When you are involved in an auto accident that is not your fault, the natural reaction is to blame the adverse driver and want to have his or her insurance company reimburse you for your property damage and medical expenses. However, this may not be the most efficient method of handling your claim.
Even if you have the adverse driver’s insurance information and there is no conceivable way you could be at fault, the adverse insurance adjuster will need to get a copy of the crash report before accepting liability. It generally takes seven to ten business days to get a copy of the crash report. Without accepting liability, the adjuster cannot approve a rental car for you or start the process of repairing your car. Do you really want to be out of a car for this long?
There are other options available. It is your personal injury attorney job to explore all possible sources of insurance coverage, regardless of which party is at fault. Your auto insurance company may be able to provide coverage for a rental car and repair damage to your vehicle more quickly. Then, your insurance company can settle the property damage claim with the adverse insurance carrier once a liability determination has been made.
You may also carry personal injury protection benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Personal injury protection benefits can provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses and lost wages as a result of the accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can be used if the other driver did not have insurance or does not have enough coverage for all of your damage. You pay for these policy benefits, so it is a wise decision to use them when you are involved in an auto accident.
If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident, contact a Board Certified personal injury attorney about your potential claim.
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ 
