After a crash, questions come fast and the answers are not always clear. Below are straightforward answers to the questions Texans ask most often after a car accident. For guidance on your specific situation, a Dallas car accident lawyer can review the facts at no cost.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Texas?

Check for injuries, call 911, and stay at the scene. Exchange information with the other driver, photograph the scene if you can, and see a doctor even if you feel fine, since some injuries surface later. Avoid admitting fault. Our guide on what to do after an accident walks through each step in detail.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Texas?

In most cases, two years from the date of the crash. Under Section 16.003 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, you generally must file a lawsuit within two years, or you lose the right to recover. Claims involving a government entity can carry much shorter deadlines. Our guide on the statute of limitations explains the exceptions.

What If the Crash Was Partly My Fault?

You may still recover. Texas uses a modified comparative fault system, which reduces your award by your percentage of blame and bars recovery only if you are more than 50 percent at fault. Insurers often try to shift blame to cut what they pay. Our guide on Texas comparative fault explains how this works.

Do I Have to Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?

Usually not, and it is often wise to be cautious. The other driver’s insurer may ask for a recorded statement to use against you. You are generally not required to give one. Our guide on dealing with insurance companies explains how to protect yourself during these conversations.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Crash?

You may recover economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages for pain and reduced quality of life. The amount depends on the severity of your injuries and the strength of your evidence. Our guide on economic and non-economic damages covers what a claim can include, whether your crash was in Dallas or an Irving car accident.

What If the Other Driver Had No Insurance?

You may still have options. Texas requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25, as the Texas Department of Insurance explains, but not everyone carries it. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy can help. Our blog on your options if the at-fault driver cannot pay covers this in more detail.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning no upfront cost and no attorney fee unless they recover for you. Consultations are typically free. Our guide on how contingency fees work explains the arrangement, so cost should not stop you from asking whether you have a case.

Talk to a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer

Since 2012, Kelso Law, PLLC has answered these questions for injured Texans and helped them pursue fair compensation. If you have questions about your own crash, we can review the facts and give you honest guidance. Whether your case is a Richardson car accident or a collision in a nearby community like Coppell, we are ready to help. Contact our team for a free consultation.

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