Texas law requires anyone with a vehicle registered in the state to show proof of financial responsibility, most often by carrying liability insurance. This coverage pays for any injuries you might cause in a crash. But can someone sue you for a car accident if you have insurance?
The short answer: Yes, you could face a lawsuit after a crash even if you have auto insurance. If your insurance coverage does not cover the other driver’s losses, your chances of facing a lawsuit increase dramatically. Just because a driver sues you after a collision does not mean they’ll win, or you can’t claim compensation from them.
The key to fighting off a lawsuit after a car accident and claiming the compensation you need is to hire a skilled, experienced personal injury lawyer. The Houston car accident attorneys at Gibson Hill Personal Injury have extensive experience with these cases and can protect you from being taken advantage of by the other driver after a collision. Read on for more information on your legal rights and what to do if someone sues you for a car accident in Texas.
The Purpose of Auto Accident Liability Insurance
People often think they buy insurance to protect themselves after a collision. That’s true, but only to an extent, depending on how much coverage they buy. The insurance that state law requires drivers to buy only protects them indirectly after a crash, however.
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, anyone driving a vehicle registered in the state must carry the following minimum amounts of liability insurance:
- $30,000 in coverage for injuries to one person injured in a crash
- $60,000 in coverage for injuries if multiple people sustain injuries in a single crash
- $25,000 in property damage coverage
It is essential to remember that liability coverage does not cover your injuries or damage to your vehicle in a collision. Instead, it covers the other driver’s losses if you caused the collision. Without additional coverage, you may have to pay for your losses yourself.
Does Car Insurance Cover a Lawsuit?
If the other driver wins a car accident lawsuit against you, your insurance will cover whatever compensation they demand up to the limits of your policy. If their losses exceed the limits of your coverage, however, you will have to make up the difference some other way. This could mean paying for their losses out of your pocket.
How to Protect Your Finances from Possible Car Accidents
Texas car accidents frequently cause thousands of dollars worth of property damage, lost income, and medical bills. You do not want to pay these costs if you can help it.
If you want to avoid directly paying for the other driver’s losses after a crash you caused, the best way to do that is to increase your liability coverage. The more coverage you have, the more your insurance will cover after a crash. Therefore, you won’t have to make up the difference between your policy limits and the other driver’s losses.
You also want to know that your insurance will cover your losses after an accident. Remember, liability coverage doesn’t cover your losses. To pay for your potential losses from a crash, consider adding the following coverage to your auto policy:
- Collision Coverage: This coverage pays for repairs to your car if damaged, regardless of who caused the collision.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision-related damages to your car, like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This covers your medical bills and other losses if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or enough insurance.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to your injuries from a car accident, regardless of fault.
- Gap Insurance: If your car is totaled and you owe more than its current value, it pays the difference between the car’s value and the amount you owe.
- Rental Reimbursement Coverage: This pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident.
- Roadside Assistance Coverage: Roadside assistance helps with towing, tire changes, and jump-starts if your car breaks down.
What to Do if Someone Sues You for a Car Accident in Texas
What if a car accident lawsuit was filed against me? Can you still be sued after a collision that was your fault? Getting sued after a car accident is a stressful experience. Knowing the right steps to take can help you handle the situation more effectively, however.
- First, stay calm and don’t panic. It’s important to keep a clear head to make the best decisions.
- Next, contact your insurance company immediately. Inform them about the lawsuit and provide all necessary details. Your insurance company will guide you through the process and may provide a lawyer to defend you. You will communicate with an insurer adjuster who will give a settlement offer based on the damages incurred.
- Now, it’s time to gather all relevant documents. Collect any accident evidence, such as photos, witness statements, and police reports. These documents are crucial for your defense.
- Avoid direct contact with the plaintiff. Do not communicate with the person suing you without your lawyer present. Remember that they or their insurance company can use anything you say against you in court.
- Follow your lawyer’s advice at all times. Your attorney will know the best way to defend your case. Trust their experience and do as they suggest.
- At this point, it might be time to prepare for court. This might include attending meetings with your lawyer, gathering additional evidence, or even practicing your testimony. Being well-prepared can make a significant difference.
- Finally, keep track of key deadlines. Missing a deadline can harm your case, so stay on top of any important dates.
Contact Our Houston Car Accident Lawyers
Can someone sue you for a car accident if you have insurance? Whether you’re facing a car accident case or want to file a claim against another driver, Gibson Hill Personal Injury can help. Our experienced Houston car accident attorneys can gather evidence to support your case, handle negotiations with the other driver and their insurer, and prepare your case for court if necessary. Our legal team will handle all the legal work so you have fewer things to stress about your personal injury claim. Call 713-659-4000 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
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