Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Austin, TX?
Each year, millions of people are injured in car accidents that are the result of careless or reckless behavior. If you were injured in a car accident, it can be difficult to determine if you need a lawyer to handle your claim. Each case is unique, and while you may think that only severe and complicated cases benefit from a lawyer, even injuries that seem minor at first, may result in long-term damage and having an experienced lawyer advocating on your behalf can assist in ensuring you’re seeking the maximum compensation for all your injuries. Continue reading to find if it’s worth getting a lawyer for a car accident in Austin, Texas.
Can You Handle Your Own Claim?
If you experienced minor injuries and minimal property damage, you may think that you can negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company on your own. However, you will likely be at a disadvantage without having an experienced attorney advocating for your best interests. Injury claim compensation typically includes medical bills, out-of-pocket medical expenses, cost of damage to property like your vehicle or valuables inside, and loss of wages.
With minor accidents, the claims process may seem simple enough. However, there are a variety of circumstances that can prevent even the most straightforward cases from being settled without the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney. In the process of gathering evidence for your case, such as your medical records, photographs of the accident scene, and evidence of lost wages, sick days, or lost overtime and commissions from your job, you may miss a crucial piece of information that results in having to pay out of pocket for your losses.
Keep in mind that you’re welcome to bring in an attorney at any point in the claims process, as long as you haven’t accepted an offer. If you’re struggling to negotiate a fair amount or accurately present your case, you may want to hire an attorney to ensure you seek the maximum amount of compensation possible.
When You Need an Attorney
If you’ve been seriously injured, you may be facing extensive medical bills, future therapy and medication, ongoing treatment, and possible loss of future wages or disability. In these cases, it can be very difficult to get the amount you deserve for your injuries and the impact on your life and future without the help of a lawyer.
No matter how severe your injuries are, the insurance company is protecting its interests. The adjuster will look for ways to reduce or eliminate their responsibility, so you may end up with an offer far below what you deserve. In addition, how will you know what you need for ongoing medical expenses and future loss of wages?
A lawyer has experience with the laws surrounding car accidents and the types of compensation you’re entitled to. Your lawyer can accurately estimate your medical expenses and negotiate a fair settlement for the compensation you didn’t know you were entitled to.
Complex Texas Laws May Affect Your Car Accident Case
Two laws can make your car accident injury case more complicated: Comparative negligence and the statute of limitations.
In Texas, comparative negligence determines how much your compensation will be if you’re partly to blame for your accident. The court will assign you a percentage of fault, and your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. If you’re found to be 50% responsible or greater, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
The statute of limitations can also be complicated. This is the timeframe you have to file a claim, and in Texas, the statute of limitations is two years after the date of the accident. However, because each case is unique, you may be able to seek compensation even after the deadline. That’s why it is so important to consult with an experienced Austin, Texas car accident attorney, like the team at Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC. With over twenty years of experience in assisting Austinites, regardless of the severity of your injury, we can ensure you are seeking the maximum compensation you are owed for your losses.
We’re on Top of It!
Whether your Austin, TX, accident is complicated or minor, having a lawyer on your side gives you an advantage. At Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC, we’re on top of it. Our experienced team of attorneys can help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Don’t wait. Contact us today for your free case review.