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Filing a car accident claim in Texas involves a series of procedural steps that determine how an insurance company evaluates liability, calculates damages, and decides whether compensation will be paid. Whether your claim is submitted through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, your own policy, or both, the way a claim is prepared and supported can directly influence the outcome.
Step 1: Identify All Potential Insurance Coverage
Before opening a claim, it is important to determine which insurance policies may apply. Many crashes involve multiple sources of coverage, and limiting a claim to only one policy can leave compensation uncollected.
Potential coverage may include:
- The at-fault driver’s liability policy.
- Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) or MedPay.
- Collision coverage for vehicle damage.
Confirming available policies early establishes where claims should be filed.
Step 2: Decide Where Each Claim Should Be Filed
Different portions of a claim may be filed with different insurers. The same carrier may not always handle property damage, medical expenses, and injury claims.
Filing decisions often involve:
- Filing a liability claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- Filing first-party claims with your own insurer.
- Pursuing parallel claims under multiple policies.
Choosing the correct filing path affects timelines and negotiation leverage.
Step 3: Gather Documentation That Supports the Claim
Insurance companies rely heavily on documentation when evaluating claims. A claim supported by organized records is far more likely to be taken seriously.
Key documentation includes:
- Crash reports.
- Medical records and bills.
- Proof of lost income.
- Vehicle repair estimates.
- Photographs and videos.
Missing or incomplete records frequently lead to delays or denials.
Step 4: Open the Insurance Claim
Opening a claim formally notifies the insurer that compensation is being sought. This can usually be done by phone or through an online portal.
When opening a claim:
- Provide basic identifying information.
- Confirm the policy number and claim number.
- Request written confirmation of the claim.
At this stage, details should remain limited.
Step 5: Organize and Present Claim Materials to the Insurer
Once the documentation is complete, the next step is to prepare the materials for insurer review in a clear, structured manner. How information is presented can influence how efficiently an adjuster evaluates the claim and whether key damages are properly considered.
Claim materials are typically presented through:
- Structured claim forms.
- Written summaries of injuries and treatment.
- Itemized damage lists.
- Supporting attachments.
Well-organized submissions reduce confusion, limit back-and-forth requests, and help prevent important losses from being overlooked.
Step 6: Continue Updating the Claim with New Information
Most claims evolve. Additional treatment, new diagnoses, and extended recovery periods should be documented and submitted.
Ongoing updates may include:
- Additional medical records.
- Follow-up diagnostic testing.
- Updated wage loss information.
- Therapy and rehabilitation records.
Failure to supplement a claim can result in undervaluation.
Step 7: Monitor the Insurer’s Evaluation Process
Insurers review claim files to determine liability and damages. Understanding this process helps anticipate issues.
Common evaluation factors include:
- Consistency of medical records.
- Causation between the crash and injuries.
- Policy limits and coverage exclusions.
- Comparative fault arguments.
This stage often determines negotiation posture.
Step 8: Review and Respond to Settlement Offers
Settlement offers reflect the insurer’s initial valuation of the claim. These offers are negotiable.
When reviewing an offer, consider:
- Current medical costs.
- Future treatment needs.
- Lost income.
- Long-term impairment.
- Pain and suffering.
Early offers rarely represent full value.
Step 9: Negotiate the Claim
Negotiation involves presenting evidence, disputing undervaluation, and demanding appropriate compensation.
Effective negotiation may include:
- Written demand packages.
- Supporting medical opinions.
- Detailed damage calculations.
- Counteroffers.
Strong documentation strengthens negotiating power.
Step 10: Escalate the Claim If Necessary
If negotiations fail, further action may be required.
Escalation options include:
- Formal appeals.
- Additional investigation.
- Filing a lawsuit within Texas deadlines.
Litigation pressure often changes insurer behavior.
Protect Your Rights During the Texas Car Accident Claim Process
Insurance companies design their claims systems to control payouts. Having experienced guidance during the filing and negotiation process can help prevent costly mistakes and improve outcomes.
Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys helps injured Texans prepare, file, and pursue car accident claims through all available insurance coverage. Our dedicated, driven, results-focused, trial-tested personal injury attorneys are available 24/7.
If you have questions about filing a Texas car accident claim, call (512) 883-0277 or reach out online to speak with our team. Call now to schedule a free consultation.
