Juana: Hi Jason, I hear these stories about people collecting thousands, sometimes millions of dollars after an accident, but I’m just wondering where all that money comes from. I mean, I get it if there is a company involved, but what about just regular people?
Jason: Great question, Juana. I understand that this can be confusing, but generally speaking, in a car accident, each party involved carries insurance. If you were in an accident with someone and it was her fault, her insurance would typically compensate you for your injuries and damages.
Juana: Oh, so it’s not the individual. But why are there so many lawsuits then if the insurance company can just pay it?
Jason: That depends on the situation, Juana. But from my experience, insurance companies aren’t always willing to pay a fair settlement. They want to pay as little as they can get away with, which isn’t fair.
Juana: No, that’s not fair at all.
Jason: And sometimes there are situations where the driver who caused the accident is uninsured or doesn’t carry enough insurance.
Juana: Oh, what happens then?
Jason: In those cases, you could seek compensation from your own insurance if you carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Juana: Okay, so if I do have those coverages, I could get my insurance company to pay?
Jason: Ideally, yes. But again, insurance companies are out to make money. They don’t want to pay you anymore than they have to – even your own insurance company.
Juana: So they don’t have to pay?
Jason: It’s very possible they will try to get out of paying it if they can find a way to. However, a few years ago there was a Texas Supreme Court decision on this topic. The ruling acknowledged that insurance companies in Texas have been abusing and shorting their own clients on these kinds of claims by making it more difficult to get a fair recovery.
Juana: So what do you do?
Jason: Juana, if you are ever involved in an accident, your insurance company will require that you report it. However, I wouldn’t tell your insurance or the other party’s insurance anything else without first speaking with a lawyer. My personal cell phone number is 210-591-9777 and you can call me.
Juana: Thank you Jason!
DeSouza Injury Lawyers is a leading personal injury firm representing accident victims throughout Texas.
If you’ve been injured by a car, truck, 18-wheeler, company vehicle, or in the oilfield, call Jason DeSouza personally today at 210-591-9777 or 361-799-2222 or visit the firm online at https://jfdlawfirm.com