for the accident is liable for associated damages. Texas law requires all drivers to carry minimum amounts of liability insurance. Minimum limits are:
Texas also operates under the proportionate responsibility rule that states each at-fault party is liable for a percentage of the damages according to their portion of fault. If you were 30% responsible and the other party was 70%, you could collect 70% of the compensation awarded. Your San Antonio TX car accident lawyer can explain how the at-fault and proportionate responsibility rules will impact your compensation.
Types of Compensation After a Car AccidentYou can seek various types of compensation after a vehicle crash in San Antonio:
Insurance companies have different formulas to calculate pain and suffering damages. However, the insurance provider’s figure is often low. Your attorney will help you receive a fair amount for your damages.
Filing a First-Party Claim with Your Insurance CompanyYou have three options for pursuing compensation after a car crash. The first is to file a first-party claim with your insurance company. Unfortunately, you won’t receive much compensation from your insurance policy unless you have added coverage beyond the liability requirement. Coverage options include:
PIP covers your and your passenger’s medical bills, while collision covers vehicle damage. Uninsured motorist coverage is helpful if an uninsured driver hits you. Although Texas law requires it, not all drivers purchase it.
Filing a Third-Party Claim with the Other Driver’s Insurance CompanyIf another motorist was responsible for the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company. Once you report the incident, the insurance company assigns an adjuster to your case to investigate the accident and review all available evidence. The insurance company determines whether to accept or deny your claim. If accepted, the adjuster will offer a specific amount of compensation to settle the claim.
It sounds straightforward, but understand that insurance adjusters primarily want to save their company money. They are looking for reasons to reduce your compensation or deny it altogether. You need an experienced lawyer in your corner to maximize your San Antonio car accident settlement.
When to Consider Legal ActionYour third option is to file a lawsuit against the responsible party seeking damages. You have two years to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas, but you should file as soon as possible. Immediate filing ensures witnesses will remember what they saw, and evidence will be readily available to prove your case.
Let Our Experienced Attorneys Take the Stress off Your Shoulders. Call Today!Don’t wait to contact the professionals at Carabin Shaw for a free case review. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you owe nothing until we win your case. Contact us toll-free at 800-862-1260 and talk to one of our Spanish- or English-speaking associates now.
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