If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Texas, one of the first questions you may ask is, “Who pays for the damages?”

The answer depends on fault — because Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the person who caused the crash is financially responsible for the resulting injuries and property damage.

This legal structure allows injured victims to pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, it also means that establishing liability is key to ensuring you get the financial recovery you deserve. That’s where Stanley & Associates, PLLCsteps in.

Our attorneys help accident victims in Plano and throughout Texas gather evidence, prove fault, and fight for fair compensation from insurers.

Texas Minimum Insurance Requirements

Under Texas law, every driver must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover damages if they cause an accident. The state’s minimum insurance limits are:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury per accident (for all injured parties)
• $25,000 for property damage

This is commonly referred to as “30/60/25 coverage.”

While these minimums are required by law, they’re often not enough to cover the full cost of a serious car accident — especially if multiple people are injured. If damages exceed the policy limits, victims may need to pursue additional claims through their own insurance or directly against the at-fault driver.

At Stanley & Associates, PLLC, we understand how to identify all available sources of recovery to maximize your compensation.

How Fault Is Determined in a Texas Car Accident

Texas follows a comparative negligence system, which means more than one driver can share responsibility for a crash.

If you are partially at fault, you can still recover damages — as long as you are less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.

Insurance companies often use this rule to reduce payouts, which makes having a strong legal advocate essential. Stanley & Associates, PLLC fights back against unfair blame-shifting tactics to ensure your rights are protected.

What If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

Unfortunately, not all Texas drivers carry the required liability insurance. If the driver who caused your accident is uninsured or underinsured, you still have options.

You may be able to file a claim through your own:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage

These policies can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs if the at-fault driver can’t cover your damages.

If you’re unsure what coverage you have or how to use it, Stanley & Associates, PLLC can review your policy and guide you through the claim process.

The First-Come, First-Served Rule in Texas

Texas is considered a first-come, first-served state, meaning that once the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage runs out, no additional funds are available — even if there are multiple injured parties.

This is why acting quickly after an accident is critical. Our attorneys at Stanley & Associates, PLLC take immediate action to preserve evidence, file claims, and secure your place in line for compensation.

Why Liability Insurance Matters

Liability insurance protects a driver’s personal assets if they cause a crash. It covers the cost of legal defense and damages up to the policy limits. Without insurance, a driver can be personally responsible for all costs — including vehicle repairs, medical bills, and court judgments.

For injury victims, this can make recovery difficult. That’s why our team investigates every potential path to compensation, including employer liability, secondary coverage, and umbrella policies.

Protecting Your Claim After a Car Accident

To protect your rights and strengthen your case, it’s important to take the right steps after a crash:

1. Seek immediate medical attention — even if you feel fine.
2. Report the accident to law enforcement.
3. Gather contact and insurance information from all parties involved.
4. Take photos of the scene and your injuries.
5. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice.

Most importantly, contact Stanley & Associates, PLLC as soon as possible. We handle communication with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery.

Get Legal Help from Stanley & Associates, PLLC

At Stanley & Associates, PLLC, we know that navigating Texas car accident laws can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance adjusters.

Our Plano-based attorneys have over a decade of experience helping Texas drivers recover the compensation they deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.