Four Texas Truck Accident FAQs
The days, weeks, and even months following a truck accident in Texas are very confusing. You have likely sustained serious injuries and the medical bills for paying them may be piling up. Your serious injuries may also prevent you from returning to work, leaving you wondering how you are going to pay for those bills. You may also wonder if someone else is to blame for your injuries, and how to obtain compensation for the losses you have suffered. Below, our San Antonio truck accident attorney provides the answers you need.
How Will I Pay My Medical Bills After a Truck Accident?
Although you may be able to file a lawsuit against the liable party who caused your crash, these can take time. Meanwhile, your physicians and health care facilities will expect payment for services rendered.
Your own auto insurance policy may provide you with benefits for paying these bills. In Texas, personal injury protection (PIP) benefits may be included in your policy, or you may have medical payments (MedPay). Both of these are optional types of coverage in Texas and while you can opt for one, you cannot have both on the same policy. Speak with an attorney who can review your policy with you and determine what you are eligible for.
Your own health insurance policy may also help you pay for medical treatment before obtaining a settlement or award for damages.
A Letter of Protection (LOP) could be used, which is an agreement that lets you get medical care now and pay for it later out of your final settlement or court award. It can be used when you do not have health insurance or cannot afford to pay for your medical visits right now. If your case does not win any money, or if the settlement is too small, you are still legally required to pay the medical bills.
How Much is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
No one can determine exactly how much your truck accident case is worth without first fully examining the facts surrounding the crash. Truck accident claims are meant to compensate you for the losses you suffered due to another person’s negligence. Due to this, the value of your claim will depend on the amount of your medical bills, how much income you have lost, the extent, severity, and duration of your pain and suffering, and more.
Your own level of liability will also impact the value of your truck accident claim. If you contributed to the crash, any damages awarded will be reduced by your same percentage of fault. If you are more than 51 percent at fault, you are barred from receiving any compensation at all.
What Evidence Do I Need to Support My Case?
Is it critical that you begin gathering evidence as soon as possible after the crash, as it may quickly disappear or get destroyed. Police reports, eyewitness statements, photos and video footage of the accident scene, and a daily pain and recovery journal are all important pieces of evidence that can show how the accident occurred, who is liable, and the extent of your damages.
Our attorney will also send spoliation letters to the trucking company, which requires them to preserve certain types of evidence such as the driver’s logs and employment files, maintenance and inspection records, and more. We will also speak to expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction professionals, who can testify and support your claim.
Do I Need a Truck Accident Attorney in San Antonio?
You are not legally required to work with a San Antonio truck accident attorney after a wreck. However, the trucking company and insurance company will have a team of attorneys working for them and you need an advocate on your side, too. Call The Law Office of Israel Garcia today at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can protect your rights. There is no charge whatsoever unless and until we obtain a settlement or recovery for you.
Source:
statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?tab=1&code=CP&chapter=CP.33&artSec=
