Each state has its own laws that govern car accident claims. In some states, an accident victim must file a claim with their own no-fault insurance carrier unless they meet a “serious injury” threshold. In so-called “fault” insurance states, however, victims typically seek compensation from the liable party’s insurance carrier.
Texas is a fault insurance state. That means if you were injured in a motor-vehicle collision, your claim would most likely be brought against the insurance company of the party responsible for the crash. This is usually a negligent driver.
Should I Carry No-Fault Insurance?
Given that all drivers in Texas are required to carry auto insurance, you might assume that buying no-fault insurance would be an unnecessary expense; however, a significant percentage of Texas motorists are uninsured or underinsured, and there’s always a chance that you will eventually be found at fault for a crash, so it’s a good idea to consider investing in no-fault insurance such as personal injury protection (PIP). You might also want to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, and/or comprehensive coverage.
What Are the Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Texas?
In Texas, drivers must carry auto insurance that meets the following minimum limits:
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person,
- $60,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and
- $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
Keep in mind that these are the minimum amounts required by law. It is wise to consider carrying additional liability coverage. If you cause a crash and your policy limits are too low to cover the damages incurred by others, you might be held personally liable for the difference. This could lead to overwhelming debt and eventual bankruptcy.
Who Might Be Liable for a Car Accident?
The vast majority of car accident claims are brought against negligent drivers; however, there are circumstances when these cases involve other types of defendants. Depending on the circumstances, you may have grounds for a claim against:
- A government entity that failed to design or maintain the roads properly,
- The manufacturer of a defective auto part,
- The at-fault driver’s employer,
- A negligent pedestrian, or
- A negligent mechanic.
A seasoned personal injury lawyer can perform a thorough investigation to identify all potentially liable parties. Your attorney can also compile all available evidence of liability to minimize the likelihood of a dispute. Such evidence may include the police report, cellphone records, ELD data, surveillance footage, photos of the crash scene, eyewitness deposition, and the deposition of an accident reconstruction expert.
Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Today
Attorney Chelsie King Garza has won substantial settlements for car accident victims throughout Texas. She has extensive experience negotiating with some of the largest insurance companies in the state.
No matter the circumstances of your accident, Chelsie can provide tailored legal advice and help you make informed decisions. She will tenaciously advocate for your interests through every stage of the proceedings. For a free consultation, send us an email or call (713) 893-8808.
