You are a responsible driver. You obey traffic laws. You use your turn signal, and you pay for insurance on your car. You hope that the people next to you on the road are just as responsible. However, accidents do happen. When they happen, you may assume that the at-fault driver’s insurance will simply pay for your repairs, doctors visit, and lost wages. That is not always true.
The first thing you must do after an accident is filing a claim. That is tedious, but you can probably do it on your own. At some point, they will ask for a recorded statement from you regarding what happened. Stop! The way you fill out the claim and the statements you give them can be used against you. They may take your own words and make it sound like you are responsible for the accident. Filing your own claim and giving a statement on your own could be the difference between a $1,000 claim and a $100,000 claim.
Of course, if you were in a fender bender and your car was scratched, but you were unharmed, you should be able to handle it on your own. But if you have a broken bone, strained back, damaged neck, or concussion you need a car accident attorney. If your car was totaled or close to it, and it was a late model vehicle, you probably need a car accident lawyer.
What A Lawyer Brings To The Table
First, you need to understand that an insurance company has access to excellent lawyers. They have deep pockets and can afford to drag out a case. The average, middle-class family needs their vehicle repaired quickly, and their injuries addressed so they can get back to their life. Jobs, children, school, and other things cannot stand still while you are frozen in communication with an insurance company. They know this, and they use it to their advantage. Hiring an attorney levels, the playing field against the insurance company’s tactics.
Communications
An experienced attorney knows how to communicate with an insurance company. Your attorney understands the process and statute of limitations. They are experts in automobile accidents and will make sure you are being treated fairly. With an attorney by your side, you can strategize a plan of action and guarantee a fair deal. This keeps everybody honest. Insurance companies tend to resolve cases quicker when an attorney is involved. Protect yourself and your future.
Damages and Fault
People are often shocked when they realize they settled for a low dollar amount for an injury that is going to be with them for the rest of their lives. Many injuries do not show up right away. These things must be considered before you accept a settlement.
The insurance company will try to blame you for the accident. Even if they can get you to state that you were partially to blame, that will reduce your settlement dollars.
If you were hurt in an accident in Texas, then do yourself a favor and call a lawyer. They will help you get the compensation you deserve.