People are hurt in accidents everyday in Texas. If you suffered an injury in a recent car accident, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. In fact, in 2019 Texas had one accident injury every two minutes– that’s over 256,000 accident injuries for the entire year! 

However, if you were involved in an accident where you were injured, there are specific requirements that need to be met if you plan on receiving a settlement. If these requirements are not met, you have a very small chance at receiving any type of compensation. Let’s take a look at those requirements so you can be informed and equipped on how to potentially move forward with receiving compensation.

1. Someone else caused you to be in an accident (and you have proof).

Whether you were a passenger or another driver, if it can be proven someone else is the reason for the accident you were in and the injuries you sustained, you have met the first step required in determining whether you have an accident injury case or not.

2. The person that caused the accident has auto insurance (or you have protection against uninsured drivers).

Once it is determined another person caused the accident, you need to make sure they have auto insurance to go after.  In 2019, 20% of Texas drivers were deemed to have No Insurance.  If the other driver that caused the accident does not have insurance, most of the time, your only option left is if you have Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Bodily Injury.  

3. You were injured in the accident. 

Whether your injuries are major or minor, you are still entitled to an accident injury claim. 

4. You plan to or have received reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your injuries.

Your injuries have very little value unless you seek out reasonable and necessary medical treatment for them.  When you seek out medical treatment, you let the insurance company know you were truly injured, and you can prove it by showing them your medical records.

5. You do everything in a timely manner.

If all of the above criteria are met, you likely have a case… but only if you meet the requirements in a timely manner.  Your medical treatment is the biggest required step. It is important you get your injuries documented by a doctor as soon as possible and then you proceed with consistent medical treatment after that.  Typically, once you pass the 2–3-month period without any medical treatment, you will have a very hard time settling your case.

—Your Friendly Experts in Simplifying Texas Car Accidents