Were you recently injured in a car accident in Dallas, TX? A car accident claim allows you to seek compensation for medical care and other losses caused by a crash. Our Texas car accident lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you seek the money you need to rebuild your life. Contact us today at (214) 556-8321 to schedule a free consultation.
Our legal team has extensive experience handling car accident claims across the Lone Star State. We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and are ready to help you get justice.
Keep reading below to learn more about the Texas car accident claim process.
Why Choose Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers to Help Me After a Car Accident in Dallas, Texas?
Insurance companies often make the car accident claim process difficult, even when liability is clear. Adjusters may devalue your injuries, blame you, or offer settlements that fail to reflect the full extent of your losses. You need an experienced Dallas car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the complex legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Clients trust Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers thanks to:
- 189+ five-star reviews on Google
- Members of our legal team being recognized by Best Lawyers, Expertise.com, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Our thorough understanding of state traffic laws
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Our Dallas personal injury lawyers are here to help you fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Crash
Before you can file a strong car accident claim, you need to protect your health and preserve key evidence from the crash. The steps below are the first phase of the Texas car accident claim process—they can impact what the insurance company pays and whether it disputes liability.
After a crash, you should:
- Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Contact law enforcement so that an accident report can be prepared, especially if there are injuries or significant damage.
- Move vehicles out of traffic if it is safe to do so and turn on hazard lights.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information.
If possible, you should gather evidence at the scene. You can take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks. These details can help you establish your personal injury claim.
Report the Accident to Your Insurer
You should notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, even if you believe the other driver was entirely at fault. Most insurance policies require prompt notice of any collision. Delays in reporting could jeopardize your coverage.
Be cautious when speaking to the insurance company. You should provide basic information about the date, time, and location of the accident, but avoid speculating about fault. Do not agree to give a recorded statement or sign any documents without first understanding your rights.
First-Party vs. Third-Party Claims in Texas
Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is generally responsible for the damages that result. This distinction affects how and where claims are filed.
A third-party claim involves the insurance company of an at-fault driver. Through this type of claim, you may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
A first-party claim is filed with your own insurance company. These claims may come into play if the at-fault driver is uninsured, underinsured, or disputes liability.
Common forms of first-party coverage in Texas include:
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Collision coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
An experienced attorney can help determine which policies apply and pursue all available sources of compensation to maximize your benefits.
Filing Your Claim
Once the accident is reported and documentation is collected, you can file a claim with the appropriate insurance company. This may be done online, by phone, or through your attorney.
After your claim is submitted, the insurer will assign an adjuster to review materials such as:
- Police crash reports
- Medical records and bills
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Photographs and videos
- Witness statements
Based on this review, the insurer may accept liability and offer compensation for your losses. Alternatively, they may accept liability but propose a low settlement or deny the claim altogether.
Settlement and Litigation
The majority of car accident claims are resolved through settlement rather than trial. This is true for around 95% of cases. However, litigation may be necessary if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer or blames you for the accident.
If settlement negotiations fail, filing a lawsuit may be required. Litigation allows for formal discovery, depositions, and, if needed, a trial before a judge or jury. An attorney can help you take your case to court and strengthen your negotiating position.
Contact Our Dallas Car Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident in Texas, you have the right to take action. The car accident claim process can be overwhelming without representation.
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to help you navigate each stage of your claim. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Dallas car accident attorney and learn more about your options.