What To Know About Getting In A Car Accident In Texas
Across the United States, one statement rings true: driving is a privilege. But every state has a different set of laws and regulations when it comes to driving.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the most common reasons for someone getting into a car accident within the state are due to:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Failing to yield
- Following too close behind another vehicle
- Running red lights or stop signs
If you’ve gotten into a car accident in Texas, here are a few things you’ll want to know.
Hiring A Lawyer
Texas is considered an at-fault state. This means if a driver in a car accident is at least 50% at fault, they must take responsibility. Regardless of how the car accident occurred, you’ll want to consider hiring a car accident lawyer in Texas.
A lawyer will be able to properly defend you if there’s a dispute about the accident or who was at fault. They can also help ensure that you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies.
Your lawyer can be the main point of contact to help provide you with the most amount of compensation for the accident possible.
Auto Insurance In Texas
Texas law states that anyone who drives a vehicle must have basic liability insurance. Driving without insurance will result in a minimum fine of $350, before any additional fines you may receive from the car accident.
If it’s not your first offense, your fine could be substantially more or result in a license suspension.
Driving Under The Influence
In the state of Texas, anyone driving a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher will receive a DWI (driving while intoxicated) or a DUI (driving under the influence). The main difference between the two is the person’s age.
Someone who is under the age of 21 and is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or another controlled substance will receive a DUI regardless of the amount in their system. A DWI is those above the legal age.
When To Move Your Vehicle
In Texas, if your vehicle has been in a collision and no one is hurt, you have to move your vehicle out of the regular flow of traffic. Do this even before the police are called. This is to avoid any further accidents that could happen.
However, if someone is hurt, you’ll need to contact 911 first. If you’ve hit a vehicle where the owner isn’t present, you need to either find the driver or leave a note with specific details:
- What happened in the accident
- Your name
- Full address
- Phone number
- Insurance name, phone number, and I.D.
Always Contact The Police
Regardless of how minor the car accident may have been, you must always contact the authorities. You may think a small fender bender can be handled between the two parties. But unfortunately, you may end up getting into financial issues down the line.
Insurance companies require a police report for any car accidents that have occurred to process a claim and provide you with compensation. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for any vehicle damages or medical expenses.
How To Avoid A Collision
There are several steps you can take to avoid future car accidents while driving in Texas.
- Follow the speed limits within a given area
- Never drive while under the influence
- Do not text or use a phone while driving under any circumstance
- Always yield or stop at an intersection depending on the signal given
- Do not run yellow lights
- Drive cautiously during inclement weather
- Pull over if you’re tired and need to rest
Conclusion
Knowing what to expect in the aftermath of a car accident can help you to drive more defensively and be more cautious while on the road.
If you’ve found yourself in a car accident in Texas, always focus on safety first. Ensure that everyone involved is not injured. If there are injuries, call the authorities right away.
If you’ve suffered from an injury, make sure to contact a local lawyer who can help you receive the necessary compensation.
