Texas Car Accident Claim Process

Were you recently injured in a car accident in Texas? A car accident claim can help you recover money for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. The Undefeated Texas car accident attorneys at Zehl & Associates can get you the money you deserve and hold the at-fault driver accountable. Call today at 888-603-3636 for a free consultation. 

We’ve helped thousands of Texans hold negligent drivers accountable and recover record-setting verdicts and settlements. With decades of combined experience and a proven reputation for winning against the largest insurers in the country, our team is here to fight for you.

Call today to get started, and read on to learn what steps to take after a crash to protect both your health and your right to full financial recovery.

Table of Contents

• Why Choose Zehl & Associates to Handle Your Car Accident Claim in Texas?
• 1. What to Do At the Accident Scene
• 2. Report the Accident Promptly
• 3. Understand First-Party vs. Third-Party Claims
• 4. Follow the Do’s and Don’ts
• 5. File Your Claim
• Contact Our Undefeated Texas Car Accident Attorney for Help Filing Your Claim

Why Choose Zehl & Associates to Handle Your Car Accident Claim in Texas?

After a crash, choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Insurance companies will use every tactic they can to minimize your payout. You need a legal team that knows its strategies and has the resources to beat them.

Here’s what sets Zehl & Associates apart:

• Billions Won: – Our trial lawyers have recovered Billions for accident victims, including some of the largest personal injury verdicts in Texas history.
• Unmatched Experience: We’ve handled thousands of car accident cases, from highway pileups to catastrophic injury claims — and we know what it takes to not only win, but set records.
• Maximum Compensation Possible: – We NEVER settle for less than you deserve. If they refuse to fully compensate you for all of your injuries and losses, we’ll take your case to trial, where we remain undefeated
• No Fees Unless We Win: We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Texas car accident lawyer. We’re standing by to get you justice. 

1. What to Do At the Accident Scene

The moments right after a crash are critical. First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.

Texas law requires that accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage be reported to law enforcement. Police officers who respond will secure the scene and prepare an official crash report, which can serve as vital evidence for your claim.

If you’re able, move your vehicle out of traffic and use hazard lights or flares to alert other drivers. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance details.

It’s also important to document everything. Take photos of the vehicles, the roadway, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries. These details can make a huge difference later on.

2. Report the Accident Promptly

You should notify your insurance company about the crash as soon as possible. While Texas law doesn’t mandate that you report the accident to your own insurer, nearly all policies require timely notice. Failing to do so could jeopardize your coverage.

Even if you weren’t at fault, giving your insurer early notice ensures they are prepared to coordinate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and protect your rights.

3. Understand First-Party vs. Third-Party Claims

Texas is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for causing the crash is also responsible for paying damages. 

You typically have two main options:

• Third-party claims are filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and provide money for your injuries, vehicle repairs, medical bills, and other losses.
• First-party claims are filed with your own insurance company, particularly if you have collision coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), or uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

Because multiple policies may apply, it’s important to have a lawyer review your coverage and identify every available source of compensation.

4. Follow the Do’s and Don’ts

The days following a crash are just as important as the time immediately after the accident. Certain mistakes can seriously damage your case. 

Keep these guidelines in mind:

Don’ts

You should not: 

• Admit fault, even casually, at the scene or later to insurance adjusters.
• Sign any documents you don’t understand, especially settlement offers.
• Accept the first settlement offer without legal advice.
• Post about the accident on social media.

You also shouldn’t wait too long to act. In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Do’s

After a crash, you should always: 

• Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries are delayed.
• Keep copies of all medical records, bills, repair invoices, and related expenses.
• Maintain a recovery journal describing your pain, symptoms, and how the injuries affect your daily life.
• Follow all doctors’ orders to avoid giving the insurer an excuse to claim you failed to mitigate damages.

You should also contact an experienced car accident lawyer for help understanding your rights and legal options. 

5. File Your Claim

Once you’ve reported the accident and gathered documentation, the next step is to file your claim. In Texas, you can typically do this online, over the phone, or by mail. The insurance company will assign an adjuster to review the accident report, medical records, bills, and other evidence.

From there, the insurer may:

• Accept liability and offer payment.
• Accept liability but propose a lowball settlement.
• Deny the claim outright.

It’s important to remember that insurance companies are in business to make money. Their first offer is almost always far less than what your claim is truly worth. That’s why having an experienced Texas car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference.

Contact Our Undefeated Texas Car Accident Attorney for Help Filing Your Claim

Dealing with insurance companies after a crash can be exhausting and frustrating. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.

At Zehl & Associates, we have decades of experience holding negligent drivers accountable and forcing insurance companies to pay what our clients are owed. When you hire us, you’re choosing a team that has proven over and over again that we don’t back down until our clients get justice.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation with our top-rated Texas car accident attorneys.