Car Accident Victim in Houston? Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
A car accident in Houston can turn your life around overnight. A crash that occurs in the blink of an eye can have effects that will haunt you for years or months to come. You may end up with hospital bills, lost income, and recovery time of weeks to months. And, as a final indignity, insurance companies would rather pay you less than what they owe you. This is where a Houston personal injury lawyer steps in. A lawyer protects your rights, guides you through the law, and fights for a just award. Without a lawyer, you could be caught up in the machinations insurance adjusters employ. On this page, we talk about why it’s not just a good idea, but largely a necessity, to hire a Houston personal injury attorney after an auto accident.
The Stress After a Car Accident
Car accidents are not only destructive to your body. You can spend the rest of your life dealing with emotional trauma, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding what the future holds. Most victims are clueless about what to do. Sleepless nights result from thinking about things like “Who is going to cover my medical expenses?” or “What if I cannot work again?”.
Houston streets are notorious for horrific traffic and perpetual crashes. Thousands of drivers and motorcyclists get hurt annually. Some manage to escape with bruises, while others find themselves in the surgeon’s operating room or undergoing lengthy therapies. In either situation, the expense typically proves to be outrageous. Insurance companies are usually very pleasant at first. Their motive, though, is simple: keep costs down. They attempt to settle too early for much less than the injuries are actually worth. That’s where a lawyer will serve as your advocate.
What a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Does
A personal injury attorney is more than a legal advisor. Your advocate. Their primary objective is to obtain just compensation for your injuries, loss of property, and future care.
This is what they do:
- Investigating the accident: Attorneys collect police reports, medical records, and statements from witnesses.
- Dealing with insurance companies: They speak with them on your behalf and reject lowball settlements.
- Calculating damages: These include medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
- Negotiating settlements: They advocate fair compensation according to your true needs.
- Suing in court when required: Where insurers do not want to play fair, an attorney sues your case in court.
You’ll get much less than your injuries warrant if you do not have an attorney. You have an expert with the background to negotiate for what is right with an attorney.
Why Houston Victims Need Legal Protection
Texas statute does allow accident victims to be compensated. Don’t, however, assume it will be a walk in the park. Missing deadlines or mistakes made in the filings will spell the doom of your case. A lawyer ensures everything runs smoothly. Houston has strict time deadlines referred to as “statutes of limitation.” All victims of auto accidents have two years from the date of their injury to sue. Otherwise, you lose your right to recover damages. Attorneys are well aware of such rules and act quickly. They know the Houston courts, judges, and insurance companies too. Such familiarity can be a big asset.
Average Damages a Lawyer Can Collect
Hospital bills are what victims typically worry about. But a lawyer is planning ahead. They’re thinking about the overall expense of the accident, including:
- Emergency room treatment and future medical care.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation.
- Prescription medication and devices.
- Income lost during recuperation.
- Diminished future earning ability.
- Pain, emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
By putting all these losses into claims, lawyers receive compensation that truly reflects the real cost of the accident.
Fighting Insurance Company Schemes
Insurance adjusters are famous for playing tricks to cheat you. They may:
- Deny you have fewer injuries than you’ve reported.
- Tell you that your pain is a result of pre-existing ailments.
- Bullying you into settling rapidly before you even know your real costs.
- Drag out filings in a last-ditch attempt to make you give up.
Lawyers know such tricks. They fight back with facts and with knowledge of the law. This evens the playing field and prevents you from being taken advantage of.
When to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
Most victims wait too long to call lawyers. Call right away. The sooner, the better.
Call an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer shortly after visiting a doctor. Better yet, within days of the wreck. That allows them time to:
- Collect new evidence before it is destroyed.
- Interview witnesses before they forget.
- Address insurance claims right away.
Delays damage your case. Speed benefits your case.
Qualities of an Excellent Houston Car Accident Attorney
Not all lawyers are equal. A good attorney does make a difference. Look for:
- Experience: Years of experience with Houston car accident cases.
- Results: A history of favorable verdicts or settlements.
- Communication: Favorable follow-through and returns on your calls.
- Compassion: Concern for your recovery and the future.
- Resources: Access to experts like doctors and accident examiners.
These qualities show that the lawyer is willing to go the extra mile for your best outcome.
How Legal Fees Work
Even more victims fear that they cannot afford an attorney. In most Houston cases, personal injury attorneys represent clients on a contingency fee basis. That is:
- You don’t pay a penny upfront.
- The attorney only receives pay if you win your case.
- Fees are a percentage of your award or settlement.
This strategy makes legal representation available to all, regardless of salaries.
The Peace of Mind a Lawyer Brings
Apart from money, a lawyer provides a sense of relief. Lawyers do the dirty work so that you can recover. Instead of fighting insurers, you get to focus on your health and family. Having someone fighting for you relieves stress and makes healing easier.
Houston Car Accident Lawyers FAQs
- Do I really need to hire a lawyer for a Houston car accident?
Yes. Insurers don’t want to pay you a cent. An attorney negotiates fair compensation and protects your rights.
- How much does an attorney in Houston cost?
Most don’t charge you a fee upfront. They get paid only if you prevail in a verdict or settlement.
- What do I do right after a car wreck in Houston?
Call 911, seek medical treatment, photograph the evidence if safe to do so, and call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
- How long will my Houston car accident case last?
It varies by injury and negotiations. Some will resolve in several months, and others longer.
- What if I was partially responsible for the accident?
Texas is a comparative fault. You can recover damages even if you are below 51% at fault.
Final Thoughts
A car accident in Houston leaves you stunned, but you don’t need to endure it alone. A personal injury lawyer fights for your rights, confronts insurance companies, and assists you in claiming a fair settlement. If you or your acquaintance were injured in a car accident, a call to a Houston car accident lawyer should be your immediate response. The right lawyer provides you with more than mere legal counsel—peace of mind and direction.
