Car Accident FAQs

An Aggressive Houston-Area Attorney to Help You After an Accident

You get to decide where your automobile is repaired, although insurance companies sometimes will only cover you if you get your car fixed at a shop that they approve.

Who will pay the fees for storage of my car?

The insurance company of the driver who caused the accident should pay towing and storage costs, according to what is reasonable in your area. If the car or truck is totaled, the insurance company will pay to have it transferred to a salvage or wrecking yard. If you don't want your insurance company to move your car, you will be responsible for any storage or towing fees. Under Texas law, the victim of a car accident has a duty to avoid unnecessary storage fees, even if the accident was not their fault. Avoid being stuck with a portion of the storage fees by contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

Who decides if my automobile is repairable or "totaled"?

The insurance company who is liable for payment can decide that your vehicle is not worth repairing, which means that it is totaled. To be totaled, the cost of the labor and parts exceeds a percentage of the market value of the vehicle. If you want to keep the car after it has been written off as a total loss, you will have to pay the salvage value to the insurance company.

Who pays the bank loan if my car or truck is financed?

You are still responsible for any loans on the automobile. If the fair market value of your car is less than the outstanding loan, you still need to pay the whole amount of the loan. Put another way, you are not owed what you owe the bank when your car is totaled. You are owed what your car is worth.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer with Our Firm

At Smith & Hassler, an experienced personal injury attorney will assist you or your loved one in your case. Call (713) 739-1250 for your free personal injury consultation today.

Remember, your initial consultation is free, and you don't pay us unless you win.