If you’re wondering ‘Should I get a lawyer for a car accident that wasn’t my fault in Texas?’, The answer is usually yes. Here’s why:
Even if you weren’t at fault, the insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible. They have teams of lawyers working for them, while you’re stuck negotiating a settlement on your own. This puts you at a huge disadvantage.
An experienced personal injury attorney levels the playing field. They know how to maximize the compensation you deserve under Texas law. They deal with insurance companies every day, so they won’t be intimidated or tricked into accepting a lowball offer.
Below are some of the key reasons why hiring a lawyer after a not-at-fault accident in Texas is a smart move:
They Calculate the Full Value of Your Claim
Determining the full value of an injury claim can be extremely complex. There are both economic and non-economic damages to consider.
Economic damages in a car accident case can include:
- Medical bills (both current and future)
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship, and other intangible losses.
An experienced Dallas car accident lawyer will meticulously calculate both damages components to maximize your payout. Recognizing the full scope of what you’re legally entitled to often translates into a much larger settlement.
They Prove the Other Driver’s Liability
Just because you didn’t cause the accident, doesn’t mean the insurance company will accept liability right away. They may push back, claiming you share some percentage of fault. This is when skilled legal representation makes all the difference.
Your attorney will gather all the evidence needed to prove the other motorist’s sole negligence. This can include obtaining the police report, reviewing the vehicles’ black box data, interviewing eyewitnesses, hiring accident reconstruction experts, and more. Building an ironclad liability case against the other driver removes excuses for the insurer to discount your claim.
They Handle Negotiations Expertly
Insurance adjusters negotiate injury claims every day. They have plenty of tricks up their sleeves to minimize payouts. Without legal representation, you’re no match for their negotiating prowess.
On the other hand, a seasoned Texas personal injury lawyer has the negotiation skills to secure a fair settlement for you. They won’t be influenced by intimidation tactics or “lowball” offers. They’ll methodically highlight all the reasons the insurer must provide full and fair compensation. Their negotiating expertise puts pressure on the company to raise their offer substantially.
They’re Ready to File a Lawsuit
Hopefully your claim settles out of court. However, some cases require formal litigation to compel the insurer to pay what you rightfully deserve. Personal injury lawsuits in Texas must be filed within two years following the accident date.
A personal injury attorney Dallas TX will build your case from day one as if it’s going to trial. This involves collecting and preserving evidence, hiring expert witnesses, understanding court procedures, meeting filing deadlines, and handling all aspects of litigation. Their readiness to take your case to trial gives you tremendous leverage in settlement talks.
You Don’t Pay Unless They Win
Reputable personal injury firms work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront fees or legal costs. The attorney only gets compensated if they secure a settlement or judgment on your behalf. Their fee comes as a percentage of the total amount recovered.
This pay structure ensures the lawyer works hard to maximize your recovery. It also means accident victims without the resources to hire an hourly lawyer can still get top-notch legal representation.
Your Health Comes First
Following a serious auto collision, your focus needs to be on healing physically and emotionally. The legal wrangling can come later. An experienced attorney handles this entire burden for you.
They deal directly with the insurance companies, so you can concentrate on rest, treatment, and recovering fully. No need to stress about paperwork, phone calls, or court hearings. Your lawyer takes care of it all while you prioritize getting your strength and mobility back.
You Get One Chance at Compensation
Injury claims related to car wrecks can’t be reopened down the road if problems arise. For example, you can’t come back seeking more money if your medical bills later exceed expectations. Settlements are final.
This makes the lawyer’s job very important – to maximize your payout before settling. An offer that initially appears fair may not adequately cover your complete losses once you know the full extent of your medical situation. Having skilled legal advice in your corner from the outset helps ensure sufficient compensation the first time around.
Navigating the Insurance Claims Process
Dealing with auto insurers can quickly become frustrating and overwhelming for crash victims. Insurance companies have complex policies and procedures for assessing accident claims that are confusing for ordinary people.
An experienced attorney has deep knowledge of insurance claims processes. They take care of the myriad details and red tape involved, freeing you to focus on your recovery. From submitting claim forms to providing documented proof of damages, your lawyer handles it all seamlessly.
Preserving Evidence Properly
It’s critical to gather and preserve all evidence following an auto collision to prove your injuries and losses. However, there are strict rules about how this must be done properly to be admissible later.
Your attorney knows the precise methods for collecting and maintaining evidence to withstand scrutiny. This can involve securing the vehicles, taking photos of the scene, obtaining witness statements, and more. Improper evidence handling can sabotage your entire claim.
Relieving Accident Stress
Being in a serious wreck is emotionally devastating. On top of that, pursuing fair compensation is complex and draining. This distracts from healing mentally and physically after the trauma.
With a lawyer handling your claim professionally, you avoid unnecessary stress and headaches. You also gain invaluable peace of mind knowing an experienced legal advocate is fighting to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, our Dallas car accident attorneys have achieved outstanding results for clients injured in all types of motor vehicle crashes. We fight tirelessly to get you every dollar deserved under the law. Don’t leave money on the table by trying to handle your claim alone. For dedicated legal representation, call us today at 1-800-4-THE-WIN(800-484-3946) for a free case review.
