Important Timelines in Truck Accident Claims
The aftermath of a truck accident is an extremely stressful time. You will have many questions and concerns during this time. You might think that now is the time to focus on recovering from your physical and mental injuries, and that there will be lots of time to file a claim. However, after a crash involving a truck, you only have a certain amount of time to file a claim and it is important to act quickly. Below, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer outlines the important timelines in these cases.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
It is of the utmost importance that you seek medical treatment immediately after any truck accident. Your health and safety is the top priority after a crash and seeing a doctor will make sure it is protected. Not only will failing to seek medical treatment cause your injuries to become worse, but it can also negatively impact your claim. The insurance company will claim that you could not be hurt because you did not see a doctor or because you delayed medical treatment (by as little as one day).
Report a Truck Accident Within 10 Days
The best way to report any truck accident is to call 911 immediately afterward. Police will arrive at the scene and write and file a report. You are required to report any crash that results in injury, fatality, or property damage that exceeds $1,000 in value. It is highly unlikely that a truck accident will not result in injury or property damage, so it is essential that you report the crash to the police. If police do not arrive at the scene, you must report the crash to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days of the crash.
Report the Crash to Your Insurance Company
Texas follows tort laws, not no-fault laws, in truck accident cases. This means you must file a claim with the insurance company covering the liable, or at-fault, party. However, you likely must also report the crash to your own insurance company. Most insurance policies include this requirement and if you fail to report the accident to the insurer, they may cancel the policy.
You Have Two Years to File a Claim
Like all other states, Texas law places a statute of limitations on truck accident cases. This is the amount of time you have to file a claim. In most cases, you have just two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If you do not file within that time, you will likely lose your right to claim any compensation at all.
Our Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Will File Your Claim On Time
At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer can answer all of your questions, advise you of the important timelines, and make sure they are met so your rights and your claim are protected. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or chat with us online to request a free review of your case and to get more information.
Sources:
statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.16.htm
statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.550.htm
