How Can a Lawyer Help With My Auto Accident Claim?

If you are wondering whether to hire a Houston personal injury lawyer or attempt to handle your auto accident case on your own, this article explains why it is strongly in your best interest to hire a lawyer to represent you. To learn more, or to speak with one of our lawyers about your accident claim, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation.

You Need Reliable Evidence on Your Side

The clock starts ticking on your personal injury claim from the moment you are involved in an accident. If you fail to take appropriate steps to not only collect the necessary evidence, but also preserve it in such a way that you can use it in court, you are not going to have any way to prove the cause and extent of your injuries. This includes not only evidence from the scene of the car accident, but records from medical evaluations and treatment, as well as proof of the impact of your injuries on your everyday life.

The Insurance Companies are Not Sympathetic to Victims

While they may seem eager and helpful on the phone, the reality is that the people you talk to at the insurance companies are paid to find ways to minimize the value of your claim. If you receive a settlement offer – especially early in the process – it is likely to be for far less than what your claim is really worth. The insurance companies bank on unrepresented victims agreeing to quick settlements before they know the true extent of their losses.

You May Unknowingly Waive Your Rights

When you receive a settlement offer from an insurance company, it comes with strings attached. Most importantly, your offer will contain a clause stating that you agree never to sue the insurance company or the negligent driver for any additional losses. This means that if you accept $5,000 when your case is really worth $100,000, you will have waived your right to claim the rest of your damages.

There May Be Other Parties Who Owe You Money

While most auto accident cases involve negligent driving, it is not unusual for accident victims to have claims against various third parties as well. For example, if you were injured by a defective airbag, or if a dangerous road condition led to your collision, these are situations where you can pursue compensation from additional sources. But, if you don’t hire a lawyer to review your case, you may never know you have these additional claims.

You Need to Move On With Your Life

Finally, pursuing a personal injury claim takes time, money and emotional investment. If you have suffered serious injuries in an accident, your top priority should be on getting back to your normal life. If you are tied up with the insurance companies – and you still end up recovering less than you are owed – this is going to prevent you from making a full recovery. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to shoulder the burden for you while also obtaining a better outcome on your behalf.

Schedule a Free Consultation at Morrow & Sheppard LLP Today

With offices in Houston, Morrow & Sheppard LLP represents auto accident victims throughout Texas. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, please contact us today.