Here’s a scenario for you: You and your friend have decided to go on a spontaneous road trip. Since her vehicle is more efficient on gas than yours is, it’s been decided that she will drive to the destination and you will drive back home. As you’re driving her car through Houston another car suddenly pulls out in front of you. With no time to stop, you hit the other vehicle. Your friend is fine but you suffer whiplash. Who will pay for your injuries?
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, the law requires every person who lives in the state to pay for any accident they are responsible for. This is why you buy auto liability insurance. This insurance won’t cover things like repairing the damage done to your vehicle or medical treatment. It’s to pay for the other driver’s costs, as well as any other person’s medical expenses when you’re found liable for the accident.
The minimum coverage for liability insurance is 30/60/25 coverage. This means the insurance company will pay up to $30,000 for each injured person, up to $60,000 for each accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Liability coverage will pay for the following:
- Medical costs, including funeral expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering compensation
- Car repair or replacement costs
- Car rental while the other driver’s car is being repaired
So in the scenario above, the other driver is responsible for the accident. Since you had permission from your friend to drive her vehicle, the other driver’s liability insurance will take care of your medical bills and pay for any other expenses you may have.
The law surrounding car accidents and car insurance can be extremely complex. That’s why it’s best to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer after any time you have a car accident, no matter what the case may be. If you had a car accident in Houston and need legal advice, then contact de Lachica Law Firm, PLLC, today for a free consultation.