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It can be overwhelming to deal with the aftermath of an Austin car accident. It can be difficult to recall Texas law regarding when and how to notify the police. It is best to dial 911 immediately after a car accident in Austin.
What does Texas law say about reporting traffic accidents to the police?
According to the Texas Transportation Code, you must report any car accident to your local authorities if it occurs:
- Bodily injury or death
- Most likely to cause death or serious injury
- Property damage up to $1,000
Drivers should pull over as close as possible to the accident site. The fastest way to report an accident is to call 911. The Austin Police Department is responsible for investigating accidents within the city.
Reporting a car accident can result in injury or property damage of up to $1,000. You cannot know the extent of your injuries and property damage, so it is best to call 911 to report the accident.
You might be persuaded by the other driver not to report the accident. The driver could be drunk or not have the insurance required or a valid driver’s license. You should still dial 911 to report the collision.
Here are some steps to take after an Austin car accident
Wait for the police to arrive. Do not talk about the accident with other drivers or witnesses. Instead, take photos and record a video of what happened at the accident site. Note the contact information of the witnesses.
Keep calm and don’t make any statements that could be taken as an admission of fault. Be honest with police officers and cooperate with them. Be truthful and honest with the police officers.
You should immediately seek medical attention for your injuries if you don’t go to the hospital via ambulance. You must seek medical attention immediately if you want to prove that your injuries were caused by the car accident. Refusal to seek medical attention can give insurance companies a reason not to pay your claim or to dispute your damages.
What damages can you receive if you are in an Austin car accident?
Texas tort law holds people financially responsible for any damages they cause due to negligence, intentional acts, or other wrongdoing. If the car accident was caused by another driver, you might be entitled to compensation. Your monetary and economic damages may include the following:
- Future and past medical bills
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Loss of wages, benefits, future earning capacity, or other income sources
- Assistance with household chores and personal care
- Long-term and in-home nursing care
Victims of accidents can also seek compensation for their pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages. These damages include:
- Emotional distress
- Pain in the body
- Disabilities and impairments
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality life
- Scarring and disfigurement
Documentation and evidence must be provided to prove your damages. A personal injury attorney in Austin can help you to document your damages and accurately calculate the settlement amount. An attorney can also help you respond to insurance companies’ claims of contributory negligence and failure to mitigate damages, which could lower the amount you receive in a car accident case.
Who pays my damages for a car accident claim?
Your damages are liable to the person responsible for your accident. A personal injury lawsuit can be filed against the person to recover your damages.
Most car accident cases can be settled through negotiations with the individual’s insurance provider. Texas drivers must carry at least $30,000 of liability insurance to cover bodily injury caused by a crash. This is $60,000 per accident. If an insurance company accepts responsibility for your damages, they will pay you.
The damages caused by catastrophic injuries are not covered by the $30,000 limit. You could file a lawsuit to obtain a judgment, but you may not get any money, even if you win the lawsuit.
Your lawyer may file an underinsured driver claim with your insurance company. Underinsured motorist claims pay you the difference between your damages and what you receive from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Your insurance policy and policy limits will determine the amount you are eligible for.
You may have other income sources for car accident cases. To learn more about your options for getting money for car accident injuries, it is a good idea to seek legal advice.
Get in touch with our Austin, TX, Car Accident Law Firm.
Contact FFV Law Austin to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers if you have been in an Austin car accident and are in need of legal assistance.
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