As a car accident victim in Texas, it can be difficult to know when you need to contact an attorney. You may wish to save money by handling your claim yourself, only to discover that an attorney would have increased your compensation and made the claims process easier.
A car accident lawyer in Austin won’t waste their time or resources on a case that’s too small or simple to require an attorney. For this reason, it’s always in your best interest to schedule a no-cost, no-pressure consultation with a car accident attorney for advice. You have nothing to lose and potentially a great deal to gain.
What Types of Car Accident Cases Can Benefit From Legal Representation?
Not all car accident cases in Texas need to involve attorneys. Some cases, especially those that don’t involve physical injuries, can be successfully resolved with a settlement between the accident victim and a car insurance company without legal intervention.
Others, however, have challenges, complications, nuances and high stakes that make them good candidates for legal representation. There are a few common circumstances that point to the need for a car accident lawyer in Texas.
Serious Injuries
Car accident cases involving severe, catastrophic or permanent injuries (e.g., broken bones, brain injuries or spinal cord injuries) will benefit from hiring an attorney to pursue fair compensation.
With high-value cases, an insurance company may attempt to get away with a lowball settlement offer if you don’t have an attorney representing you. A lawyer will make sure you don’t settle for less than your case is truly worth.
Liability Disputes
If you attempt to collect financial compensation from the other driver’s insurer only to have your claim denied or to be unfairly blamed for the accident, a car accident lawyer can help you prove liability.
Your lawyer can gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, expert testimony, photos, videos, black box data and cellphone records to support your claim. An attorney can help you prove your case and argue against any allegations of comparative negligence.
Complicated Cases
A car accident case in Texas that has complications can most likely benefit from an attorney’s input. This includes cases with multiple liable parties, serious injuries or wrongful death, a denied claim, an insurance company that refuses to cooperate or offer a fair settlement, and complex laws. If your case has any unique issues or challenges, contact an attorney.
Unique Claims
If you aren’t sure whether your car accident case could benefit from hiring an attorney, the best way to proceed is by contacting a local lawyer and asking for his or her professional opinion. An attorney can provide you with the information about your case that you need to make an educated decision moving forward.
What Is the Proper Time to Contact an Attorney After a Texas Car Accident?
Acting promptly is important when it comes to consulting with a car accident attorney in Texas. A state law called the statute of limitations imposes a strict time limit of two years from the date of a car accident to file a related personal injury lawsuit, with some exceptions.
If you don’t consult with an attorney within your statute of limitations, you will typically give up the right to seek compensation. Don’t wait until your two-year window is almost over to contact a local lawyer. Initiating the legal process as soon as possible is better for your claim.
Key types of evidence, such as eyewitness statements, are more likely to be available the earlier you act. Communicating with an attorney from the start is also the most effective way to avoid costly mistakes, such as saying the wrong thing to an insurance company and accidentally hurting your claim.
How Can a Lawyer Improve a Car Accident Case Result?
You’re going through an incredibly hard time as an injured crash victim. A lawyer will do what it takes to achieve the best result for your case so that you can recover and rebuild your life. A car accident lawyer has the experience, legal knowledge, skills and resources to achieve the best possible result.
An attorney can improve your case outcome by:
- Determining how much your case is worth
- Gathering clear and convincing evidence of fault
- Hiring medical experts and life care planners to assess future expenses
- Dealing with insurance claims adjusters on your behalf
- Answering communications sent by insurance representatives
- Aggressively negotiating a maximized settlement
- Litigating your case at trial, if necessary
Contacting an attorney after a car accident in Texas is about more than just optimizing your case result. Personal injury lawyers aren’t just in it for the money. A kind and compassionate attorney will also help you get appropriate medical care and treatment for your injuries, handle your motor vehicle damage, and get back to living the life you love as quickly as possible.
How Much Does a Texas Car Accident Attorney Cost?
One of the most common reasons people hesitate to contact attorneys after automobile accidents in Texas is perceptions about the price. What many people don’t know is that many personal injury attorneys have made their services affordable to everyone by operating on a contingency fee basis.
Contingency fees mean that you won’t pay your car accident attorney anything unless your case is successful and leads to financial compensation being paid to you for your losses. You will pay $0 in attorney’s fees upfront.
If your lawyer wins your case, the attorney’s fee will be taken directly from the settlement or judgment award achieved. The percentage of the fee will be explained to you ahead of time. With this arrangement, there is no financial risk involved in speaking to or hiring a car accident lawyer to help you achieve optimal case results.
Talk to a Car Accident Attorney in Texas Today at No Cost
Choosing to handle your car accident case in Texas alone could be a big mistake. Don’t put yourself through the stress and potential risks of self-representation. Contact an Austin personal injury attorney at FVF Law Firm to discuss how we can help you.
Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined legal experience handling Texas car accident cases. Every claim is unique. Let us review yours to provide personalized advice about whether or not you could benefit from hiring us. We are always honest, transparent and upfront with our clients.
As your car accident lawyers, we will build a strong strategy to pursue the case results that you need. Call (512) 640-2146 or contact us online today to learn more about how we can help you.
