{"id":376579,"date":"2016-11-15T14:59:39","date_gmt":"2016-11-15T19:59:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/texas-law\/texas-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2025-07-18T15:34:10","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T20:34:10","slug":"texas-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/texas-law\/texas-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"Texas Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Texas Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/lyle-therese-a-hilotin-lee-j-d\/\">Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/catherine-hodder-esq\/\">Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            July 18, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<blockquote>Texas state law follows a fault-based insurance system. The at-fault party is liable for car accident damages, and victims can pursue compensation through insurance claims, settlement agreements, or lawsuits. The state also requires minimum liability coverage and gives accident victims two years to file their claims.<\/blockquote>\r\n<p>Understanding the car accident settlement process is crucial to receiving a fair settlement. A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/texas\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">car accident lawyer<\/a> can conduct a case review, gather crucial evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Reporting a Car Accident in Texas<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Texas Transportation Code requires law enforcement officers to <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/tx\/transportation-code\/transp-sect-550-062\/\" title=\"document crash reports\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">document crash reports<\/a> if the incident resulted in bodily harm, fatalities, or property damage of $1,000 or more per person. The officers should submit <a href=\"https:\/\/eforms-xapi-prod.us-e1.cloudhub.io\/api\/eforms?formName=\/CR-3_2023.pdf&amp;appID=\/TRF&amp;status=\/reportError.jsp&amp;configFile=WFServletConfig.xml\" title=\"Crash Report, Form CR-3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Crash Report Form CR-3<\/a> to the Texas Department of Transportation within 10 days after the incident.<\/p>\r\n<p>When police officers fail to investigate a car wreck, the driver of the vehicle involved is responsible for filing the report. The Code specifically requires the driver to file the report if either of the following conditions applies:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The law enforcement officer fails to investigate the car accident<\/li>\r\n<li>The accident resulted in personal injuries, deaths, or property damage amounting to $1,000 or more<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The driver should file the report with the Department of Transportation within 10 days of the accident&#8217;s date.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Essential Actions To Take After a Car Accident<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>After ensuring everyone is safe, vehicle drivers should share information. The parties should gather personal details of the drivers involved, vehicle identification numbers, and insurance information from all parties. You should also get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.<\/p>\r\n<p>Make note of weather and road conditions, and take photographs of the vehicles. Document all evidence that would show the extent of your injuries and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/vehicle-damage.html#:~:text=This%20section%20of%20FindLaw.com%20provides%20helpful%20articles%20and,insurance%20companies%20work%2C%20and%20much%20more%20at%20FindLaw.com.\">property damage<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Texas Car Insurance Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Texas insurance laws work under a &quot;fault&quot; based insurance system, which enables claims against the at-fault party. Drivers can be held liable for any car accident injuries and damages they caused. The state law also establishes minimum liability coverage requirements for all drivers. Most people cover this by purchasing <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/tx\/transportation-code\/transp-sect-601-072.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">liability insurance<\/a> with at least the following minimum limits:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>$30,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person in one collision<\/li>\r\n<li>$60,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in one collision<\/li>\r\n<li>$25,000 for damage to or destruction of the property of others in one collision<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>This amount of coverage may exclude small deductibles. The deductibles are as follows:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>$250 per bodily injury or death caused to one person<\/li>\r\n<li>$500 per bodily injury or death to multiple persons<\/li>\r\n<li>$250 for property damage per car accident collision<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>It is important to note that the at-fault driver remains liable for damages that exceed their insurance policy coverage. This means a driver can sue you for the amount beyond the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/insurance\/insurance-basics.html\">insurance coverage<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Insurance Company Requirements and Claims Process<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>After the car crash, you should file an insurance claim as soon as possible. You can also check your insurance policy for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/texas-law\/texas-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\">exact deadlines<\/a> and requirements to file a claim. Texas state law establishes certain timeframes for filing an insurance claim. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/tx\/insurance-code\/ins-sect-542-056\/\" title=\"Texas Insurance Code\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Texas Insurance Code<\/a>, the insurance adjuster must inform the claimant of their acceptance or rejection of the claim within 15 business days. This deadline starts after they receive all the necessary medical records and other documentation. If the insurance company rejects the claim, it should provide a written explanation of the denial.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/tx\/insurance-code\/ins-sect-542-056\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Texas Insurance Code<\/a> also provides special circumstances. If the insurance company has a reasonable basis to believe that the loss resulted from arson, it has 30 days to respond instead of the usual 15 days. If the insurance company cannot accept or reject the claim within 15 business days, it must inform the driver of the reason why it needs additional time.<\/p>\r\n<p>Within 45 days of the notice asking for extra time, the insurance company should accept or reject the claim. When the insurance company agrees with any part of the claim, it should pay the insured within <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/tx\/insurance-code\/ins-sect-542-057.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">five business days<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>How Car Accident Settlements Work in Texas<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/resolution-before-trial-settlement.html\">most types of<\/a> settlement agreements, the willingness to settle and the settlement offer after a car accident will depend heavily on the evidence supporting your case. For this reason, witness statements, police reports, and other documentation are critical. Settlement negotiations can continue even if a car accident lawsuit is underway.<\/p>\r\n<p>Under Texas law, insurance companies should not engage in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/insurance\/insurance-company-bad-faith-tactics-and-examples.html\">unfair claim settlement<\/a> practices. Examples of these practices include negotiating in bad faith and knowingly misrepresenting relevant facts or policy provisions. These state-backed protections ensure fair treatment and help the victims receive full compensation for damages.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Settlement Release Agreements<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>To settle a claim, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/insurance\/insurance-company-bad-faith-tactics-and-examples.html\">insurance company<\/a> may want you to sign a release that states that you won&#8217;t file more claims related to the same accident. You should not do so until you are satisfied with the total settlement check. Make sure it covers all your damages. This includes future medical treatment according to doctors&#8217; estimates.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/tx\/insurance-code\/ins-sect-541-060.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Texas Code<\/a> provides protections for claimants. It prohibits insurance companies from asking policyholders to sign full releases that waive all their future claim rights. This protection is especially important when the insurance company has only made partial payments of the claim.<\/p>\r\n<p>This protection ensures that insurance companies do not pressure claimants into accepting inadequate settlement offers. The only exception is when the parties agree to a compromise settlement where either the validity of the claim or the damages are in dispute.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Average Car Accident Settlements in Texas<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>There is no exact formula for arriving at a car accident settlement amount since each accident is unique. Still, there are relevant factors to consider, such as the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The severity of your injuries, as a minor whiplash will be less than a permanent spinal injury or serious injuries<\/li>\r\n<li>Costs of reasonable and necessary medical expenses<\/li>\r\n<li>Loss of past and future wages<\/li>\r\n<li>Whether you helped cause the accident, Texas follows the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/defenses-to-negligence-claims.html\">modified comparative negligence<\/a> doctrine, which bars or reduces damages <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/tx\/civil-practice-and-remedies-code\/civ-prac-rem-sect-33-001.html\" title=\"according to your degree of fault\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">according to your degree of fault<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>The types of insurance coverage both parties have<\/li>\r\n<li>The amount of evidence and documentation you provide<\/li>\r\n<li>Your or your attorney&#8217;s ability to argue your case<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The settlement timeline may vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case and the cooperation of the parties involved.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Filing Limits for a Car Accident Case in Texas<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If you and the insurance company cannot agree on the claim, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue damages. The deadline for filing a personal injury or property damage complaint, known as a <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/tx\/civil-practice-and-remedies-code\/civ-prac-rem-sect-16-003.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">statute of limitations<\/a>, is two years from the date of the car accident. Missing this deadline typically bars you from pursuing legal recovery. Keep in mind that parties can also resolve car accident and personal injury cases through settlement before reaching trial.<\/p>\r\n<p>Your <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/texas\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">personal injury attorney<\/a> can send a demand letter to the insurance company before filing a lawsuit. The letter can outline the damages and personal injury claim and request a fair settlement.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Get Legal Advice From a Texas Car Accident Lawyer<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Texas car accident claims require an extensive understanding of the state insurance code and complex negotiations with insurance companies. If you or someone you know is suffering from an auto accident, a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/texas\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">car accident attorney<\/a> can help with the case.<\/p>\r\n<p>An <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/texas\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">experienced attorney<\/a> can protect your rights and ensure proper documentation of your damages to help you secure a fair settlement. Consult with a car accident or personal injury lawyer to help you understand your legal rights and options.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Car accident claims are complex and insurance carriers have lawyers on their side\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Car Accident Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state.html\">\n                        Find Your State&#8217;s Laws\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/all-topics.html\">\n                        View All State Law Topics\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/statutes-of-limitations.html\">\n                        State Statutes of Limitations\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Popular Directory Searches<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Motor Vehicle Accidents Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/wrongful-death-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wrongful Death Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/dui-dwi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DUI\/DWI Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-defects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Motor Vehicle Defects Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/truck-accident\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Truck Accident Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Personal Injury Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/auto-dealer-fraud\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Auto Dealer Fraud Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re involved in a car accident in Texas, it&#8217;s helpful for you to understand the state&#8217;s car accident settlement process and the timeline it&#8217;ll follow. Learn about Texas&#8217;s car accident settlement process and timeline at FindLaw.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":376523,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2743],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[3468],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-376579","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state","state_laws_tags-statelaws_44_7"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/376579","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=376579"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/376579\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/376523"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=376579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=376579"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=376579"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=376579"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=376579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}