You may be overwhelmed with medical bills, car repairs and insurance claims after a car accident in Houston, Texas. As you or a loved one pursue compensation, you may wonder whether you should hire a car crash attorney. Lawyers can help auto accident victims protect their rights, gather evidence and pursue insurance claims or lawsuits for compensation. If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, you should hire a lawyer for help with:
1. Establishing Negligence and Liability
Car accidents are frequent occurrences in Houston. Texas follows a fault-based system for auto accidents, which means the party responsible for the collision bears the burden of paying for the resulting damages. This requires you to understand how to determine and prove fault, including the four elements of negligence. This can be complicated without experienced counsel, especially when multiple parties are involved. A car accident attorney can assist you in establishing negligence and liability after a car crash by presenting evidence in your case
2. Gathering Evidence
A lawyer can help car accident victims gather evidence after an accident. A lawyer will guide you through gathering police reports, medical records and eyewitness information that can be vital for insurance claims or lawsuits. They can also assist with obtaining accident scene photos or surveillance footage, which may help you establish the facts of your case and what transpired.
Lawyers understand the nuances of collecting and preserving evidence for legal proceedings. If necessary, they will fight to ensure that collected evidence is admissible in court. They can also interview witnesses and hire experts to support your version of the accident and strengthen your claims.
3. Navigating Insurance Claims and Settlements
Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most daunting aspects of a car accident. Insurers are focused on minimizing payouts, which may deprive claimants such as yourself of fair compensation for injuries and other damages. A car accident lawyer handles negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. They will evaluate your insurance policy, identify all possible sources of compensation and scrutinize any settlement offers to ensure your claim has not been undervalued. A lawyer will also help you understand the implications of any settlement, such as waiving your right to sue in court later.
4. Understanding Comparative Fault
You may be partly blamed for your car accident. This can have significant consequences since Texas operates under a "modified comparative fault" rule. If you are found partially at fault for your car accident, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Additionally, if you are found to be more than 51% at fault, you will be barred from recovering any compensation entirely.
A Houston car accident lawyer will fight to minimize your degree of fault in a car accident to maximize your potential compensation. They will challenge any claims of contributory negligence and present evidence to support your version of events.
5. Representing You in Court
Many car accident cases are settled out of court, but some require legal action for fair compensation. If you need to file a lawsuit after a car accident, a car accident lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of your case. A lawyer will have extensive knowledge of the legal system and help you follow procedural rules to introduce evidence and argue your case strategically to a judge or jury. A lawyer also manages all aspects of the litigation process, from filing your lawsuit before the two-year statute of limitations to recording any final judgment in your favor.
If You’ve Been Involved in a Houston Car Accident, Consult With A Lawyer
Deciding whether to hire a lawyer after a car accident depends on various factors. However, given the complexities of car accident cases, you should consider hiring a lawyer when you need to prove liability, gather evidence or pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit for compensation. Lawyers can give you peace of mind that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Ryan Zehlis the founder of Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers. As an Undefeated Houston personal injury lawyer, Ryan Zehl has recovered billions of dollars for accident victims across Texas. Contacthis Houston law office today for a free consultation.
