No matter how severe, all car accidents can cause injuries, property damage, and unforeseen complications in the lives of those involved. The difficulty associated with managing medical conditions / personal injury, vehicle repair, and insurance claim matters can often lead victims to accept insurance payment offers prior to ensuring that they’ve taken all the possible steps to understand and protect their legal rights. A car accident lawyer can help streamline the claim process and advocate for victims in situations where they feel pressured to accept liability or a subpar settlement.
If you are dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, you might be wondering whether you need an attorney. Some victims of car accidents may not believe that their injuries warrant working with an injury lawyer, and others may not seek legal action because they don’t know if their accident qualifies for an injury lawyer’s assistance. The Lopez Law Group, a team of experienced car accident lawyers in Texas, is committed to helping victims understand their rights and advising them on when to hire a lawyer.
Essential Steps Following an Auto Car Accident Injury
Regardless of whether or not you think you need a car accident attorney, there are very important steps that all car accident victims should take immediately following the accident to ensure that they are protected legally in the long term, including contacting a lawyer as soon as possible. Any accident, regardless of apparent severity, poses risks that could drastically affect your physical and emotional health as well as your financial situation. The steps to take following an accident include:
- Check all drivers, passengers, and nearby pedestrians for injury in the event of a vehicle accident.
- Seek immediate medical attention if injuries are involved in the accident.
- Immediately report the accident to the authorities and ensure that a police report is filed.
- Exchange information between all involved parties, including license, registration, auto insurance info, and contact information.
- Take detailed photographs and videos of all damage and the accident scene.
- Get witness contact information and statements.
Adhering to these best practices will help ensure you have the right documentation to effectively file a claim with insurance providers and car accident attorneys / personal injury attorneys. This will be especially important if you discover overlooked damage or long-term health issues down the line.
When to Contact an Attorney for a Car Accident
Once everyone involved in the auto accident has been treated medically and the authorities have been notified, it’s time to start considering how to get a lawyer to assist with the next steps. Although every case is different, certain situations should most definitely be handled by an experienced legal personal injury lawyer, including:
- Accidents with severe injuries result in extended time off from work, large medical bills, and decreased quality of life. These types of injuries complicate cases and should be approached only by professionals.
- Accidents with a dispute regarding fault can significantly impact your personal injury claim. Experienced car accident lawyers in Texas know that we are in an “at fault” state, meaning the at-fault party is responsible for covering damages related to the accident. Insurance adjusters often try to assign some fault to victims to reduce compensation. An attorney can help you dispute the case and maximize your personal injury claim, ensuring you understand your options and rights.
- Unfortunately, accidents in which the insurance payout offer is lower than expected are common. Insurance companies often lowball victims in car accident claims. An experienced car accident lawyer can help Texas victims by negotiating fair settlements.
If your case does not fall into these categories, or if you’re still unsure about hiring an attorney for your car accident case, it may be worth meeting with a lawyer to understand your legal rights better. Any accident involving injury or property damage could necessitate legal support. Most firms offer no-obligation consultations, meaning you can meet with an attorney to discuss your options and better understand your legal rights without any financial commitment.
How Much Does An Auto Accident Lawyer Charge for an Insurance Claim?
The fee that a car accident lawyer charges for handling a car accident claim can vary depending on the attorney and the specific details of the case. If you have been involved in a minor car accident that you didn’t cause, you may be wondering if you need to hire a car accident attorney.
In the case of a minor car accident, you may not need to hire a lawyer for a car accident. However, if there is damage to your car resulting from a car accident, or if you were injured in a motor vehicle accident and it was not your fault for the accident, you may need to consult with an experienced attorney. Talking to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible can help you get the right to hire an accident injury lawyer.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help with Personal Injury Case
No matter how severe your car accident is, car accident lawyers at our Texas-based law firm can help. The Lopez Law Group proudly serves Weslaco, Mission, McAllen, Laredo, Edinburg, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Harlingen, Houston, Tyler, Spring, and other locations throughout the state.
Our experienced team is dedicated to helping victims understand their legal rights and determining the best possible course of action for their unique cases. We offer a free case evaluation to help accident victims know what level of compensation they may be entitled to and what their legal options are. Contact us online today or call (956) 968-7800 to schedule a free case evaluation.
