Best Car Accident Lawyers in Waco

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Waco, Texas?

  (254) 750-7500 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Waco.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Waco, Texas?

  You can obtain a copy of an accident report through the Police Department Headquarters for $6. A police report can also be retrieved from websites like CrashDocs.org and LexisNexis. The report will be accessible in 24 hours, plus a $5 administration fee, for a total of $11 per report.

• What is the statute of limitations for car accident claims in Waco?

  You only have two years under Texas law to file legal action for a car accident or other form of personal injury. Otherwise, you risk losing your legal right to seek compensation for your losses. Hence, it is critical to contact a Waco car accident lawyer immediately after an accident. A lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement or file a lawsuit.

• Can you file a claim if you were partially at fault in a Waco car accident?

  Under some conditions, Texas law allows victims to receive compensation even if they were partially at fault for the accident. Compensation may be reduced by the proportion of victims' fault if they are found to be up to 51% at fault. Car accident cases with partial fault are legally complicated. As a result, you must consult a Waco car accident lawyer to determine your legal options and help you recover fair compensation for your injuries and property damage.

• How is fault determine in a Waco car accident?

  In general, fault is determined by looking at the traffic rules breached by the negligent driver in a Waco car accident and determining whether or not these acts led to losses. If it is proven that more than one driver contributed to the losses caused in an accident, responsibility may be shared. You can also present evidence like crash reports, images and video recordings of the accident scene, and eyewitness reports. Contact a Waco car accident attorney to help you determine fault and fight for your legal rights.

• What constitutes serious bodily injuries in Waco car accidents?

  Injuries in the back and head are often considered serious following a Waco motor vehicle crash. Head trauma may contribute to visual impairments, skull fractures and concussions. You might experience dizziness and headaches after a concussion. A car collision can cause lungs to collapse and ribs to crack. Amputation, burns, hearing loss, paralysis, and spinal cord injury are examples of catastrophic injuries.

• Can car accident lawyers in Waco help you claim insurance?

  A Waco automobile accident attorney can assist you in recovering compensation for your accident-related expenses, such as medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage repairs. Obtaining reasonable compensation for a vehicle accident could be a time-consuming and difficult process. A lawyer can evaluate the value of the claim, negotiate with the insurance carrier, and help protect your legal rights.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.