Car accidents can happen in any place, at any time — including a global pandemic. If you suffer injuries in a Texas car accident during COVID-19, you may wonder if the virus will impact your ability to collect compensation for your damages. Like many other aspects of daily life, COVID-19 may delay your case’s timeline, but you can still file a claim and receive the funds you need to recover during this turbulent time. Don’t hesitate to contact our accident attorneys to help you navigate the legal process.
COVID-19 and the Texas Insurance Process
Texas follows a traditional fault-based car insurance system, which requires at-fault drivers to pay for victims’ damages in accidents they cause. Under this system, you have two main pathways to compensation after an accident: an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. You can still file an insurance claim during the COVID-19 pandemic, but you may see slight delays as insurance companies operate at limited capacity.
You may also face an increased pressure to settle your claim from the insurance company during this time. However, it is important to remember that from the perspective of the company, paying you maximum compensation is not in their best interest. They may try to offer you a lower settlement than what you actually need to recover.
Do not accept any settlement offers before speaking to your lawyer first. Although you may see a faster payout, accepting an insufficient amount can harm you in the long-term. Your McAllen car accident attorney can evaluate any offers you receive before you make a decision.
Uninsured Motorists During the Coronavirus Pandemic
COVID-19 has had an impact on many people’s finances, and many families may fall behind on car insurance payments during this time. This means that more uninsured drivers may be on Texas roads, and if you collide with one of these motorists, he or she may not have the means to pay for your damages.
Texas does not require drivers to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but investing in this policy may help cover your losses in these situations. Depending on your policy, this coverage may pay for your medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other damages.
How Will COVID Affect the Car Accident Lawsuit Process
Texas courts are operating at limited capacity during COVID-19. If you are pursuing a car accident lawsuit during the pandemic, you may see delays in scheduling court dates and other important hearings. It may take a longer time for you to reach trial and secure your settlement.
You can still file a car accident lawsuit during the pandemic if you have not done so already. Many pretrial negotiations can still occur via video conferencing and other remote platforms, although you may face an increased pressure to settle out of court from the defendant. In these situations, your attorney will advise you on the best course of action.
Should You Hire an Injury Lawyer to Help with Your Texas Car Accident?
Suffering injuries in a car accident is stressful and daunting anytime, but going through this process during a pandemic can feel overwhelming. Hiring a Texas car accident lawyer to handle your claim can help relieve some of this stress and ensure you receive the most up-to-date information on COVID and the Texas court system.
Many personal injury law firms across Texas are operating at full power remotely, and you can still schedule consultations and meetings via video conferencing and other telecommunication platforms. Your attorney will also help you understand how to navigate these claims processes during this time, identifying your pathways to optimal compensation.
Contact a McAllen personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following your accident to discuss your next steps.
