Do you know what to do after a car accident in the state of Texas?
If you have a driver’s license, you likely already know that you’re supposed to pull over, render aid to the other driver if needed, and share contact and insurance information. But what do you do when the other driver is uninsured? The actions you take in this situation could significantly impact your ability to get fair compensation for your injuries.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention
When considering what to do after a car accident, the first step is always to get medically evaluated. Nothing is more important than your health. Seeking prompt medical attention can significantly increase your chances of recovering fully. Additionally, it creates medical records that will be useful for pursuing compensation.
Request Police Assistance
When you call 911 to request medical attention, make sure to also request police assistance.
Police officers typically respond to any car accidents where someone is injured. The responding police officer will create an official report about the car accident, noting that one of the drivers wasn’t insured. This will be important evidence if you decide to pursue an uninsured driver insurance claim.
Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
Assuming your injuries don’t prevent you from doing so, you should gather any evidence you can from the accident scene. Take photos of your injuries and the damage to each vehicle. While you’re at it, make sure to capture skid marks or other physical evidence that could be used to reconstruct the accident.
You should also get as much documentation as possible. This means sharing contact information with the other driver, as well as interviewing potential witnesses and getting their contact information.
Refuse Any Informal Payment Agreements
Uninsured drivers sometimes offer informal payment arrangements to those they hit. While this may seem like a fast and convenient way to get compensation, you should never agree to this type of transaction.
The driver could easily renege on their offer. Even if they do pay you something, the amount you get isn’t likely to cover your various expenses.
Notify Your Insurance Company
If you ask an insurance company what to do after a car accident, they’ll tell you to notify them as soon as possible. While this is good advice, it’s also self-serving.
Your insurer wants to know about the accident so it can limit its liability. You should let them know about the accident, but avoid giving any recorded statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Confirm Your Policy Coverage
While you’re on the phone with your insurance provider, take the time to confirm the details of your policy. Confirm exactly how your policy works and whether you have uninsured motorist coverage. This information will be important when filing a claim.
Consult a Qualified Car Accident Attorney
The best time to contact a Texas car accident lawyer is while you’re still at the accident scene. An experienced attorney can guide you through the initial steps over the phone to help you protect your rights. You can even schedule a case evaluation while waiting for emergency services and police to arrive.
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is only two years from the date of the accident. While that may seem like a lot of time, it can pass in the blink of an eye. It’s therefore best to get the legal process started as soon as possible.
FAQ
Is There Any Way to Extend the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases in Texas?
If the other driver flees the state, any time they spend outside of Texas won’t count toward the two-year statute of limitations. This is particularly relevant with uninsured drivers who may flee because they’re worried about the financial implications of an accident they were responsible for.
Do Laws Regarding Accidents With Uninsured Drivers Apply to Bicycle Accidents?
Possibly. You don’t need to purchase car insurance to ride a bicycle on public roads in Texas. However, if you have uninsured motorist coverage, it may be helpful if you’re involved in an accident while riding a bike and the vehicle driver is uninsured.
Most car insurance policies cover accidents even when the policyholder is riding a bike or on foot. Even so, you should confirm the details of your policy as soon as possible after a bike accident with an uninsured driver to determine whether you can file a car insurance claim.
Can I Get Compensation if I Don’t Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Texas doesn’t require drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage. You can still file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver if you don’t have this type of coverage. Depending on the results of the suit, you can potentially get the same compensation you would have from filing an uninsured motorist insurance claim.
In most cases, however, drivers are uninsured because they can’t afford coverage. That means you might win a lawsuit and still get little to no compensation unless the at-fault driver has considerable assets. Consult an attorney before attempting to pursue a lawsuit that may not produce any meaningful results.
Reach Out to Ramsey Law Group Today
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver in Texas, the experienced legal professional at Ramsey Law Group may be able to help you obtain the compensation you need to recover. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.