Is It Worth Hiring a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Texas?
Every year, millions of people are injured in car accidents that are not their fault (or at least mostly not). If you’re injured in a car accident, it can be difficult to determine if you need a lawyer to handle your claim. Each case is unique. While you may think only severe and complicated cases benefit from an attorney, even injuries that seem minor at first may result in long-term damage and higher-than-anticipated costs.
Having an experienced Austin car accident attorney advocating on your behalf can improve your chances of getting the maximum compensation for all your injuries. Plus, many personal injury attorneys (like us!) don’t get paid unless we win on your behalf.
Can You Handle Your Own Car Accident Injury Claim?
If you suffered only minor injuries and/or minimal property damage in your car accident, you may think you’re equipped to negotiate a fair settlement on your own. However, you will almost certainly be at a disadvantage without an experienced attorney in your corner – the insurance company will have their own.
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, evidence of lost wages, sick days, or lost overtime and commissions – you may miss a crucial piece of information that leaves you having to pay out-of-pocket for your own losses. A professional attorney will help ensure these details are not missed.
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 a settlement offer. If you’re struggling to negotiate a fair amount or accurately present your case, you may want to hire an attorney to help ensure you’re seeking the maximum amount of compensation possible.
When You Need an Attorney
If you’ve been seriously injured, you may be facing extensive medical bills, a future full of recurring expenses, and compromised earning capability – therapy, medication, ongoing treatment, loss of future wages, disability, etc.
In these cases, when the cost of damages is so high, it can be very difficult to get the settlement you deserve. This is when you need an effective personal injury attorney on your side.
No matter how severe your injuries are, the insurance company will always protect its own interests. It’s the insurance adjuster’s job to look for ways to reduce or eliminate their responsibility, and ultimately do whatever they can to get you to agree to a lowball settlement offer.
A car accident injury attorney has experience with the laws surrounding accidents and the types of compensation you may be entitled to. Your lawyer can accurately estimate your medical expenses and negotiate a fair settlement to cover expenses you might not anticipate or 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 2 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. With over 20 years of experience in assisting Austinites, we can help ensure you are seeking the maximum compensation 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. See what our previous clients have to say. Don’t wait to get the legal support you need!