FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Car Accidents
Hiring an attorney for your car accident case is not only smart, it is simple. All you do is call the attorney’s office and ask to speak with someone about a new case. Of course, when you call Robert C. Slim, you will talk to him personally. And the consultation is absolutely free.
All my car accident injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. That means the attorney is paid when their is money recovered on your case. You pay the attorney no money up front.
Unfortunately, nearly 1 out of 5 vehicles on our Texas roadways are uninsured. If you are involved in a car wreck with an uninsured vehicle, then your might have to make an uninsured motorist claim on your own policy. This would also be true if you get into a “hit and run” accident.
Even if the other vehicle had insurance, but the insurance is not enough to cover your losses, then you can also make a claim for Under-insured Motorist on your onw policy.
Therefore, it is always smart to carry the right types of insurance coverage just in case you need it.
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Insurance & Coverage Articles
Question: I was involved in a car accident while driving a company vehicle. I was injured and want to know if I am covered under the company’s insurance?
Answer: In Texas, liability insurance is mandatory for all vehicles including company vehicles. In fact, there are higher insurance requirement for vehicles classified as commercial vehicles. However, whether you are covered depends on the what coverage is provided for the vehicle by the company. Just like personal vehicles, your company can provide for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and/or Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage.
But your coverage may also depend upon who is at fault in the accident. If you are liable for causing the accident, then the insurance policy may not provide you much coverage for your injuries. You would probably be limited only to the benefits of any “no-fault” coverage, such as PIP. But if your company carried workers compensation coverage, then you may be able to get benefits for medical expenses and lost wages if you were in the course and scope of your employment at the time of the accident.
If you were not at fault in the accident, then not only can you make a claim for worker’s compensation benefits, you can also make a claim under the other driver’s policy as well as the policy covering the company vehicle. Of course, the worker’s compensation carrier would be entitled to reimbursement should you get some sort of settlement. But many times, the reimbursement amount can be negotiated by your attorney.
Trucking Accident
Most cases of trucking accidents involve lawsuits against trucking companies. There are provisions in Texas law whereby you can file your case not only against the particular truck driver who hit you but also against the company he or she works for.
Average Compensation for Semi-Truck Accidents by Type of Loss
Severity of Accident | Average CA Semi Truck Accident Settlement |
|---|---|
Minor | Approximately: $25,000 – $100,000 |
Moderate | Approximately: $100,000 – $500,000 |
Severe | Approximately: $500,000 – $1,000,000+ |
Boating Accident
Call the police if you are involved in an accident. Call paramedics if someone is injured. Collect as much information as possible at the accident scene to provide your agent and/or insurance company. Inform your agent and/or insurance company immediately in case of an accident.
When involved in a boating accident, the operator is required by Section 31.104 of the Parks and Wildlife Code to: Provide to other persons affected, whatever help may be needed or possible to protect them from the dangers of the situation.
- Ensure the Safety of Everyone.
- Maintain Calm and Alert.
- Raise Alarm to Authorities
- Write down the incidence
- Exchange information
- Report the accident
- Get legal advice
So, when you see an accident or a distress signal, you should render assistance any way you can, provided it does not place you, your passengers, or your vessel in peril. If you cannot safely assist, report the accident promptly to another boater, who may be in a position to assist with as little delay as possible; and report it to appropriate authorities.
Work Injuries
Immediately report the injury to your employer and seek medical attention. Document the incident and contact a personal injury attorney to understand your rights.
Yes, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. An attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If your claim is denied, consult an attorney to review your case. They can help you appeal the decision and fight for your rights.
In Texas, you typically have one year from the date of the injury to file a workers' compensation claim. Consult an attorney to ensure you meet all deadlines.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to local authorities. Contact an attorney to understand your legal rights and options.
The dog owner is typically responsible for injuries caused by their dog. An attorney can help you hold the owner accountable.
Yes, you may be able to sue for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. An attorney can help you build a strong case.
Evidence such as photos of injuries, witness statements, and veterinary records of the dog can be crucial. An attorney can help gather and present this evidence.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Question: I was involved in an accident at an intersection. My light was green. I had the right of way, but I think the other driver is going to say they had the green light. What do I do?
Answer: Intersection collisions pose an opportunity for the parties to have different versions of the accident. This is because fault in these types of accident usually depends upon the color of each driver’s light. Unless there are eye- witnesses or other objective factors that support one version or another, these cases usually become a “swearing match” between the drivers.
You need to know if there were any witnesses that came forward. If there was an eye-witness that supports your story that your light was green, then you should be okay. Once the police report comes out, see what it says. If the police report says you were at fault, see if there are any witnesses listed on the police report. Your insurance company will call the witnesses and get their version of the events. Sometimes, the police report gets it wrong even though the witnesses say something different.
Question: I had a car accident and was injured. The police came to the scene and investigated the accident. I wanted the other driver’s insurance information before leaving the scene, but the police officer said it would be in the report. He would not give it to me on the scene. They kept the drivers separate and would not let us talk to each other. How can I get the insurance information before the report comes out?
Answer: In the past, when police officers would investigate an accident, they would give you a slip of paper with the other driver’s insurance information. Recently, I have noticed that police officers have stopped this practice and refuse to exchange insurance information at the scene. I do not know why they will not facilitate the exchange of insurance information between the drivers, especially since drivers are required to exchange such information by law. What this comes down to is that you “cannot fight city hall.” Frankly, I believe this is another way for Texas politicians and law enforcement to suppress and frustrate the pursuit of injury claims, but that’s just my opinion.
If you run into this problem, do not argue with the officer. Most police officers will tell you that the report will be ready in 7 to 10 business days. However, the reports are normally completed within five business days or less. Once the report is completed, you can get a copy by making a request, either in person or by mail, and paying a small fee of about $6.00.
Most importantly, if you are injured, get emergency medical treatment. Do not let your lack of getting any insurance information stop you from getting the proper medical treatment. Delay in getting the proper medical attention can have devastating effects on the value of your bodily injury claim.
Then, consult with an attorney as soon as possible and just wait for the report to come out. In the meantime, report the accident to your own insurance company as soon as possible so that they can open the claim and begin an investigation.
Question: I was involved in an accident that wasn’t my fault. But I did not have insurance. Can I still make a claim for my injuries and car damages?
Answer: Yes, you can still make a claim. In every car accident case, there are two different parts. First is the insurance claim. In this part of the case, the claim is handled through the insurance companies for each of the drivers and passengers. Second, however, is the legal claim. These are two different, but related issues. Whether anyone had insurance has nothing to do with their legal liability for the accident. The only difference insurance makes is that if someone is legally liable for an accident, then the auto insurance is there to provide coverage for the damages. If there is no insurance, then either driver can still be held liable for an accident if they are determined to be negligent.
Although, as a practical matter, if someone is held legally liable for an accident and did not have insurance, it would be nearly impossible to collect anything for the damages and injuries sustained in the accident. But if you are not liable for causing the accident, then the fact that you had no insurance is irrelevant. Likewise, you would still be entitled to collect for your losses.
Motorcycle Accidents
The answer is “yes” and “no.” Technically, a motorcycle rider is subject to the same traffic and safety laws as other vehicles on the roadway. So, they are not given any favoritism in the law when an accident occurs. However, motorcycle accidents tend to result in more serious injuries than car accidents. Likewise, there is a greater chance of a more substantial recovery for the injuries sustained in the accident.
- Give motorcycles greater following distance;
- Allow them to occupy a full lane of traffic;
- Be particular about checking your blind spot when changing lanes.
- Always wear an approved helmet, even if you are not required by law to do so;
- Drive defensively and anticipate the movement of other traffic;
- Avoid distractions and always pay attention. Everything can change a split second;
- Turn your headlights on to maintain visibility;
- Avoid driving in another vehicle’s blind spot.
Wrongful Death
Since every case is different, it is impossible to determine how much money you will get. Of course, the recovery can be quite substantial especially because of the devastating effects a wrongful death can have on the lives and futures of the surviving family members.
But much also depends on how much money is actually available from the liable party. If the negligent party has no assets other than an insurance policy, then you might be limited to the available policy proceeds.
The simple answer is: You don’t! You hire an attorney to represent you instead. A wrongful death case is quite complicated and requires the help of an experienced attorney.
The most common types of recoverable damages in a wrongful death case can include loss of financial support, as well as loss of consortium. “Consortium” includes the love, society and companionship of the deceased.
You can also sue for the actual injuries sustained by the deceased in the accident including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and mental aguish. This is called a “survival claim.”
Bicycle Accident
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, the driver might be charged with reckless driving, failure to yield, or any other traffic violations. Liability: The driver would be liable for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the cyclist.
Pedestrian accident lawsuits in Texas are based on the modified comparative fault rule of the state. This simply means that, although you might be partially liable for the occurrence, you may still recover your damages if your fault does not exceed 50%. However, your compensation shall be reduced to the extent of your percentage fault.
All bicyclists should operate under the Texas Motor Vehicle Laws, such as stopping at stop signs, giving priority to pedestrians crossing the road within pedestrian crosswalks, illuminating properly on cycle paths, and riding with the flow of traffic on streets marked "One way" in designated bicycle lanes.
Dangerous Premises
A dangerous premises case involves injuries caused by unsafe conditions on someone else's property. An attorney can help you determine liability and seek compensation.
Property owners and occupiers have a duty to maintain safe premises. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for injuries.
Evidence such as photos, videos, maintenance records, and witness statements are crucial. An attorney can help gather and present this evidence effectively.
Yes, you may be able to claim damages for emotional distress in addition to physical injuries. Consult an attorney to understand your options.