I was a passenger in a head-on car accident last year and no one wishes to help me settle my claim. What can I do?
Asked in Houston, TX on July 31, 2026 Last answered on August 7, 20262 answers
It's not clear from your question why you are having trouble with your claim. Is it because you have not been able to hire a lawyer? Is it because the insurance adjusters you are talking to will not respond or agree to settle? To settle a claim without a lawyer you need to present your claim to the insurance company or companies for the driver you believe is at fault. If the driver of the other car is at fault and the owner of the car you were a passenger in had Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists coverage, or Personal Injury Protection coverage, then you should also contact that insurer to make a claim. If you want to hire a lawyer to settle your claim, do a search for personal injury lawyers in your area and start calling the ones that look reputable and experienced.
As a passenger, you're in a stronger position than you might realize. You weren't driving either car, so fault disputes between the two drivers generally don't affect your right to recover. You can pursue a claim against the driver (or drivers) who caused the crash, and if it's unclear who was at fault, you can often file against both insurance policies. If either driver was uninsured or underinsured, look at your own auto policy (or that of a relative you live with) for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage — many people don't realize this applies even when they weren't driving.
If insurers aren't cooperating a year later, that's usually a sign they're hoping you'll give up or run out of time. In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit, so don't wait much longer. An attorney can put pressure on the insurers, gather the records needed to prove your damages, and file suit if a fair settlement doesn't materialize.
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