Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident?

When you are hit by a car, you probably expect to receive compensation for your damages in a timely manner. Unfortunately for some Houstonians, legal representation may be needed as the vehicles involved in car wrecks are not always privately owned. In fact, the City of Houston tries not to pay for the damages that result from their covered drivers hitting other vehicles. The City of Houston is a self-insured entity and that leaves some residents waiting months if not years for payment due to losses caused by city vehicles damaging property or injuring Houstonians in car accidents.

The city is not alone in trying to dodge payment. Many insurance companies try to deny claims or pay as little as possible to the victims of a car accident. A victim’s costs may include damage to a vehicle, emergency transport to a hospital, medical bills, physical therapy and more. This is where speaking to an experienced car accident attorney comes in. It is worth getting an attorney for a Houston car accident because lawyers routinely handling these matters are adept at dealing with insurance companies, government entities, and the various complex legal aspects that can come up during the claims and litigation process.

Five Reasons Why Working with a Car Accident Attorney Is Worth It

1. Car Accident Attorneys Can Investigate the Auto Accident

Not only will your car accident attorney obtain a copy of the police report from your accident, they will also hire specialists to investigate the accident scene as well as speak to witnesses. Experts can determine what caused the crash via the evidence at the scene and any photographs, videos, and witness statements that are taken. This will help prove your side of the story and will show that you were not at fault.

2. Car Accident Attorneys Can Calculate the Amount of Damages

They will take a look at all costs associated with the accident and help determine what the actual cost of all damages will be. This may include future needs and compensation for your pain and suffering. You do not want to be left paying for any of your expenses out of pocket after a car accident that was not your fault. Car accident attorneys know how to calculate all costs and damages and will make sure all economic and non-economic damages are accounted for. Having an accurate assessment of your damages will be incredibly valuable when the insurance company tries to low-ball your claim.

Depending on the motor vehicle collision and your individual claim, compensation for the following may be included:

• Emergency transport to the hospital
• Past and current medical costs
• Future medical costs
• Costs for medical devices, accessories, and mobility devices
• Lost wages
• Disability – permanent or temporary
• Disfigurement
• Pain and Suffering

3. Car Accident Attorneys Can Negotiate with Insurance Companies

Negotiations are an integral part of obtaining compensation after a roadway accident; and, in order to get an adequate settlement that covers all costs associated with the car accident, you may need someone in your corner to fight for you. Insurance companies always try to keep claim payments low or they may deny your claim altogether. Taking on the insurance company by yourself is tricky and can leave you feeling stressed and frustrated which does not help with your medical recovery. A car accident attorney will work to ensure your best interests are represented and will negotiate with the insurance company to make sure you receive fair compensation.

4. If a Settlement Cannot Be Reached, Your Car Accident Attorney Can Represent You in Court

Even though many car accident claims are settled outside of the courtroom, there are instances in which the only way to get fair compensation is with a personal injury lawsuit. In these cases, while you are technically allowed to represent yourself, it is not a good idea. Self-representation leaves you open to attack by the defendant’s team of lawyers. They can potentially take advantage of an inexperienced plaintiff and will try to get the case dismissed. Professional legal representation can only benefit you in these cases.

5. Car Accident Attorneys Can Advise You on Legal Matters

Each state has different laws and your car accident attorney will have extensive knowledge of the laws that pertain to your case. This includes the statute of limitation for filing a lawsuit related to the car accident. Most people are unaware of the time limits their state places on filing a lawsuit which is why it is critical to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible after a collision. Having that experience on your side can also give you peace of mind when handling everything related to the car accident. They will be able to advise you on when, where, and how a case should be filed and can take care of the small, stressful details.

Many injuries will appear days to weeks after a car accident occurs when the initial shock has worn off. If you happen to get a very fair offer from the at-fault party’s insurance company, and it covers absolutely all of your expenses, you may not need a car accident attorney, but it may still be worth running the offer by a lawyer to see if they think it is sufficiently comprehensive. You need to be absolutely sure that you are receiving a fair amount of compensation that will cover all your costs, as once you accept that settlement, there is no going back.

Houston Car Accident Attorneys

The experienced Houston car accident attorneys at Adame Garza LLP will investigate the details of your situation and determine the best course of action. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, our team can put your mind at ease. We have helped hundreds of car accident victims across Houston, and we can guide you through every step of seeking compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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