HomeMotor Vehicle AccidentsUnderstanding First-Party Claims and Third-Party Claims

Understanding First-Party Claims and Third-Party Claims

In most states, it is required to carry some type of insurance if you operate a vehicle or own a home. Insurance can protect you and other parties if you are involved in an auto accident, or if your home is damaged for some reason.

One of the ideas behind insurance is that it gives people peace of mind in the event of an emergency. It does so by assuring that they will have the funds to pay for damages to their vehicle or medical care if they are injured in an accident.

However, understanding the different types of insurance and insurance claims is not always easy. Two of the most important types of insurance claims are called first-party and third-party claims. Knowing the difference between these two basic claims can be helpful if you are ever in the situation where you need to file an insurance claim.

Here are the details of first-party and third-party insurance claims explained:

      • First-party claims. This type of claim is between the policyholder and the insurance company and depends on the contract and specific type of policy the policyholder holds. For example, if your house suffers water damage in a flood and you know water damage is included in your homeowner’s insurance, then you can file a first-party claim with your insurance company.
      • Third-party claims This happens when someone who is not the policyholder files a claim against an insurance company. For example, if you cause an accident and someone is injured, that person will likely file a third-party claim against your insurance company.

Determining who is at fault

The type of claim you file with your insurance company largely depends on who was at-fault in the accident. If you know you were at fault, you’ll file a first party claim with your insurance. However, if another party was to blame for the accident or damage, you’ll file a third-party claim under their liability insurance. Because it is not always clear who is at fault in an accident, insurance companies usually send their own team to investigate.

If it is determined that you were at-fault, you can also expect your insurance premiums to go up after the claim is filed. If you’re not sure what type of claim to file, we recommend contacting a knowledgeable car insurance claims attorney in Texas.

Contact an experienced law firm in Houston

For nearly 50 years, Burwell Nebout Trial Lawyers has successfully represented thousands of injured Texans in virtually every type of personal injury matter. We have earned our reputation fighting for our clients and representing people, not insurance companies. If you have suffered a personal injury because of the negligence of another party, give us a call today at (281) 645-5000 or email our team to schedule a free consultation.

Practice Areas

Client Reviews

THE RIGHT CHOICE

“I am a survivor of the March 23, 2005, BP explosion. Knowing my life had just been changed in an instant and not knowing what was to come was extremely unsettling. So when the time came to find legal representation, I chose Burwell Nebout personal injury attorneys from League City, Texas. Knowing they are from the Galveston County area made this an easy choice. Russ and Jimmy assured me they would do all things possible to help me and my family get through this most difficult time. Once again, I’d like to thank these men and their staff for their professional knowledge and guidance throughout those tough times. I know without a doubt I made the right choice.”

David Laymance
Santa Fe, Texas

LITIGATION EXPERTISE

“My company has faced disputes that require the litigation process to achieve resolution. I chose Russ and Jimmy to represent me not only for their ability to guide us through the process in a cost-efficient manner with the goal of resolution, but also with the comfort of knowing they have the skills and expertise to try the case.”

Will Watt
Friendswood, Texas

EXCELLENT WORK

“Thank you for the excellent work performed by you and your staff in helping our company each step of the way in our pursuit of seeking reimbursement from BP due to our losses from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The presentation of the facts as well as the unknowns with each turn of the roller coaster has been greatly appreciated. I cannot thank you enough for the work you put into this nor credit you enough for the polish and professionalism in the way you did it.”

Doug Vingoe
Houston, Texas

Case Results

Automobile Accident

$19.2 million

Two clients killed as a result of a special defect in the shoulder of the roadway. A state court jury trial resulted in a $19.2 million verdict.

Premises Liability

$10 million

Children that attended school on a former toxic dump site made claims for exposure injuries. $10 million settlement.

Liberty County Record Verdict

Record-setting verdict

Two high school seniors were on their way home on a stretch of road that had been the subject of repeated complaints to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) about the poor condition of the shoulder. When the students entered a curve, the poor condition of the shoulder resulted in a crash that killed one and severely brain-damaged the other. A trial against the Texas Attorney General’s office resulted in the discovery of altered records, a spoliation instruction, and a record-setting jury verdict for Liberty County.

Get In Touch With Burwell Nebout

There Is No Firm More Qualified to Fight for You!