Dealing With Insurance Companies in Texas

To file a successful claim, most policies require you to inform the insurance company soon after an accident. Be careful when you contact them, though. You don’t want to say anything that can be used to justify the reduction or rejection of your claim. Stick to the objective facts - time, place, date, etc.

Do not provide details about how the crash happened or the extent of your injuries. Answer questions, but do not offer additional details. If pressed about your injuries, saying “I am being medically treated” is more than enough information.

Remember: You do not have to communicate with the other driver’s insurance company - so don’t do it. Texas is a “fault” state, which, in general, means the at-fault driver’s insurance company is liable for paying damages. When they contact you, they are looking for reasons to blame you for the crash and reduce your payout.

Insurance company adjusters may ask you to sign a release so they can access your medical records or other private documents. Never do this without consulting with a lawyer first.

The request may sound innocent enough. They may say they only want to look at your after-crash medical records. But if the language in the release isn’t specific, you could grant them full access to your medical history. They will use this opportunity to look for pre-existing conditions and other dubious reasons not to compensate you for your damages. Before signing anything, have your lawyer review it.

When you talk to a Texas insurance agent, assume you are being recorded. Do not mention details about the crash or your injuries on the phone or in person.

Texas is a one-party consent state when it comes to recording. This means that if one person in a conversation agrees to be recorded, it is legal to do so without informing anyone else in the conversation.

You are not required to make off-the-cuff statements about the accident to the insurance company. With the help of your attorney, draft a written statement instead.

The first settlement offer is always for the least amount of money the insurance company thinks they can get away with. The amount often has little to do with how much money you actually deserve or need to get your life back on track. That is why you should never accept a settlement offer without discussing it with an attorney first.

Once you agree to a settlement, there is no going back for more money. Your case is closed. An attorney can calculate how much compensation you really deserve and aggressively negotiate for it.

Texas car accident attorneys protect the rights of injured accident victims who deserve substantial compensation for their injuries and other damages. While you heal, your attorney can investigate the accident, collect evidence, interview witnesses, prepare and file timely legal documents, calculate the true value of your claim, build a strong case, demand maximum compensation, and hammer away at the insurance company until they make you a decent offer. If the insurance company won’t negotiate fairly, your attorney can prepare to take them to court.

You don’t have to take on the insurance company by yourself after a bad accident. If you are injured, contact a local Texas car accident attorney to handle the insurance company and claims process while you heal. Get a free, no-obligation consultation with a Texas car accident lawyer who can help.