Attorneys Answer: When Do You Need To Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer?
If you are injured in a crash, you may wonder if you need to hire a Houston auto accident lawyer. You can handle your claim with the insurance company without a lawyer, but it is not advisable. The insurance company has a team of insurance adjusters, lawyers, investigators, and other professionals working to protect the company from liability. You are at a distinct disadvantage without a legal team on your side.
Successful car accident cases require legal knowledge and expertise. It requires resources to investigate the claim and gather evidence proving fault and liability. It also requires resources to hire expert witnesses to assist with numerous aspects of your case.
The undefeated personal injury lawyers at Zehl & Associates even the playing field. We handle all aspects of your claim as we fight to recover full compensation.
Before you accept a settlement offer from the insurance company, take advantage of a free consultation with an attorney. Once you sign the settlement agreement, you give up your right to demand more money for your claim. Even if the insurance company underpaid, you are stuck with the amount you agreed to accept.
Table of Contents
- Signs That Indicate You Need To Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer
- Call 1-888-603-3636 or Contact Us for More Information About a Car Accident Claim in Houston, TX
Signs That Indicate You Need To Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer
Knowing if you need an attorney’s help after a car accident can be difficult. We believe you almost always benefit from hiring a lawyer to handle your car accident case. At the very least, you benefit from taking advantage of a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
However, some factors increase the urgency to speak with an attorney after a car accident. We strongly recommend that you contact an attorney immediately if any of the following situations apply to your case:
Your Accident Involves a Government Entity
The rules for cases involving government entities are different. You have a very short time to file a notice of claim to preserve your right to file a car accident lawsuit against a government agency.
The Texas Tort Claims Act waives sovereign immunity so that accident victims can pursue negligence claims against government entities. However, it sets a 6-month deadline to file a notice of claim from the date of injury. BEWARE! The City of Houston shortens the time to file a notice of claim to 90 days from the accident date.
You Sustained Catastrophic Injuries or a Permanent Impairment
Car accident claims involving catastrophic injuries and permanent impairments involve unique issues and problems. The recovery period could be lengthy, so you may have a shorter time to negotiate a settlement before the statute of limitations expires to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Estimating future damages for ongoing losses is challenging. You need expert opinions to prove how much your future medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity are worth. Experts also assist in valuing damages for diminished quality of life and ongoing pain and suffering.
You Are Unsure of the Value of Your Damages
A car accident victim in Texas can seek compensation for their economic damages. These damages include monetary losses and expenses, such as medical bills and property damage. It also includes lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses.
You can also receive compensation for your pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages. These damages include disabilities, scarring, disfigurement, and emotional distress. It also includes diminished quality of life.
Placing a value on your pain and suffering can be extremely difficult. The insurance company will undervalue damages whenever possible. A Houston personal injury lawyer understands the value of damages and how much your case is worth.
Your Child Was Injured in a Car Accident
A child’s injury can result in life-long cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. However, these impairments may not be immediately apparent. Therefore, you may need medical specialists and other experts who understand the complications and long-term consequences of childhood injuries to assist with the case.
Hiring an attorney lets you focus on your child’s recovery and well-being. The attorney protects your child’s legal rights by seeking a settlement that compensates them for all past, present, and future damages.
You Are Being Blamed for Contributing to the Cause of the Car Accident
Shifting blame to the accident victim is a common tactic insurance adjusters use to lower the value of a car accident claim. They blame the victim for contributing to the cause of the car accident.
Contributory fault laws in Texas set a 51% bar amount for comparative negligence. If you are more than 50% to blame for causing the car crash, you receive nothing for your damages. If you are less than 51% at fault for causing the car crash, your damages are reduced by your level of fault.
Insurance adjusters are trained to obtain statements and information that can be manipulated to imply fault. It is best to allow a car accident lawyer to handle all communications with the insurance company.
A Trucking Company or Rideshare Company Is Involved in the Case
Accidents involving commercial trucks and rideshare companies are more complicated than other car accident cases. Truck accidents may involve complicated state and federal regulations. Rideshare companies have insurance coverage for rideshare accidents, but there are numerous restrictions.
An attorney understands the complex nature of these types of car accident cases. They cut through the complexities to get to the heart of the case – liability for your damages.
An Insurance Company Denies Your Claim
The insurance company does not have the final say on whether a driver is liable for damages caused by a car crash. If the insurance company denies your claim, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
However, your time to file a lawsuit is limited, and the insurance company may have delayed your claim to run out of time to file a lawsuit. Therefore, contact a lawyer immediately if the company denies your claim or refuses to process your claim.
Call 1-888-603-3636 or Contact Us for More Information About a Car Accident Claim in Houston, TX
In a matter of seconds, a car accident can cause catastrophic injuries. The damages can be staggering for the victims and their families. At Zehl & Associates, our legal team has won billions in life-altering verdicts and settlements for our clients.
Our undefeated trial lawyers diligently work to recover the compensation you need and deserve after a car accident in Houston. Contact us today to set up a free consultation at (888) 603-3636.