Policy limits discovery is a critical phase in personal injury litigation that involves identifying the maximum amount of insurance coverage available to compensate an injured party. In New Braunfels, Texas, this process becomes particularly important when accident victims pursue compensation through insurance claims or lawsuits. Policy limits discovery encompasses several essential components, including formal discovery requests, disclosure obligations, and strategic timing considerations. Related subtopics include the distinction between liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage limits, the interplay between multiple insurance policies when coverage may be stacked, and the ethical boundaries attorneys must navigate when investigating available coverage. Understanding policy limits early in a personal injury claim can significantly impact settlement negotiations and litigation strategy, as it helps victims and their attorneys assess the realistic potential for recovery and make informed decisions about whether to accept settlement offers or proceed to trial. This discovery process may involve interrogatories, requests for production of insurance policies, and depositions of insurance company representatives. For accident victims in New Braunfels and throughout Comal County, knowing how to properly conduct policy limits discovery can mean the difference between adequate compensation and settling for less than the full value of their injuries.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas law, insurance companies must disclose policy limits to claimants under specific circumstances, particularly when a settlement demand is made under Texas Insurance Code § 542A. The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code establishes a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, making timely policy limits discovery essential. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, where recovery may be barred if the injured party is more than 50% at fault. Minimum liability insurance requirements in Texas are $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, though many policies carry higher limits. Available compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in cases of gross negligence, exemplary damages. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can provide additional recovery options when at-fault parties lack adequate insurance. Discovery rules under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure govern how policy information may be obtained through formal requests and depositions. 

Related Resources

Local Courts:

• Comal County District Court, 150 N Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
• Comal County Court at Law, 150 N Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
• New Braunfels Municipal Court, 424 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Support Services:

• State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-252-9690
• Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line: 1-800-252-3439
• Comal County Victim Services: (830) 221-1300

Legal Resources:

• Texas Department of Insurance: www.tdi.texas.gov
• Texas Transportation Code: statutes.capitol.texas.gov
• Texas Rules of Civil Procedure: www.txcourts.gov
• State Bar of Texas: www.texasbar.com

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