If you have been involved in an automobile or semi truck accident then you (no doubt) have a number of questions you need answered relating to accountability and compensation. Here are some common questions in see in my Texas personal injury practice.
If I and/or my family were victims in an automobile accident then will I be required to use my own insurance to pay for property damage expenses?
Not usually, if the other driver is cited for any number of reasons that would demonstrate he or she was negligent in causing the car accident then his or her insurance company may choose to pay for the car repairs, and rental car while yours is getting fixed.
If the accident is minor and everyone agrees that they suffered no injuries (beyond a little shaking up) then should we seek medical attention?
After an accident I always recommend that everyone involved seek medical attention if they have any reason to believe they were injured. The reason for this is that often enough there are symptoms to physical problems that will develop hours, days and sometimes weeks after the initial accident related to the collision that may not manifest initially.
If so, then this will need to be declared in order for the negligent party's insurance company to pay the costs for medical treatment of the malady. The other persons insurance company will use any excuse it can to try to deny or reduce your claim.
In a Houston car accident some months ago a woman was in a fender bender with another car, they exchanged information and she sought no medical treatment until a day later she had a terrible headache, she went to the hospital and never left it- dying some 10 days later! If you have any reason to feel you may have been hurt- be safe get it checked.
Will the insurance company for the other driver pay for my medical expenses up front?
No- the insurance company for the other driver will not normally pay up front for your reasonable medical expenses- they may as part of a settlement reimburse you for medical bills you have paid or incurred.
Whether I am the negligent party or the injured party - is it necessary to retain the services of an attorney?
There is any number of reasons to seek legal counsel after an automobile or truck accident. Often legal issues may arise that the insurance company wants to record in a taped statement- it is best to speak with a Texas personal injury lawyer before giving a statement about a Texas car accident.
