The Legal Rights of Victims of Negligence in Texas

Texas, also known as the Lone Star State, is home to over 30 million Americans. Texas is the second-most populous state in the US. It is also the second-largest state in the country. Houston is the largest city in the state. According to Statista, finance and insurance are the top businesses in Texas. Mining and oil extraction are also among the top businesses in Texas.

Oil extraction has had both positive and negative effects in Texas. It has led to many truck accidents in the San Antonio and Houston areas. Truck accidents are not the only type of accident that occurs in Texas. Workplace accidents, car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and pedestrian accidents are all common in the area.

Negligence is the most common reason for these accidents. Of course, victims of negligence have some rights that protect them to a great extent. Personal injury law in Texas allows victims to recover the losses they incurred as a result of the accident. Victims can get help from Texas personal injury attorneys since the claim process is a bit complex for the average citizen.

A lawyer will take care of your case, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to do anything. It is your duty to know your rights. Knowing your rights can help you protect them when someone tries to violate them.

Rights of a Negligence Victim You Should Know About

• Right to File a Lawsuit

When involved in an accident, you have the right to file a lawsuit. Accidents happen due to negligence. That negligence should not go unpunished. In addition, you will incur a lot of losses due to the accident. You should be able to recover those losses. Filing a lawsuit is the best way to recover those losses. However, you cannot file a lawsuit once the statute of limitations expires.

• Right to Legal Representation

Every victim has the right to consult and hire a lawyer. Insurance companies will try to convince victims not to hire a lawyer. Not hiring a lawyer is good for them, not for you. You need to get a hold of a lawyer as soon as possible. Lawyers are the only people you can trust in such situations.

• Right to Establish Negligence

This is a right and a responsibility. Proving who and what caused the accident to the insurance companies, judges, and juries is important to winning just compensation. Establishing negligence involves investigating the accident scene, speaking with eyewitnesses, and collecting evidence, which can be done only by a lawyer or a professional investigator.

• Right to Not Make a Statement

Insurance companies will try a lot to get a statement out of you. You do not have to make a statement without the presence of your lawyer. Yes, you can refuse to give a statement to insurance companies, even if they are forcing you to do so. The insurance companies’ ulterior motive is to get you to admit fault or say something that damages your case. A lawyer can prevent that from happening.

•  Right to Refuse Insurance Companies’ Offers

Insurance companies often offer settlements that will make you laugh. You might actually think they are just pulling a prank on you. The insurance companies’ goal is to reduce your settlement. So, they will offer a low settlement amount and pressure you to accept it. You have the right to refuse the insurance company’s offer if you think it is not fair. Accept the settlement only if your lawyer says so.

Takeaway

Protecting your legal rights following an accident is important. To protect your rights, you must know them. Hope this blog post helped you understand your legal rights. Remember, hiring a lawyer following an accident is the best way to protect them.