After a collision, your mind is immediately flooded with anxiety about car damage, injuries, and of course, the potential cost of everything. Most people notify their insurance quickly after their accident to get the money they need to cover these costs as soon as possible. If the wreck was not your fault, your insurance company may not be able to help you, depending on your insurance coverage.

Some people will call the other (at fault) drivers insurance company for help.  However, most people don’t realize that the other driver’s insurance adjuster is not on their side. The insurance adjuster’s first priority is to save the insurance company money, so it is in your best interest to tread carefully when speaking to them. They may ask you numerous questions and request all sorts of information, but there are many things you should refrain from telling an insurance adjuster after a car accident. To help ensure your rights are upheld and the compensation for your accident is fair, before you talk to the other drivers insurance company, consider hiring an experienced car accident lawyer.  

What Not to Tell an Insurance Adjuster Following a Car Accident

Car accidents are anxiety-inducing enough without having to worry about communicating and negotiating with an insurance provider. Navigating communications with an insurance adjuster may be tricky, and it’s not always clear what information you are obligated to disclose to them. While there are some requirements for cooperating with your own companies insurance adjuster, there are no requirements that you have to speak with the other drivers insurance company.  If you choose to talk to them, there are many statements you should avoid making when filing a car accident claim.

Don’t Tell an Insurance Adjuster You Feel Fine

By the time you sit down to talk to an insurance adjuster, you may feel fine, but you shouldn’t disclose that to them. Downplaying your injuries or implying that you weren’t injured in your accident will help an insurance adjuster justify offering you a smaller settlement. Receiving a smaller offer may be troublesome, especially if more severe symptoms start to manifest later on. 

Car accident injuries can take significant time to reveal themselves, so you could need medical care in the future, even if you feel fine now. Arguing for a higher settlement will be challenging because the insurance company will probably reject you by using your comments as evidence that you are exaggerating your injuries, leaving you without the funds you need to seek complete treatment.

Don’t Apologize or Admit Any Fault to an Insurance Adjuster

Admitting you could have partially contributed to your accident or even apologizing for the accident could be construed as admitting fault. Anyone considered at fault for a car accident could be liable for the results in damages and injuries, meaning apologizing could put you on the hook for financially compensating everyone else involved or disqualify you from getting compensation.

Don’t Speculate About What Caused the Accident to an Insurance Adjuster

When discussing an accident with an insurance adjuster, it’s better to say as little as possible. When you must disclose something, you should make sure to stick to the facts. You shouldn’t offer an insurance adjuster any guesses or speculations about what happened or what caused your collision. 

If you do, your speculations may prove false after further investigation, which could call the rest of your statement into question. These contradictory statements will be used against you by insurance companies to reject your claim. Other than the bare basics—when it happened, where it happened, who was involved, and who any witnesses were—you don’t need to tell them anything further about the accident. 

Don’t Downplay the Severity of the Damage to an Insurance Adjuster

You shouldn’t blame that the damage to your car isn’t severe, just like you shouldn’t claim that you feel fine after your accident. Downplaying or insinuating that the damage is not severe could result in you losing out on the compensation you need to get it fixed. 

From the exterior, your vehicle may not appear to have sustained much damage, but there could still be problems that you can’t see that necessitate costly repairs. Vehicle damage needs to be inspected by qualified mechanics and body shops, so it may take some time for you to discover the extent of the damage. 

Let an Experienced Texas Car Accident Lawyer Handle Your Insurer

Car accidents aren’t just scary. They’re also stressful. After your accident, you need time to heal from your injuries, and you should be able to do so without worrying about saying the wrong thing to insurance adjusters. Consider leaning on the knowledge and experience of a Texas car accident lawyer to help you navigate communications with your insurer.

Dale R. Rose, PLLC is a qualified attorney who takes pride in helping clients throughout North Texas. Since 1992, he has aided in the resolution of Texas auto accident lawsuits and obtained sizable payments for his clients. When you need legal representation to help you handle the insurance companies, you can count on Attorney Dale R. Rose to offer you tailored legal counsel. You can phone (972) 634-7673 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

As a Texas resident, you likely spend hours on the road each year managing the yearly influx of transplants and the hundreds of thousands of residents already populating the city streets. Since drivers abound, so do car accidents, which normally involve stopping and getting the other driver’s insurance information. However, your average collision becomes more complicated when the driver who hit you turns out to be uninsured. 

According to Texas law, all drivers must have sufficient auto insurance, but that doesn’t stop some drivers from hitting the road without any coverage. Being hit by an uninsured driver creates uncertainties surrounding how you may recover damages. You may be able to sue them, but it will be trickier than a typical suit. Some principles can help guide you through the process. Still, one of the most valuable resources you can have to help you navigate this situation is an experienced car accident lawyer.

Suing Uninsured Drivers in Texas

Knowing what to do in an accident where both drivers have insurance is not enough. These guidelines could make it easier for you to understand your legal rights and options when suing uninsured drivers in Texas.

You May File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against an Uninsured Driver

You may be able to recover damages for your accident by suing the uninsured driver through a personal injury suit. Since Texas is a jurisdiction that bases its legal system on comparative negligence whoever caused the collision is liable for the resulting damages. Several variables will determine whether or not this course of action is worthwhile. 

For example, an uninsured driver could have plenty of funds available to pay you for your losses,  or their lack of insurance could be a matter of irresponsibly letting their coverage expire. As long as negligence still played a factor in the accident, taking legal action in circumstances like this would be a practical means of obtaining compensation.

Sometimes, it may not be possible to recover damages from an uninsured driver because they lack the resources to pay for your losses, so even if you file a lawsuit, you may not receive enough money to compensate your damages fully. Lacking these funds could also make the uninsured driver judgment-proof. In a situation like this, it may be better to rely on your own Uninsured Motorists Coverage to cover your vehicle repairs and medical bills.

What “Judgment-Proof” Means in Terms of Uninsured Drivers

Although it is possible to sue uninsured drivers in Texas, there is a chance that the motorist will be judgment-proof, which is a primary concern when dealing with uninsured drivers. When an uninsured driver has inadequate assets that cannot legally be confiscated and sold to satisfy a judgment, that individual is said to be “judgment proof.”

Two sets of Texas legislation impact someone’s capacity to collect a judgment against another person. Sections 41.001 and 41.002 of the Texas Property Code outline which assets a judgment creditor cannot seize to satisfy a debt. 

These assets, often known as the debtor’s homestead, include property like home furnishings, food, certain animals, tools of one’s trade, and clothing. Essentially, it is unlikely that you can get anything back from an uninsured driver unless they have assets in addition to those that are protected by the Texas Homestead Act.

Limitations on When You May Sue an Uninsured Driver

Remember that you only have a short window of opportunity to act if you decide that filing a lawsuit will best serve your needs Plaintiffs typically have two years to submit a case against the party responsible for their accident. If you fail to meet this deadline, called the statute of limitations, you will likely be barred from ever recovering for your damages. 

You May Need Underinsured / Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM / UIM)

Underinsured and Uninsured motorist coverage is an additional insurance coverage that protects you if you are hit by a driver who doesn’t have any or enough auto insurance coverage. 

According to Texas law, when you are purchasing insurance, you get this coverage on your policy.  To reject it, you must formally opt out of uninsured motorist coverage, but many people will pay for this coverage. As a result, you could have this coverage and may rely on it to cover your damages.

Discuss Your Legal Options With an Experienced Texas Car Accident Lawyer

Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough without worrying about the other driver’s lack of insurance. Recovering damages from an uninsured driver may be possible, but there may be other ways to recover for your damages.  The best way to decide which course of action you should take may be to consult a car accident lawyer.

To receive insightful legal advice, consider scheduling a consultation with Texas car accident lawyer Dale R. Rose, PLLC. A seasoned attorney, Dale R. Rose is dedicated to serving clients throughout North Texas. Since 1992, he has aided in the resolution of Texas auto accident lawsuits and obtained sizable settlements for his clients. Use our contact form or dial (972) 634-7673 to arrange a free consultation.

As you shake off the unsettling atmosphere of your collision, you’re left wondering how you’ll deal with the fallout. The first thing on your priority list is probably figuring out how to pay for the costs associated with your injuries. Your best chance at obtaining compensation for your injuries may be to file a bodily injury claim against the at-fault driver’s car insurance policy. 

In many cases, filing a claim may seem straightforward, but there are certain mistakes you want to avoid to ensure you can secure a fair settlement offer. Car insurance isn’t just there to protect the driver. It should also protect accident victims, allowing them to receive compensation for injuries that aren’t their fault. By retaining the services of a car accident lawyer, you may improve your odds of securing a fair settlement from a bodily injury claim.

What Not to Do When Filing a Bodily Injury Claim

Numerous resources explain every step you should take when you’re injured in a car accident. However, knowing what not to do can be just as important as knowing what you should do. Making these decisions could make it harder for you to obtain compensation or negatively impact the amount of compensation you’re eligible to receive.

Accepting a Final Settlement Before Knowing the Extent of Your Injuries

Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, your car accident injuries are probably more severe than they appear and may not have fully manifested yet. Most insurance providers hurry to offer victims quick compensation as soon as the accident occurs to protect themselves from future expenses related to your accident injuries. If you verbally consent to this quick offer, you are stuck with a settlement that most likely won’t be enough in the long term. 

Missing Doctor’s Appointments and Not  Finishing Your Treatment

Since many people underestimate their injuries after a car accident, they also tend to miss doctor’s appointments. Going to your doctor once or twice isn’t enough to cement how severely you have been injured. 

Skipping a scheduled doctor’s appointment or ending treatment early may be used against you as evidence that you are not as injured as you say. After a car accident, you should attend all your doctor’s appointments and complete any recommended treatments. 

Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately After Your Accident

Not seeking medical attention immediately after your accident may give the impression that you aren’t seriously injured. It also makes it more challenging to link your injuries to your accident. The insurance company will use the gap as evidence against you to show that you are not actually hurt.

After a collision, shock and confusion may sometimes lead someone to underestimate their injuries, but delaying medical care prevents you from receiving vital care and may undermine your ability to file a bodily injury claim. Seeing a doctor and getting medical evaluations on record as soon as possible is the best way to uncover and legitimize your injuries.

Posting on Social Media After Your Accident

The primary concern with posting on social media after your accident is that you may post something that appears to undermine your injuries. These days, insurance companies won’t think twice about searching for you on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to scour your post history for evidence. You could be held accountable for any comments you post about the accident or images of you engaging in activities after the accident.

Start the Legal Process Quickly With Help From Dale R. Rose

Not only are car accidents frightening, but they are also stressful. You should be allowed to take the time you need to recover from your injuries following your accident without fearing that you’ll make an impactful mistake. However, you must also begin your legal representation as soon as possible. Consider enlisting the services of an experienced Texas car accident attorney to provide you with valuable legal counsel.

An accomplished lawyer at Dale R. Rose, PLLC is committed to assisting clients throughout North Texas. He has helped resolve Texas auto accident lawsuits since 1992 and won large settlements for his clients. You can rely on Attorney Dale R. Rose to provide valuable legal counsel, help you pursue a bodily injury claim, and assist you in dealing with the insurance companies. To set up a free consultation, call (972) 634-7673 or use our contact form.

Rideshare companies may have replaced traditional taxi services to help people get around, but using rideshare may come with increased risks. As the demand for rideshare increases, so does the prevalence of driver negligence due to inexperience, inattention, or reckless driving. Rideshare accidents in Texas may result in costly economic and non-economic losses, as well as an increased chance of suffering a fatality. 

At Dale R. Rose, PLLC, we understand that protecting your legal rights after a rideshare accident in Texas is vital to recovering the complete compensation you deserve. We have over 25 years of experience handling claims and recovering millions in settlements and verdicts on the behalf of victims so they may obtain the justice and recovery they deserve. 

5 Steps to Take After a Texas Rideshare Accident

Protecting your legal rights following a rideshare accident in Texas is essential to recovering the complete compensation you deserve. There are five steps you want to take to bolster your chances of a successful rideshare accident claim.

To recover equitable compensation for your injuries and obtain the justice you deserve for rideshare driver negligence, take the following steps promptly after an accident:

1. Call Law Enforcement to the Accident Scene 

After a rideshare accident, calling law enforcement to the scene is vital, even if the collision was minor. Responding officers provide detailed police reports of the accident, including information regarding traffic violations and other valuable insight into who may be liable for the accident. This may be used later as evidence in a rideshare accident claim. 

2. Document Essential Evidence 

Documenting the scene of the accident and damage is imperative to a strong rideshare accident claim. Examples of essential evidence may include: 

• Pictures of videos of any damages to the vehicles 
• Photo and video evidence of traffic patterns 
• Pictures of roadway markings 
• Registration, insurance, and vehicle information of the other driver
• Other valuable evidence, such as weather, distractions that may have caused the collision, or injuries you have sustained 

Capturing these examples of evidence may strengthen the validity of your claim and may help determine liability with the help of an experienced Texas rideshare accident lawyer. You should not have to take responsibility for the losses caused by another individual’s negligent actions. We fight for the complete compensation you deserve so you may obtain a full recovery. 

3. Seek Medical Care Immediately 

It is in your best interests to get medical care promptly after a rideshare accident, as injuries may not be visible or may be latent. A comprehensive assessment from a medical provider will ensure that you obtain a full recovery and that your injuries are connected to the rideshare accident. 

With the help of an experienced Texas rideshare accident lawyer, you may be able to determine the value of your claim for the injuries and other economic and non-economic losses you sustained due to driver negligence. 

4. Contact an Experienced Texas Rideshare Accident Lawyer 

To bolster the success of your Texas rideshare accident claim, speak with an experienced lawyer at Dale R. Rose, PLLC, for knowledgeable legal guidance on how to navigate the insurance claims process or how to pursue legal action against the rideshare company. Rideshare accidents may be complex due to the various parties involved, and we handle every detail so you may focus on your complete recovery. 

5. Notify the Rideshare Company 

Notify the rideshare company of your accident by providing a detailed recollection of what happened. You may then be contacted by a rideshare employee to discuss the collision by phone. You may be better prepared to speak about your accident after obtaining legal guidance from a skilled rideshare accident lawyer. 

Liability in a Rideshare Accident in Texas 

In order to determine who is liable for your rideshare accident, you hold the burden of proof to recover the compensation you deserve. To prove negligence, demonstrate the following: 

• Duty of care: Rideshare drivers, like all drivers on the road, are responsible for upholding a reasonable duty of care to follow all laws and regulations of the road. 
• Breach of duty: The rideshare driver breached an adequate duty of care by violating traffic laws and regulations or practicing unsafe driving behaviors. 
• Caused injury and damages: You suffered substantial injury and damages due to their violation of a duty of care. 

Speak with an experienced Texas rideshare accident lawyer at Dale Rose, PLLC, for help in determining liability and gathering evidence of negligence. We understand the complexities of rideshare accident claims and work to minimize any obstacles so you may recover the complete compensation you deserve. 

Speak With an Experienced Texas Rideshare Accident Lawyer at Dale R. Rose, PLLC

If you were injured in a Texas rideshare accident caused by negligence, speak with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer at Dale R. Rose, PLLC, for a detailed assessment of your claim. We have a vast track record of success, fighting for accident victims throughout North Texas and recovering multi-millions in settlements and verdicts so they may focus on their full recovery. 

Schedule a no-cost consultation today at (972) 634-7673 or fill out our contact form for knowledgeable legal guidance regarding your unique rideshare accident claim.

Liability may be challenging to determine in an accident involving two or more vehicles. Chain reaction collisions may result in multiple rear-end accidents or a pile-up crash involving multiple drivers. Determining fault for a chain-reaction car accident is more complex than a straightforward accident affecting two drivers. You will likely need the knowledgeable legal guidance of an experienced Texas car accident lawyer to help conduct an investigation into the accident to hold a party accountable for the losses you have suffered in a chain reaction collision.

At Dale R. Rose, PLLC, we have helped countless car accident victims recover the financial compensation they deserve due to someone else’s negligence. For a comprehensive assessment of your claim and help determining liability in a chain reaction accident, speak with a skilled Texas car accident lawyer during your complimentary consultation. 

Chain Reaction Car Accidents in Texas 

A chain reaction car accident is a sequence of rear-end impacts or pile-ups caused by the front of one vehicle striking the rear end of another vehicle, and so on. This typically happens when one driver causes a chain reaction by crashing into another driver with enough force to propel the vehicle forward into the car in front. 

To determine liability in this type of accident, it is essential to obtain the help of an experienced Texas car accident lawyer in order to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the accident. Sometimes driver error, driver distraction, or negligence, is the main cause of a chain reaction accident on congested roads. At Dale R. Rose, PLLC, we handle all aspects of your claim to recover the compensation you deserve.

How to Determine Liability in a Chain Reaction Car Accident in Texas 

A chain reaction car accident may be severe and cause significant injuries, such as whiplash, TBIs, or broken bones. Texas follows modified comparative fault when more than one party shares the responsibility for the accident. Based on evidence, the jury may calculate damages based on economic losses sustained in the accident and the percentage of liability that belongs to each party. The victim’s damages are reduced by a percentage of the share of fault. You are disqualified from recovering compensatory damages if you are determined to be over 50% responsible for the collision.

Overall, most of the time in a chain reaction car accident, the driver of the initial vehicle that makes contact with another vehicle in the accident is liable for resultant collisions. Determining liability for a chain reaction accident requires an extensive investigation into the cause of the initial impact. The objective of an investigation is to find the source of the chain reaction who is required to pay for damages, including victims’ medical bills, property damage, and other expenses. 

Speak With an Experienced Texas Car Accident Lawyer at Dale R. Rose, PLLC

At Dale R. Rose, PLLC, we understand the complexities of determining liability in a chain reaction car accident. We will help you conduct an exhaustive investigation into the accident, including analyzing police reports, speaking with witnesses, and even retaining experts to create accident reconstructions to determine the order of impact. 

We have over 25 years of experience helping countless victims throughout North Texas recover the compensation they deserve due to driver negligence in chain reaction car accidents. Schedule a no-cost consultation today by calling (972) 634-7673 or fill out our contact form for skilled legal guidance in determining liability in a chain reaction car accident and to fight for the justice you deserve.

If you are the victim of a minor car accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be considering whether to retain a Texas car accident lawyer. In a minor accident, you may think that you were left with only minor injuries, but oftentimes injuries may remain latent, leaving you in need of medical care and financial recovery later down the road. 

At Dale R. Rose, PLLC, we are well-versed in handling even the most complex car accident claims and have over 25 years of experience obtaining the justice car accident victims deserve. Working with an experienced Texas lawyer may help you evaluate whether you have a case and assess what your best legal options are for fair compensation. 

How to Know if You Need a Lawyer for Minor Car Accident Injuries

In some straightforward car accident claims, you may not require the help of an experienced Texas car accident lawyer. However, most car accidents, even minor collisions, are not as simple and straightforward. When another driver is involved, there may be liability disputes and challenges in working with insurance companies. 

When working with the skilled car accident lawyer at Dale R. Rose, PLLC, we may handle all the aspects of your car accident claim, from negotiating with insurance adjusters to helping document your injuries to gathering valuable evidence. Knowing when to work with a car accident lawyer after a minor car accident could help you obtain the most favorable outcome. 

The following are essential aspects to consider when deciding whether you need a lawyer after a minor car accident in Texas: 

Proving Liability 

Depending on whether you were liable for the minor car accident, you may not require a lawyer. At-fault drivers with up-to-date insurance policies may be provided with representation as a benefit through their insurer. However, it is essential to consider that Texas is a modified comparative fault state. 

When more than one driver is found to be at fault for a minor car accident, damages may be calculated based on the evidence determining economic losses and the percentage of fault that belongs to each party. Under the modified comparative fault rule, the victim’s award is decreased by a percentage equal to their share of fault. You may not be awarded damages if you are determined to be more than 50% liable for the collision. 

When you are injured in a minor car accident, you may need the help of an experienced car accident lawyer to conduct an extensive investigation into your accident to determine the percentage of liability, obtain valuable evidence, and build a strategic claim on your behalf so you may recover necessary compensation for the suffering you have sustained due to negligence.  

Physical or Psychological Injuries 

Even if you think you incurred only minor car accident injuries, symptoms could worsen or develop in days, weeks, or months following the accident. If injuries do not develop after the minor car accident, and you do not need medical care, you may not need to retain a Texas car accident lawyer. In the event of minor car accident injuries, even scrapes or bruises, working with a skilled car accident lawyer may be beneficial to recovering the compensation you deserve. 

Psychological injuries may also negatively affect your day-to-day life following a minor car accident, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, fear of driving, and others. Overlooking emotional suffering and other psychological injuries may result in forfeiting the financial compensation you deserve. 

Speak with an experienced minor car accident lawyer to assess whether you have sustained a psychological injury and evaluate the extent of injury, so you may take the appropriate steps to recover the compensation you deserve.

Pursuing Legal Action After a Minor Texas Car Accident 

When considering whether to seek legal action against a negligent driver after a minor car accident, you may need to consult an experienced Texas car accident lawyer to evaluate the following factors: 

• The extent of injury: If you have suffered physical or financial damages, you may be eligible to seek legal action against the accountable driver 
• Proving percentage of fault: To avoid incurring a larger percentage of fault for the minor car accident, working with an experienced lawyer may be beneficial 
• Claim denial: If your car accident claim was denied, an experienced lawyer may help you create a reliable appeal strategy 

Speak with the skilled Texas car accident lawyer at Dale R. Rose, PLLC, for a comprehensive evaluation of your claim to help you determine whether you may be eligible for pursuing legal action against the negligent driver for the injuries you sustained. 

Speak With an Experienced Texas Car Accident Lawyer at Dale R. Rose, PLLC

Even if you sustained minor car accident injuries, working with an experienced Texas car accident lawyer is essential to protect your best interest and recover the damages you have incurred due to a negligent driver. At Dale R. Rose, PLLC, we have helped countless car accident victims throughout North Texas recover the compensation they are owed for the suffering they have experienced. 

Schedule a no-cost consultation today at (972) 634-7673 or fill out our contact form for award-winning representation and knowledgeable legal guidance.

Getting into a car accident is always a stressful experience, but it’s even more so when you’re driving a rental car. If you do not have your auto policy when renting a car, you may be wondering what the consequences are, how much it’ll cost, and who is responsible in the case of an accident. 

Car lending companies often keep a form of payment on file while a car is being rented, and additional charges may appear in terms of the agreement being broken. In addition, many companies offer additional coverage that you can purchase for the rental when it is being used. Those who may opt-in for this additional coverage may still find themselves in a financial bind after a serious rental car accident. At the Law Office of Dale R. Rose, our car accident attorney can help you settle your case. Below you will find more information about who is responsible for a rental car accident in Texas and what to do if you find yourself in one.

Car Rental Contracts and Car Damage Costs 

When you’ve been injured or involved in an auto accident while driving a rental car, the lending company may not wait for a processed claim to pay for the damage and repairs on the vehicle. Depending on the rental contract policies you agreed to, you may experience financial difficulties from having to pay the costs right away. Surprisingly, you may file a claim against the driver responsible for the crash and seek reimbursement for the trouble and any injuries caused to you.

Credit Cards and Car Rentals 

When you rent a vehicle, you often have to leave a credit card on file. The majority of credit card companies offer some form of rental car coverage. If your personal auto insurance is used to cover the damages and costs from the accident, a credit card can cover the costs if they exceed your coverage. However, there are limitations to this, and it is essential to check your benefits policy to determine what you may be able to use. 

Primary and Secondary Credit Card Coverage 

In addition, credit card coverage for car rental accidents only covers collision and loss coverage. This coverage does not include injuries endured in an accident. Primary coverage on a credit card pays for the costs first, helping you avoid the deductible and use of your personal insurance. However, your auto insurance pays the costs with secondary coverage, and your credit company reimburses the claim. 

It is essential to know what your coverage entails, whether your auto insurance, a credit card benefit, or any additional coverage you opted for while signing an agreement. Many credit companies also offer some coverage for towing, administrative costs, and loss of use for the rental company. The driver on the contract is responsible for the costs of the car they signed for. But, a skilled auto accident and personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim and seek compensation to be reimbursed and recover costs for damages and injuries you have endured. 

Do I Need Additional Coverage for a Rental Car?

Since a personal auto insurance policy is not a requirement for renting a vehicle, car rental agencies offer additional coverage to purchase and add to your agreement. However, the costs of these policies may double or triple the costs of your rental. If you do not have your auto policy at the time of the rental, you can opt for coverage with the rental company, a credit card’s coverage, or use a third-party insurance policy. 

When you opt out of coverage altogether, you opt only to use the minimal policies that come with a rental, and you are responsible for the rest of the costs. Since you are under an agreement with the car rental, it can be tricky to dispute charges and seek coverage in the case of an accident. Even if you are not at fault in the car crash, you are under an agreement and may be charged all damage costs to repair the vehicle. However, if you have your own policy, it may cover you while driving a rental. 

Rental agencies also offer damage waivers and liability policies, but the waiver isn’t equilivent to insurance for your rental. According to the law, you do not have to purchase a collision damage waiver (CDW) in Texas. However, this means that a rental company can charge you for damage to the rental vehicle. To seek compensation for any injuries and be reimbursed for the costs you have endured due to another’s negligence behind the wheel, contact our car accident and personal injury lawyer to help you.  

Who Is Liable in a Texas Car Rental Accident?

When you have been involved in a car crash in Texas, you have a right to file a claim against the person responsible. If you were using a rented car at the time of the accident, you may be confused about who is responsible for the accident. While you may be financially responsible for covering the damages right away since you are under a contract with a rental car company, a lawyer can still help you seek the compensation needed to recover the costs of damages owed to you. 

You may recover rental company charges, medical expenses, reimbursement for wages lost after the accident, and damages for your pain and suffering with an attorney. As with any car accident, the person that caused the accident is usually liable for the damage done. Since a car rental and contract are involved, insurance coverage and procedures can be more complicated. With the right legal team and a dedicated attorney, you can file a claim and be rightly compensated for your losses. 

Seek Professional Legal Advice with Car Accident Attorney Dale R. Rose 

At our law firm, attorney Dale R. Rose has years of experience helping our clients recover compensation and feel at ease throughout the car accident claim process. If you have suffered injuries in a Texas car rental accident, our legal team can help you gather what you need for a successful claim. Contact our office by calling (972) 737-1333, or fill out a contact form to get in touch with our team and schedule a free consultation.

Billions of dollars are spent every year on the totality of auto insurance accident claims. Many criminals use staged car accidents to defraud insurance companies and collect benefits and payouts. Unfortunately, this is very damaging and harmful to the innocent drivers subjected to a fraudulent car accident production. 

If you have been the victim of a staged car accident, a skilled Texas car accident lawyer can help you file a claim and pursue a lawsuit against the responsible parties. False accidents are frightening and can injure anyone involved. Continue reading to learn about the specific methods often involved in staged car accidents and what you should do if you are a Texas victim of a staged car accident.

What Are the Signs of a Staged Car Accident?

A staged accident is one in which a false driver, often along with false witnesses and other false drivers on the road, plan and orchestrate an accident to file an insurance claim and collect benefits, including monetary payouts. These schemes are against the law and fall under the criminal act of insurance fraud, which varies in penalties within federal and state laws.

Signs of staged car accidents include: 

• Multiple witnesses with false testimony 
• Injuries that do not match the accident 
• Purposeful collision and faulty signaling 
• Suspicious accident locations 
• Sudden stops/brake checking 

Fraudsters are skilled in faking accidents and know which components are needed in a police report, insurance claim, or doctor’s office to get the compensation they seek. It could be that you are a victim of one of these schemes and are involuntarily intertwined into their fraudulent act. With a skilled legal team, you may rightfully seek compensation for your damages and injuries, as well as get the right story on the record. 

Common Methods of Staged Accidents 

Many people may be surprised to hear that there are common types of false accidents. Planned accidents are often staged with more than one person involved. The main driver usually causes the accident and has other drivers block a target vehicle and stage pedestrians or witnesses to add to the story. These false drivers may even prepare and cause injuries to themselves before the accident to claim they occurred during the car crash. 

Additional passengers may even appear to be claimed and reported in a police report or claim when they arrived afterward or got in the car after an accident occurred. Fraudulent drivers often target rental cars, newer cars, or commercial vehicles because they are usually fully insured, beyond the minimum state requirements. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, staged accidents are a big business. 

These are the common tactics and types of schemes to be wary of: 

Left or Right Turn Drive Down

A turn drive down occurs when a victim is making a left or right turn and stops before doing so, and a driver heading the other way stops and signals them to go but proceeds to crash into the victim and claim they never signaled them to go. 

Curb Drive Down

A curb drive down occurs when a victim driver merges into traffic when it is clear, and a false driver from another lane suddenly crashes into them on purpose to claim the road was not clear to merge. 

Swoop and Squat

A swoop and squat often occurs on a street or freeway, with two false drivers and a victim. The ‘swoop’ vehicle driver pulls up in front of the ‘squat’ car and causes the vehicle to hit its brakes. The victim driver has no time to react and crashes into the ‘squat’ car, causing a rear-end collision, and the swoop car drives away. 

Side Swiping

Side swiping typically occurs in dual turning lanes at intersections. Victim vehicles may drift into outer turn lanes, and criminals side-swipe the car. 

Panic Stop

For a panic stop, criminals will often use an old vehicle, ride with passengers, and damage their brake bulbs. Drivers will get in front of a brand new car, and passengers will wait for a driver to be distracted, whether on their phone or looking away. The passenger will notify the driver to slam the brakes, and the victim driver rear-ends the vehicle. 

There are many mistakes to avoid after a Texas car accident, whether you have been a victim or not. Knowing what to do after an accident of any severity can help you avoid insurance claim denials, false testimonies overriding the truth, and any trouble that may incur from fraudulent accidents. 

What to Do after a False Driver Causes a Car Accident

If you have been in a false car accident and have fallen victim to a fraudster’s scheme, a skilled lawyer can help you. Dishonest drivers often attempt to settle the accident with cash payments and claim not to need a report. No matter how minor or superficial an accident may seem, you should never attempt to compensate outside of an insurance claim or personal injury case. 

After a false car accident, you should:

• Take pictures of every angle of the vehicles and accident scene.
• Call the police and report the accident to law enforcement. 
• Get the information of any drivers and passengers.
• Seek treatment for any injuries you have endured. 
• File a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. 
• Once you suspect fraudulent behavior, file a report. 
• Hire a skilled car accident lawyer to help your case. 

Any car crash is scary, and when you suspect you’ve been a victim of car accident staging, you have the right to file a claim and report the insurance fraud committed against you. Skilled car accident attorneys know the law and understand how fraudsters do their work. With an experienced attorney on your case, you can rest knowing that your claim and lawsuit are handled right. 

Contact Personal Injury Lawyer Dale R. Rose for Expert Legal Representation after a Texas Car Crash

At The Law Office of Dale R. Rose, our expert car accident attorney is dedicated to helping clients resolve the difficulties they face after a car crash by seeking total compensation for their damages. To file a claim successfully and have skilled legal representation on your side, contact our law firm at (972) 737-1333 or fill out our contact form to speak to our team and schedule a free consultation.

Car accidents can be very traumatic and damaging experiences. The injuries endured in a motor vehicle collision go far beyond physical ailments and affect various aspects of life. One of the primary ways a car accident affects the injured individual is through limiting their ability to return to work and continue their responsibilities and goals in a career. 

If you have experienced a Texas car crash resulting from another driver’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for the damages and life-changing experience you endured. Dale R. Rose is a skilled car accident lawyer dedicated to helping clients receive the compensation owed to them so they can get back on their feet and restore their well-being. 

How a Car Accident Impacts Your Career 

Motor vehicle accidents often occur in Texas, and over 200,000 individuals sustained injuries from Texas car crashes in 2019. Accidents are often severe and can turn out fatal for some people, but even minor accidents can cause stress and trauma for anyone involved. Accidents and injuries cause even more harm when an individual needs ample time forand rest. Below are a few ways of how a car accident may, unfortunately, simultaneously impact your life and career. 

1. The Need for Time Away from Work 

Car accidents often cause short-term or long-term injuries for those involved, depending on the severity of a crash. Immediate medical attention is required to evaluate and treat any car accident injuries. If you have been seriously injured or have suffered from a traumatic brain injury due to a crash, you will need time away from work to recover. This often causes worry for working individuals who don’t have job benefits for accidents and may lose their jobs or receive reduced pay.

2. Physical Work Limitations 

The stress and impact of physical limitations in a workplace may cause difficulty for an injured individual as an employee. After treatment, therapy, and rest, many individuals may return to work with a doctor’s recommendation of limited physical activity. Work restrictions caused by car accidents can cause stress in a workplace for an injured individual. They may even need to change careers depending on their industry and job responsibilities.

3. Diminished Ability and Capability to Perform Tasks 

In addition to physical work limitations, if an individual suffers from a traumatic brain injury, it may cause damage to their cognitive and mental ability to focus and perform tasks. Their physician may advise them to work limited hours, continue therapy, and take additional time off work for medical reasons. These restrictions can affect an individual’s consistency and may hinder their work performance. 

4. Missing Opportunities for Work or Career Advancement 

Accidents occur without warning. If you have experienced an accident, your entire life may seem as if it were paused. Your plans, work goals, and daily responsibilities may be stalled and disregarded if you are seriously injured and going through a personal injury lawsuit alongside a lengthy recovery. Depending on the injuries and damages you have faced, you may miss out on career advancement and development due to another’s negligence behind the wheel.  

5. Difficulties in Mental Health and Well-Being 

When an individual goes through the process of treatment, recovery, a personal injury lawsuit, and trying to regain their well-being, it can be tough to process. Car accidents are not limited to creating physical injuries, but they also affect an individual’s mental health. Studies show that one-third of individuals involved in non-fatal car accidents sustain long-term effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder, persistent anxiety, depression, phobias, and other mental ailments. 

6. Financial Hardships and Life Changes  

While recovering from major short and long-term injuries caused by a crash, individuals may experience financial hardships. Accidents cause many to accumulate bills from medical needs, appointments, surgeries, procedures, equipment, medication, and other costs from damages. However, missing workdays, leaving a job, and making room for recovery following a car accident may also lead to financial troubles. By seeking a lawyer that can help recover compensation for the damages and hardship caused to you, you may be able to ease through your recovery. 

Call Dale R. Rose for Skilled Legal Representation after a Texas Car Accident 

At the Law Office of Dale R. Rose, our expert car accident attorney is dedicated to helping our Texas car accident clients restore their well-being by pursuing compensation against the negligent parties in the car crash. We understand how impactful an accident may be on your daily life and career, and we want to help you seek the total compensation owed to you. Call our law office at (972) 737-1333 or fill out our contact form, and we will reach out to you to schedule your free consultation.

Finding the right personal injury lawyer can be tricky with so many options available to you. Depending on the nature of the injury, your claim may require a certain amount of attention that isn’t easily garnered at larger firms. Moreover, if you are looking to develop a working relationship with your personal injury lawyer as you navigate your case, a larger firm may not be able to offer that.

This is one of the reasons that many people opt for a boutique or smaller personal injury law firm like Dale R. Rose. A boutique personal injury law firm can reduce challenges you might face with a larger firm, and help ensure that you realize the outcome you desire for your claim.

3 Benefits of Hiring a Boutique Personal Injury Law Firm

There are many benefits to hiring a boutique personal injury law firm, aside from the fact that you are more likely to develop a better working relationship with the lawyer representing your interests in the case.

Boutique Firms Are Typically Smaller—Which Means More Attention for You

One of the main reasons to pursue your personal injury claim through a boutique law firm is the attention you will receive from a smaller firm. Larger firms often mean it is easier for you to get lost in the massive caseloads. A smaller, boutique-style firm means that you will likely get plenty of facetime with your personal injury lawyer and the kind of individualized attention that helps ensure an ideal case outcome. You’ll get to know the lawyers working for the firm. This means more focus on your case and more involvement in strategizing to ensure the best possible outcome for you.

Knowledge and Dedication from Your Legal Team

Boutique personal injury law firms typically specialize in a few practice areas, which means that they end up excelling in this area of law. A boutique law firm handling your personal injury claim benefits you because it is highly likely that your legal team knows personal injury law very well. Moreover, boutique firms tend to be more dedicated to your case because they are not carrying a heavy caseload as their larger counterparts.

Fewer Financial Surprises

Hiring a boutique personal injury firm gets you more personalized service when it comes to pursuing your case and means more transparency when it comes to the administrative aspects of your case. Larger law firms may be more likely to hit you with surprise costs and hidden fees. Boutique personal injury law firms are less likely to do so, which means that you will have fewer, if any, financial surprises as you pursue your claim.

Learn More about Ways a Boutique Texas Personal Injury Law Firm Can Serve Your Needs

If you are looking for a boutique personal injury law firm that will prioritize your best interests and aggressively pursue an ideal outcome in your situation, look no further than Dale R. Rose.

We have helped hundreds of clients with their personal injury claims, and we may be able to help you as well.

Allow us to conduct a free case review so we can apprise you of your options and give you an idea of how to garner the best possible outcome. Call us today at (972) 737-1333 or contact us online to learn more.