Your Responsibilities and Rights After a Car Accident

Unfortunately, many automobile accidents result in injuries. Even minor accidents or so-called fender-benders can cause serious and devastating injuries to drivers and passengers of the vehicles. When an injury occurs, it is always recommended to contact personal injury attorneys to ensure their rights are protected.

An injury can create a serious mountain of bills due to immediate care and even ongoing treatments. This on its own, can create a significant financial burden for the injured person. When those injuries prevent a person from working, it can create losses that can increase the financial burden.

When a person is injured in an accident due to another person’s reckless driving, they should be held responsible for all the costs and losses due to that accident. An attorney can assist in getting the compensation needed.

Texas state law offers guidance in these situations. The law provides detailed information on the responsibilities of every driver who was involved in an accident and what to do immediately after the accident. Not following these rules can result in criminal actions for the offender.

After an accident, the driver involved is to immediately stop at the scene or as close to the scene as possible without obstructing traffic more than necessary. The individuals are also required to stay at the scene until all proper steps are taken as required by law.

If there is an injured person due to the accident, the driver is required to provide reasonable aid to that person, including contacting emergency services. It is also required that the driver provide information to the officers on the scene, as well as provide license and insurance information to the other driver.

Car Insurance

In Texas, drivers must have at least $30,000 worth of coverage for injuries per person in an accident and at least $60,000 for injuries for the entire accident. They must also carry $25,000 worth of coverage for damages to the other person’s vehicle.

This helps to protect all drivers when involved in an accident. When the accident is due to another person’s fault, then it is their insurance provider that will cover the costs of all property damage and injuries that have occurred.

Unfortunately, insurance companies are for-profit businesses. This means that they will do what they can to keep their claims payments low to ensure a higher profit. In many instances, they will offer small settlements or even attempt to deny claims to avoid impacting their profit margin.

Any person that causes an accident due to driving while distracted, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or driving carelessly or recklessly, should be held responsible for all costs and losses related to that accident.

Those injured should get compensation to cover the costs of their immediate medical care, as well as any follow-up care needed for that injury. For those with severe injuries, they should be compensated for any continuous care, therapies, or equipment needed due to that injury.

In addition to compensation for the costs of medical care, those injured in an accident should also be compensated for any missed work due to that injury. If the injury caused a disability that prevents them from returning to work, they should be provided with compensation to cover those losses.