You probably take every possible step to avoid an accident while driving your car. Unfortunately, traffic mishaps are not unusual on the ever-busy roads of Houston. Being aware of your rights is always helpful after such an ill-time accident, and while you can check online to find relevant Texas laws, it makes sense to talk to an attorney. You can check this page to get a free assessment of your car accident claim. If you are wondering whether you should meet or seek advice from an attorney, here are some pointers to consider.
When someone else is responsible for the mishap
Texas is a fault state. Following a car accident that happened, because the other driver was reckless or distracted, you are required to file a third-party insurance claim with their insurer. The problem is your words are not enough. You need evidence for which an independent investigation of the accident is necessary. When you are injured and need time to focus on your life, it is always wise to have a lawyer who understands the claims process and is aware of the relevance of evidence.
When there are fault-related confusions
What happens when you are also liable for the accident? Texas follows a version of the modified comparative fault rule, where you are barred from recovering a settlement from the other party when you are more than 50% at fault. The truth is determining fault is not always easy. Lawyers have resources that they can use to determine how an accident happened, which may involve working with incident reconstruction experts.
When you are not sure of negotiations
Insurance companies are infamous for how they deal with claimants and claims. More often than not, insurance adjusters try to undervalue claims, and even when there is clear evidence, they may try tactics to reduce settlements. When negotiating is not your forte, or you have no clue what the settlement is worth, hiring a lawyer is always a safe choice.
When the case needs a trial
Most car accident cases don’t require litigation, but when negotiating the settlement is not an option, or the insurance offer is beyond an acceptable threshold, you may need to file a lawsuit. Your lawyer will work and prep the case for a trial, which may require them to find more details and have an aggressive attitude to fight for your rights.
Make the most of your time after a car accident – Get a lawyer!
