How Texas Laws Affect Car Accident Injury Claims

Car accidents happen every day, but many people are unsure what to do once the dust settles. Between medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and calls to insurance companies, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

What many accident victims don’t realize is that the laws in Texas play a major role in how a car accident claim is handled. These laws determine who is responsible for damages, how compensation may be calculated, and how long you have to take legal action. Understanding these rules can make a significant difference if you’ve been injured in a crash.

Texas Is an At-Fault State

Texas follows what is known as an “at-fault” insurance system. This means that the driver responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying for the resulting damages.

If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you may be able to pursue compensation through:

• The at-fault driver’s insurance company

• Your own insurance policy (depending on your coverage)

• A personal injury lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement (though is rare)

Compensation in these cases can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

There Is a Time Limit to File a Claim

Like every state, Texas has a statute of limitations that limits how long accident victims have to take legal action.

In most car accident injury cases, the deadline is two years from the date of the accident.

While two years may seem like a long time, building a strong case takes time. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may become difficult to locate, and insurance companies often move quickly to protect their interests.

Because of this, it is usually best to begin exploring your legal options as soon as possible after an accident.

Car insurance documents

Texas Requires Minimum Liability Insurance

Drivers in Texas are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. This coverage is intended to help pay for injuries and damages if a driver causes an accident.

The required minimum coverage includes:

• $30,000 for injuries per person

• $60,000 total for injuries per accident

• $25,000 for property damage

While these limits meet the legal requirement, they are often not enough to fully cover the costs of a serious accident. In cases involving significant injuries, victims may need to pursue additional compensation beyond the at-fault driver’s policy limits.

Evidence Plays a Critical Role in Car Accident Cases

If you’ve been involved in a crash, documenting what happened can be extremely important for your claim.

Some of the most valuable forms of evidence include:

• Police accident reports

• Photos of the vehicles and accident scene

• Medical records documenting injuries

• Witness statements

• Dashcam or surveillance footage

The stronger the evidence, the easier it can be to establish liability and pursue fair compensation.

Protecting Your Rights After a Texas Car Accident

After a crash, insurance companies often begin investigating the accident immediately. Their goal is typically to minimize how much they pay on a claim. Understanding how the laws in Texas work can help you avoid common mistakes and protect your rights during this process.

In many cases, accident victims benefit from speaking with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate the situation, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and help pursue the compensation they may be entitled to under Texas law. Call today for a free case evaluation. Let Leblanc Law Practice take care of you in this time of need.

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