Car crashes happen every day in Houston. Victims have medical expenses, lost income, and emotional trauma. A personal injury attorney helps victims get money from insurance companies and negligent drivers. When you are hurt, you deserve to be compensated—not apologized to. This article explains how a Houston personal injury lawyer protects your rights and obtains for you the compensation you deserve after a car accident.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident
After an accident, insurance companies act fast to limit their payouts. They will make low settlement offers or try to assign fault. A personal injury lawyer protects you from them. Your lawyer gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and builds your case. Your lawyer does the negotiating with the insurer for you, shielding you from their abusive tactics. Your lawyer can sue the company if it refuses to pay. A lawyer makes sure that all loss—medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care—is compensated in your claim.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Gets You Paid
Investigates the Crash
- Your lawyer reviews police reports, witness statements, and photographs.
- They look for traffic cam video and black box data if available.
- This determines who was at fault in the accident.
Calculates Full Damages
- They total your medical bills, therapy sessions, and lost pay.
- They include pain, emotional distress, and future medical care.
- Every dollar you miss counts.
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Handles Insurance Companies
- Lawyers know how to delay or deny claims by insurance companies.
- They take their calls, letters, and negotiate for you.
- You focus on recovery as your lawyer fights to have you paid.
Represents You in Court if Necessary
- In case a settlement is not feasible, your lawyer sues.
- They present your case to a judge or jury.
- Most cases resolve out of court, but lawyers prepare for either event.
Saves You from Blunders
- Blunders when communicating with an insurer can harm your claim.
- Your lawyer ensures that all forms and proof are properly filled out.
Common Car Accident Victim Blunders
Most people take the first offer made. That is usually a bad idea. Insurance companies have a stake in settling claims quickly and cheaply. Once you sign, you can’t ask for more later. Others try to handle claims on their own. Without a lawyer, you can give up valuable aspects of your recovery like future lost income or the expense of extended care. Your lawyer makes these mistakes and keeps you honest reasonably.
When to Call an Attorney in Houston
You need to call an experienced Houston car accident lawyer right after the accident—in front of calling insurance. You are giving your attorney time to gather good evidence by calling sooner. Waiting is losing evidence and losing stronger claims. Even though you think that your injuries are minor, go to the doctor and talk to an attorney. Certain injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, won’t manifest until days later. If the other motorist refuses to take blame or apportions it to you, an attorney is all the more crucial. They will establish your version of events through fact and expert testimony.
How Lawyers Get Paid
The majority of Houston personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That is, you pay absolutely nothing up front. The lawyer does not get paid unless you win your claim or resolve it by settlement. Their fee is a reasonable percentage of your award. This helps accident victims to get legal counsel without financial risk.
What to Expect Along the Way
- Free Consultation: You share your story and injuries. Your attorney discusses your options.
- Investigation: The lawyer gathers all paperwork and builds your case.
- Negotiation: They negotiate with the insurance company to get you a good settlement.
- Settlement or Lawsuit: If the insurance company won’t pay, your attorney will sue them.
- Recovery: Your attorney helps process your final settlement papers once you have won.
It is a process that takes time, but with a good lawyer, it proceeds as scheduled and as expected.
Key Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
- You have an expert who is familiar with Houston car accident laws.
- You don’t do anything that will hurt your claim.
- Your attorney fights for your full compensation, not the insurance company’s settlement offer.
- You are able to focus on recovery, not worry about the law.
- You’ve got an ally in your corner always.
FAQs Concerning Houston Car Accident Recovery
- How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Houston?
You generally have two years from the accident date to file a claim in Texas. Waiting too long will negate your right to recover damages. An attorney helps ensure all filings occur within deadlines.
- Will I still get paid if I was partially responsible?
Yes. Texas has a rule of comparative negligence. You can still get money if you were less than 51% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percent of fault. An attorney decreases the percentage with solid evidence.
- What if the other driver isn’t insured?
In case the at-fault driver is not insured, your lawyer seeks whether your policy has coverage for uninsured motorists. They can also seek to file against the individual driver or other parties at fault, like an employer or owner of a vehicle.
- How long will it take for me to receive a settlement?
The majority of the car accident cases resolve within a year or a few months. It really is dependent on how complicated your case is, how long your medical treatment is, and how much the insurance company is willing to settle for a reasonable amount. Your attorney negotiates early settlement but will not accept a paltry amount.
- What happens if the insurance company does not pay?
If the insurer is denying or stonewalling you, your attorney can sue. Judges prefer to pressure insurers into paying once a lawsuit has been filed. Having an attorney makes you serious and will not settle for anything less than you deserve.
Final Thoughts
A Houston personal injury lawyer is your guardian angel after a car accident. They stand up for your rights, determine fault, and battle for reasonable restitution. You will not be negotiating with insurers on your own if you have an attorney—and you’ll have the best chance at maximum recovery. If you have been a victim of a Houston car accident, do not hesitate. Get medical treatment, collect evidence, and consult with Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP – Accident & Injury Attorneys today. The sooner you start, the sooner you can get your life and your finances together.