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Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That is Not My Fault in Texas?
It’s tempting to think that if you were in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you don’t need to hire an attorney. After all, won’t the other driver’s insurance company compensate you for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages?
If you’re asking yourself, “Should I get a lawyer for a car accident that is not my fault in Texas?” read on; this article is for you.
There are a lot of variables that can influence how much compensation you receive and even if you get compensated. According to the National Council of Insurance Institute, accident victims with legal representation received settlement offers 300% higher than those who chose to forego hiring an attorney.
Not only are attorneys accustomed to negotiating with insurance companies, but they can also help you avoid common pitfalls that can jeopardize your claim.
As if dealing with the aftermath of an accident wasn’t already stressful enough, you might also be wondering, “what is the first thing I should do after a Texas car accident?” After all, the steps you take immediately after a crash can have a significant influence on the outcome of a personal injury or insurance claim.
You Might Not Need a Lawyer If…
It’s in no one’s best interest to bring an attorney into the mix if it’s not necessary. Though there are seldom clearcut, black and white situations where one can say with certainty that you don’t need an attorney, you might not need a car accident lawyer if any of the following three situations are true:
1. You Were Not Injured
A minor fender bender without any significant injuries or property damage is unlikely to require the assistance of an attorney. For the small amount of money at stake and the relative straightforwardness of the situation, your insurance company can usually iron out the details.
2. You Don’t Need Compensation
If you’re not seeking significant money damages for injuries, lost wages, or property damage, you probably don’t need help negotiating with the insurance company.
3. The Accident Was Your Fault
If the accident was your fault, your insurance company will have its own attorneys to handle the claims.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney When…
Because most personal injury attorneys that handle car accidents work on a contingency fee basis and offer free consultations, you have nothing to lose by picking up the phone and speaking to a lawyer.
If any of these situations apply to you or a loved one, we recommend consulting with an attorney as soon as possible:
1. You Experienced Injuries
It can be difficult to put a dollar value on your health, but one thing is certain: the other party’s insurance company will inevitably undervalue it. There are various financial models and negotiation tactics an attorney will use to fight on your behalf.
2. You Received a Low Settlement Offer
An insurance company’s job is to make money, and they do that by collecting insurance premiums and paying out as little in claims as possible. As a result, many offers from insurance companies are lower than the injured party deserves. Before accepting a low offer, consult an attorney to find out about your options.
Speak with a Lawyer About Your Car Accident Case
At Haines Law, we work with accident victims to help them recover maximum compensation for their injuries and damages. We understand that this can be a difficult time, and we strive to offer peace of mind.
We stand up for our clients to ensure that their best interests are protected. Call us for a complimentary consultation to discuss your case.