Most people are quick to say “sorry” in a variety of uncomfortable social situations, whether it’s a simple bump on the sidewalk or a serious car accident on the road. But while saying “sorry” for an accidental spill may set the other person at ease, a car crash is different animal altogether.
Because Texas is on a fault or “tort-based” system for car accidents, even a simple apology can count against you during the insurance claim process, or during your personal injury lawsuit against the true negligent party. When you need help mitigating the fall-out of an unintentional apology, our Austin car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C. can assist you.
Understanding Fault in Texas Car Accidents
In Texas, the amount of compensation you can receive for your injuries depends heavily on who was “at fault” in the accident. If you were more than 50% responsible for the accident that took place, you are considered at fault, and you cannot recover either civil damages or compensation from the other driver’s insurance company.
To avoid paying out on legitimate injury claims, then, insurance providers will often look for evidence that you acted negligently – meaning that you failed to perform an essential “duty of care” toward the other driver. This could be something as simple as failing to signal for enough time during a lane change, or a more serious breach of the law, such as intentionally running through a red light. Anything that suggests you were responsible for the accident may then be used to deny your claim.
After you’ve sustained major injuries in a car collision, it can be incredibly disorienting and overwhelming to process what has happened to you. You may be suffering from post-traumatic stress, or even a severe traumatic brain injury in the wake of your crash. Unfortunately, many insurance providers will still take advantage of whatever you say in those first moments after a collision, even if you did not mean to imply fault. That can include an apology, which could later be twisted to make you appear to be at fault.
Discuss Your Rights with a Qualified Attorney
At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., we understand exactly how insurers think, and how they will try to find you at fault for your own injuries. With national recognition, decades of experience, and millions of dollars won on behalf of our clients, we have the knowledge and the resources to fight your case all the way to court if needed. No matter what you may have unintentionally admitted to the insurance company, we’ll help you try to move past that moment and secure the compensation you deserve.
Ready to speak with an Austin car accident lawyer? Call (254) 938-6885 for more information on our legal services.