Accidentes de tráficoIt’s common to feel confused and lost after being in a car accident. You may be injured, and your car may be severely damaged. To make things worse, insurance companies and attorneys may call you or send threatening letters. While this may feel overwhelming, remember that you have rights during this process.
The Zimmerman Law Firm is here to help. Our attorneys understand a car accident victim’s rights and excel at getting compensation for our clients. Contact our office to discuss your case and protect your rights.
Your Rights After a Car Accident
The moments after a car accident may seem like a blur. Take some time to compose yourself and check that everybody is okay. After this, be sure to exercise the following rights.
The Right to the Other Driver’s Information
Texas law requires drivers to exchange basic information after a crash that causes injury, death, or property damage. This includes:
- Names,
- Addresses,
- Vehicle registration, and
- Información sobre el seguro.
You have the right to request this information from the other side. If they refuse, write down or photograph the other car’s license plate. Then, wait for law enforcement so they can obtain this information for you during their investigation.
The Right to Take Photos and Videos
Generally, you can photograph or record anything that happens in public. You should exercise this right by taking photos and videos of the accident. These can serve as valuable evidence by showing the extent of the crash, weather conditions, and other relevant factors. Be respectful during this process, but don’t feel pressured if the other side tries to stop you.
The Right to Obtain the Police Report
Once law enforcement arrives, they will investigate the accident and prepare a report. An officer will speak with drivers and passengers, interview witnesses, and see if other factors contributed to the crash. After this, they’ll compile their data into a report that will be available online.
The Right to Refuse to Speak to Insurance Companies
The other side will likely report the accident to their insurer. In most cases, the insurer will contact you to discuss the accident. You should refuse to speak to anyone without an attorney present.
Insurance companies know how to shift blame and use these conversations to avoid liability. Anything you say can weaken your case and lower your potential compensation.
The Right to Compensation
Drivers must act reasonably and safely while on the road. If a driver causes an accident, they can be liable for resulting damages.
After all, it’s not fair to make you pay for medical bills or car repairs for something that isn’t your fault. This is why compensation is one of the core car accident victims’ rights in Texas.
How an Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
Your rights only help you if you exercise them properly. However, knowing how and when your rights apply can be difficult.
The lawyers at the Zimmerman Law Firm know how to protect your rights after a car accident in Texas. Our firm will work tirelessly to hold the other side accountable and get justice for your injuries.
Reunir pruebas
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. But getting evidence isn’t always easy. That’s why you need an attorney to manage this process.
They will analyze medical records, speak with witnesses, and review photos and videos. On top of this, your lawyer might consult experts to reconstruct the crash or explain the extent of your injuries.
File a Lawsuit or Insurance Claim
Your attorney will handle the legal requirements of getting compensation after the accident. In most cases, this involves sending demand letters, filing lawsuits, and working with insurance carriers.
Each of these options involves preparing documents that explain why the other side is liable for your injuries. Your lawyer will make sure your claim explains your rights as a car accident victim and why the law supports your case.
Manage Negotiations
Personal injury claims often lead to negotiations between the parties. Most people don’t want to go to court, so they choose to resolve their disputes with settlement agreements.
Your lawyer will use evidence like medical bills and car repair costs to explain the value of your claim. While settlement discussions can take time, your lawyer will work hard to get you the best result possible.
Take the Other Side to Court
Victims have the right to pursue their claims in court. While going to court is rare, you might need to go to trial if the other side won’t settle for a fair amount.
It’s natural to feel nervous before trial, but this is where your attorney will work their best. They will argue your case and demonstrate why the law is on your side.
Types of Compensation Available After an Accident
You have the right to seek monetary compensation after a crash. Your recovery can address any harm you experience due to the accident, such as physical damage, financial loss, and emotional hardship.
Some common types of compensation victims seek include:
- Medical expenses. You may need medical care to recover from your injuries. Your compensation agreement can cover anything from imaging and surgeries to rehabilitation and medication.
- Lost earnings. You might miss work as you recover from your injuries. You can request the other side pay for any lost paychecks during this time.
- Pain and suffering. Many victims struggle to deal with the emotional toll of life after a car accident. While compensation can’t make the pain go away, it can give you peace of mind.
- Wrongful death. Lethal accidents are common in Texas and have tragic consequences. The other side may owe you money to address the financial and emotional harm of losing a loved one.
Many factors can affect how much compensation is available. The Zimmerman Law Firm can help you calculate a fair value for your claim that addresses all of your damages.
You Have Two Years to File a Claim
You must act quickly to exercise your right to compensation. Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for car accident claims. If you wait too long, the other side may refuse to settle and the court might dismiss your claim.
Schedule a Free Case Review
The Zimmerman Law Firm is a strong advocate for car accident victims’ rights. For over 85 years, we’ve helped Texans fight for their rights after an accident.
During this time, our firm has recovered millions for our clients and won many trials. Our firm knows how to get results for our clients and would be honored to work with you.
Call today to schedule a no-cost consultation and discuss your case.
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Michael Zimmerman
Michael nació en Houston, Texas. Estudió en las universidades de Baylor y Texas State, donde se licenció en Ciencias en 1987. Se especializó en Biología y en Química. Terminó su educación legal en Texas Southern University en 1990, obteniendo un Doctorado en Derecho de la Escuela de Derecho Thurgood Marshall. Fue admitido en el Colegio de Abogados del Estado de Texas en 1990.
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