Dealing with Insurance
After a car crash, one of the most confusing things is dealing with insurance companies. That’s because many people have no experience with insurance companies, other than paying premiums every month. That's why having a car crash lawyer can be extremely important.
Sometimes you will be dealing with the other driver’s insurance, and sometimes you will be dealing with your insurance. It's important to know about insurance before speaking with insurance adjusters.
Different Types of Insurance
In Austin and Texas as a whole, there are various types of car insurance that apply depending on the situation. Common ones are:
- Liability. Pays for damage to others.
- Collision. Pays for damage to your car from a crash.
- Comprehensive. Pays for damage to or loss of your car in almost all situations (e.g., theft, storm damage), including a car crash.
- Medical payments. Pays for medical bills.
- Personal injury protection (PIP). Pays for medical bills, along with some other things like lost wages.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM). Pays if you’re hit or injured by someone who has no insurance or who doesn’t have enough insurance.
Things to consider doing after a car crash:
How the Process Works for Car Crash Claims
Generally speaking, after a car crash, the following occurs:
- An insurance adjuster is assigned to investigate your claim.
- Your vehicle is repaired.
- Medical treatment is sought and, hopefully, completed (although some injuries never fully heal).
- The insurance adjuster offers to settle the claim.
- If a settlement does not happen, it is possible a lawsuit comes next.
The process can take months, even without a lawsuit. If a lawsuit becomes necessary, the process often takes several years.
Sometimes these things happen at the same time and sometimes they happen in a different order than listed.
Throughout the process, it is important to know your rights. Texas has a consumer Bill of Rights for people who have been in a car crash. If you have any questions, contact our personal injury law firm to review your case with an experienced car crash lawyer.
When More Than One Person is at Fault
Imagine a scenario: Driver A is speeding, just barely, through an intersection while they have a green light. Driver B, who is headed in a perpendicular direction, blows a red light into the intersection and hits Driver A. Who is at fault for the car crash?
Probably both, at least in part. But most people would agree Driver B, who ran the red light, is primarily at fault. This is an example of comparative fault or, as Texas calls it, “proportionate responsibility.” The jury determines each person’s percentage of responsibility.
The jury can divide responsibility among the plaintiff, the defendant(s), any person who previously settled out of the case, and even people known as “responsible third parties.” A plaintiff’s recovery, if any, is then reduced in accordance with how the responsibility is divided. This concept is governed by Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 33.
One big factor is the plaintiff’s percentage of fault or responsibility. Under the law, a plaintiff cannot recover any compensation if their responsibility is greater than 50%. If you have any questions, contact our personal injury law firm to review your case with an experienced car crash lawyer.
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers
At Cronauer Law, we are an experienced personal injury law firm and civil rights law firm. Our team of dedicated legal professionals is committed to helping our clients who have been injured in a car crash receive the compensation they deserve.
Free Consultation & No Win, No Fee
We offer a free consultation to discuss your car crash case and determine the best course of action. We also operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay us anything unless we win your case. You have nothing to lose by contacting our Austin office today!
Contact Us
If you have been injured and need an experienced personal injury law firm or civil rights law firm, contact us at our Texas office in Austin. We are available 24/7 to help you with your car crash case.