Myths about Car Accidents
It’s normal to feel confused and unsure of the legal process when you’re in an Austin, TX, car accident. That uncertainty can cause you to make some mistakes when filing a claim. Learn the truth behind the common Austin, TX, car accident claim myths so you’ll understand the process.
Myth – Police Reports Always Establish Fault
When you’re in an accident, you should call the police immediately. The police will then make a report. However, the report might not establish fault. Instead, the reporting officer might use the report to outline the facts without assigning blame. Your attorney will use the police report and other evidence to establish fault.
Myth – The At-fault Driver Pays the Claim
Some people don’t file a claim because they don’t want to cause the at-fault driver to suffer financial hardship. However, the at-fault driver won’t have to pay the claim. Instead, the driver’s insurance company will send you a check. That means you won’t put the driver in a bad financial situation. It also means you can collect more in damages than you could if you were limited to what the at-fault driver could afford.
Myth – You’re Guaranteed Money If You Weren’t at Fault
Texas drivers have the option to get Personal Injury Protection coverage. This coverage will pay your expenses if you’re in a car accident, regardless of fault. However, many Texans don’t carry this coverage due to the expense. Without Personal Injury Protection Coverage, you will have to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The company will make you prove that the other driver was at fault before paying.
Myth – Rear Vehicles Are Always Liable for Accidents
There’s a myth that if you rear-end another vehicle, you are responsible for the accident. The school of thought is if you hadn’t been following too close, you wouldn’t have hit the other driver. However, the other driver might be responsible, at least to a degree. For example, the other driver might share some responsibility if he or she slams on the breaks, causing you to get in an accident. A seasoned personal injury attorney will examine the evidence to determine if the other driver is entirely or partially at fault. Because Texas is a modified comparative negligence state, you can recover damages as long as you aren’t more than 50 percent to blame for the accident.
Myth – You Don’t Need a Lawyer to Handle Your Claim
If you want to maximize your compensation, it’s wise to hire a personal injury attorney. Your attorney will handle the entire process for you, from gathering and analyzing evidence to negotiate with the insurance company. The attorney can also take the case to court if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
You might be worried about paying for an Austin car accident lawyer. Fortunately, you can hire a lawyer who works on a contingency basis. That means you’ll only pay the lawyer if the insurance company pays your claim.
Get Legal Help After an Austin Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, contact Austin, TX, personal injury attorney, Steven C. Lee & Associates right away. Steven’s team will help you get the compensation you need and deserve.
Steven C. Lee is a personal injury lawyer in Austin, Texas specializing in truck accidents, car accidents, bicycle accidents, drunk driving accidents, motorcycle accidents, construction site accidents and wrongful death cases.
Steven C. Lee is a member of the Texas Bar, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Texas Trial Lawyers Association and a member of the BBB in Austin, TX. You can view Steven C. Lee’s LinkedIn Profile here.