I Was Sued for a Car Accident in Texas, Now What You Should Do?

Being sued after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been involved in a lawsuit before. Most people have questions like: “Who will pay for a lawyer?” or “What happens if I can’t afford one?” The good news is that this is precisely why you carry car insurance. Your policy is designed to protect you in situations like this—but only if you follow the proper steps.

Your car insurance company is not automatically obligated to defend you just because you have coverage. They only have a duty to provide a defense if you notify them immediately after being sued and formally request that they provide a lawyer. Failing to do so can have serious consequences. If you are sued and do not inform your insurer, a default judgment may be entered against you. This means the other party can win the case automatically, giving them the right to pursue your assets, garnish wages, or take other collection actions.

The correct course of action is to contact your insurance company immediately. Tell them clearly: “I have been sued as a result of a car accident, and I am requesting a defense under my policy.” Once you notify them, your insurer is legally required to provide a lawyer and handle the defense of your case. They will manage the lawsuit, respond to filings, and represent your interests in court.

It’s important to understand that if you fail to inform your insurance company, they are not required to step in, even if you’ve been paying premiums for years. In that scenario, you would be personally responsible for hiring an attorney and defending yourself, which can be expensive, complicated, and risky. Further, if you don’t cooperate throughout the process, they may not provide a lawyer, leaving you personally responsible for defending the lawsuit.