What Should I Know About Loss of Consortium in Texas?
Unfortunately, car crashes are not uncommon in Texas, and those who are involved may suffer injuries. As a result, injured victims may be unsure how to proceed following a collision, including what to do in the immediate aftermath, how to negotiate with insurers, and the process of pursuing legal action to recover compensation. If you were involved in a collision due to the negligent actions of another driver, working with the team at The Mathis Law Firm is in your best interest. Our experienced team can help you through every step of this process to help you fight for justice. Contact our dedicated Odessa, Texas car accident lawyer to learn how we can assist you.
Car Accident Lawyer Fighting for Injured Victims in Odessa, Texas
At The Mathis Law Firm, we handle a wide array of car collisions, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Intersection crashes
- Head-on collisions
- Low-speed collisions
- Side-swipe crashes
- Distracted driving collisions
- Drunk-driving crashes
We understand how these accidents can impact your life, which is why our firm is committed to helping those injured due to the negligent actions of others recover the compensation they deserve for the damages they have suffered.
Personal Injury Protection Insurance Requirements
Texas is not a strict Personal Injury Protection (PIP) state. While the state requires that insurers include and offer the minimum PIP coverage on all policies, drivers may opt out of this coverage in writing.
The purpose of PIP insurance is to help cover some of the costs incurred following a collision, including medical expenses and a portion of lost wages if you are unable to work following the collision. As such, if you have PIP coverage, you may file a claim against your own policy following a car crash in Odesaa, regardless of who is at fault.
What Should I Do After a Car Crash in Odessa?
If you are involved in any sort of car collision in Odessa, taking the correct steps can help you protect not only your health and well-being but also your ability to fight for compensation. As such, some of the most important steps you should take include:
- Call 911 to report the injury and request both police and medical assistance at the scene of the collision
- While waiting, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver
- Take photos and videos of the damage to both vehicles and any damaged property
- Gather the names and contact information of eyewitnesses
- Do not admit fault at the scene
- Seek medical treatment, even if you feel okay or injuries seem minor
- Connect with an experienced car accident attorney who can assist you through the process
Why Prompt Medical Care Is Critical
Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes those injured in a car crash in Odessa make is failing to seek medical treatment. Many feel fine in the immediate aftermath of the collision, thus believing medical care to be unnecessary. However, some injuries may be masked by the adrenaline of being involved in a collision, while other injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, can take time to develop.
Additionally, delays in medical care can leave room for the insurance company to dispute or ultimately deny your claim, as they may argue that your injuries are not as bad as you claim due to the delay in medical attention. Securing a professional medical evaluation immediately prevents the insurance from downplaying the severity of your injuries as a means of reducing your compensation.
Recovering Damages After a Car Crash
If you have suffered injuries as a result of a negligent driver in Texas, it’s important to understand your right to seek compensation for the damages you’ve endured. In the event your lawsuit against the other driver is successful, you may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages represent actual, quantifiable losses incurred as a result of the collision, which can include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, represent subjective losses like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. The value of non-economic damages can be difficult to calculate, so connecting with an experienced personal injury attorney is in your best interest.
How Long Do I Have to Pursue a Claim for Compensation?
It is important to understand that you do not have unlimited time to decide whether or not to pursue a car crash claim in Texas. The Lone Star State, like all states, imposes a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. As such, you will only have two years from the date on which the accident occurred to seek compensation. Failure to file within the deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation, even if damages and negligence are obvious.
Contact an Odessa Car Accident Lawyer Today
Car crashes can turn your life upside down, regardless of whether you were behind the wheel or a passenger. As such, if you were injured in a collision due to the negligence of another party, it’s in your best interest to connect with the team at the Mathis Law Firm. We understand how difficult these matters can be, especially when you are healing from the injuries you have suffered. When you need help fighting for justice, do not hesitate to contact our dedicated legal team today.
