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When Should You Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Texas?
No one ever plans to get in a car accident. Still, with an average of 6 million car accidents per year happening in the United States alone, these events are, unfortunately, an everyday occurrence.
One of the most common questions we hear at Haines Law is, “when should you get a lawyer for a car accident in Texas?” There are several factors to consider, and this article will help you understand your options.
Keep in mind that hiring an attorney to represent you for a car accident injury does not cost you anything upfront. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we do not get paid until your claim is settled.
The Car Accident Was Not Your Fault
When the other driver caused the accident, their insurance company will foot the bill for your lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and other expenses. However, the insurance company is not on your side. It is the company’s goal to settle your claim for as little money as possible, and they could even deny compensation altogether.
Working with a car accident lawyer in Texas can help protect your rights.
You Sustained Severe Injuries
Enduring a car accident is hard enough, but dealing with severe or life-changing injuries adds a layer of stress. Financially, this can be extremely challenging, especially if you are accumulating medical bills and unable to work.
Assuming that the other driver bore the brunt of the blame for the accident, their insurance company should compensate you for these expenses, including, in some instances, pain and suffering. Even though this arrangement is “fair,” insurance companies notoriously undervalue a claim. A personal injury attorney handles all of the negotiations and paperwork for you so that you can focus on your recovery.
The Insurance Company Offered a Low Settlement
Insurance companies know that a car accident victim is vulnerable, and they often take advantage of the situation. They may offer you far less money than your case is worth in an attempt to settle quickly. They realize that you are hurting both physically and financially, and they could present you with a situation where you feel pressured or intimidated to accept less to have cash in hand quickly.
By working with a car accident lawyer, you will have an advocate on your side to both handle the negotiations and set up arrangements with medical providers and other billing entities to delay payment until you have received your settlement check.
The Insurance Company Denied Your Claim
Again, insurance companies are primarily interested in profits and the bottom line. If they can find any excuse or loophole to deny paying your insurance claim, they will surely take advantage of it.
The scenario could play out in a variety of ways, including:
- They dispute the fault of the accident and assign blame to you instead of their policyholder.
- They argue that the injuries you sustained are unrelated to the accident.
- You didn’t receive a timely (or any) medical evaluation.
- Your injury was never diagnosed by a licensed physician.
- You did not file a claim quickly enough, and the statute of limitations has passed.
The attorneys at Haines Law are familiar with these tactics, and we know how to defeat them. Having a licensed legal professional on your side gives you a much better chance at a fair fight.
Contact Our Texas Car Accident Lawyers for Help
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, we encourage you to contact Haines Law to get the help you deserve. Call us for a complimentary consultation to discuss your case.