When the negligence of another driver causes you injury, you may file a personal injury claim because it is your right to seek financial compensation for your losses. But what compensation should you ask for in a Houston accident case? And what steps should you take to maximize the value of your case and try to avoid being left behind with future expenses?
Statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation show that of the 38,538 crashes that occurred in Houston in 2011, 177 crashes resulted in the deaths of 183 people. A further 4,252 incidents were reported as serious incidents causing severe injury to 5,885 victims.
Steps to Take After a Houston Accident to Maximize Your Compensation:
If you are involved in a car accident, these are the following tips that you should remember to protect your rights and interests in a financial compensation claim:
- You must have the contact and insurance information for each driver involved in the crash.
- Speak to eyewitnesses about the incident and get their contact details as well.
- Take photos of the scene of the accident, including damage to the vehicle, traffic lights, road signs, weather, and road. conditions, signs on the road, and any visible injuries you sustained.
- All documents related to your treatment should be kept and instructions of the doctor should be followed.
- Before making any statement to the insurance company, it is strongly recommended that you should speak with a lawyer or the other driver’s investigator.
What Can You Expect When It Comes to a Car Accident Settlement:
If you were injured in an accident, you can get compensation for the expenses and losses you suffered as a result of the accident. When it comes to a car accident settlement, financial compensation may include:
- Expenses for medical treatment for your injuries
- Future need for medical treatment
- Pain and physical impairment
- Loss of salary or other forms of income
- Loss of future income or loss of benefits
- Decreased quality or enjoyment of life due to disfigurement or disability
- Cost of repairing damage to the vehicle or the market value of your vehicle if it has accumulated in the wreck
- Pain and physical impairment
- Mental distress
What Factors Affect the Amount of a Settlement in A Houston Accident Case?
Several factors that affect the amount that you can receive in compensation in a Houston accident case include:
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Responsibility for the Accident:
Under Texas law, if you are held responsible for 51% or more of the incident by the jury, you will not receive anything for your claim. If you are held responsible for 50% or less of the accident, any part of the fault in which you were responsible will reduce the total value of the settlement.
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The Severity of Your Injuries:
The expenses that you could incur could be greater if you have suffered injuries in a car accident, like medical bills and lost wages. You can also claim compensation for personal losses such as pain and suffering or a decrease in the quality of your life.
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Insurance Coverage Limits:
In most cases, the accident driver’s insurance company refuses to pay more than the maximum amount of coverage the driver has purchased. Texas law requires drivers to carry liability coverage for a minimum of $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident. If the at-fault driver has only minimal coverage, their insurance company will likely only pay you up to $30,000, even if you have suffered losses over that value. There are ways in which the offending party’s insurance company can be forced to pay more than its policy limits.
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Your Lawyer’s Skills and Reputation:
The experienced traffic lawyer for a traffic accident plaintiff, known to properly develop cases and win in court, can persuade an insurance company to accept a claim.
How to Estimate an Injury Settlement:
A good way to estimate the amount of compensation you can expect after a traffic accident is by considering the following factors:
- The severity of your injuries
- Medical expenses, as well as invoices and receipts for other life expenses
- Pay-slips or tax returns to start documenting lost wages
These factors help you calculate your current financial losses. In addition to these economic losses, an experienced lawyer will help you calculate a fair value for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, mental distress, and in some cases, disfigurement.
Get Help Maximizing the Value of Your Case:
Contact us at our law firm today for a free case review with an experienced traffic lawyer. Find out what compensation you may be entitled to in a Houston accident case and how we can help you get the maximum financial recovery for your losses.