Austin, TX Car Accident FAQ
Can I Afford to Hire a Lawyer?
Yes. We work on contingency—no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
How Should I Pay for Medical Care After a Car Accident?
If you're injured in a crash in Austin:
- PIP or MedPay (if included in your Texas auto insurance) can cover medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault.
- Health insurance may help, but you may still owe deductibles or copays.
- Out-of-pocket expenses can be reimbursed if you file a successful claim against the at-fault party.
Do I Talk to My Own Insurance Company?
Yes—but proceed cautiously. You are required to report the crash to your insurer under most policies, but avoid giving recorded statements or accepting fault until you speak with a lawyer.
Briggle & Polan can handle all communication with your insurer to protect your claim and prevent statements from being twisted to reduce your payout.
Do I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
No. Never speak with the other driver’s insurance company without legal representation. Their adjusters are trained to shift blame or reduce payouts, even if liability is clear.
If you’re contacted, simply say: "Please speak with my attorney at Briggle & Polan. They’ll handle all communication on my behalf."
What Do I Do If the Other Driver Had No Insurance?
Texas law only requires minimal liability insurance, and many drivers in Austin are uninsured or underinsured. If this happens:
- File a claim under your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you have it.
- This coverage can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage, even when the at-fault driver has no coverage.
How Is the Value of My Car Determined?
Insurance companies assess car value by referencing:
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or NADA Guides
- Pre-accident condition, mileage, and service history
- Local market prices in the Austin area
If the car is totaled, the insurer typically offers actual cash value (ACV) minus your deductible. If your vehicle is damaged but repairable, expect an offer based on a percentage of value, often 25–75% depending on damage severity.
Disagree with their valuation? You can present your own repair estimates or vehicle comps to negotiate a higher payout.
How Long Does It Take to Get Insurance Money?
The length of time from when you file a car accident claim to when you get money back from the insurance company will depend on numerous factors.
These factors can include:
- Insurance adjusters often want to cover themselves before issuing a settlement check. This will include wanting a release signed even before issuing and mailing the payment. Properly assessing and cross-checking release agreements can prevent future disputes over claims.
- Many car accident checks are issued by out-of-state banks, meaning it can take a while for the check to clear. This can take anywhere between 7 to 10 days in some cases! Being aware of banking timelines can help manage your financial expectations.
- Insurance companies will often avoid paying medical providers directly, preferring to channel payments through your legal representation. This approach ensures medical expenses are covered accurately and timely, avoiding out-of-pocket expenses.
How Can Witness Testimonies Influence My Claim?
Neutral third-party witness accounts are often more persuasive to insurers than statements from the drivers involved.
Witnesses can:
- Confirm who had the right of way
- Describe the speed or behavior of the other driver
- Support your claim that the other driver was distracted or reckless
Your attorney can follow up with witnesses to get written or recorded statements and, if necessary, bring them to trial to testify on your behalf.
Additional Resources
- Why Schedule a Consultation
- Understanding Delayed Injuries
- When Insurance Doesn't Cover the Total Cost of Your Injuries
- How Weather Can Impact Liability
- How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
- Is Texas a No-Fault State?
Contact Briggle & Polan, PLLC today to schedule a FREE consultation with an Austin car accident lawyer!
