You may think you can handle your claim alone when seeking compensation after a car accident. This could be because you sustained only minor injuries, believe you have a simple case, fear the costs, had minimal property damage, liability was not disputed, or you trust insurance companies. While all these are sound reasons for handling your case alone, you might do more harm than good to your case, especially when you come across complexities above your skills or knowledge.
So, do you need a lawyer for a car accident settlement? This blog will help you make an informed decision by discussing the pros and cons of having and not having legal representation. You can contact the team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law if you’d like a free consultation before deciding.
Our initial consultations are free and confidential, and you are not obligated to retain our services. However, during the consultation, we will discuss your case, the strengths and weaknesses, available evidence, and the settlement sought. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential consultation.
Why Hire Our Car Accident Lawyers?
Car accident cases are not always straightforward and can be more complex than victims expect. However, our car accident attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law have the experience, skills, and knowledge needed to overcome the complexities of these claims and help you secure a favorable outcome. We have done this since 1985 and have a track record of success.
Our attorneys will help you investigate the claim, gather and understand the relevant evidence, and commence the settlement process. We will be with you every step of the way, preventing insurance adjusters from bullying you into accepting a lesser settlement, apportioning blame to you, or outright denying your claim. We will prioritize your interests, so contact us to learn how we can help you.
We know how challenging life can be after a car accident, and we will use all our resources and legal knowledge to get a settlement that can help you move forward.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Settlement?
The direct answer is “not necessarily.” It is within your right to decide to handle your claim alone, and you might get an acceptable settlement. But if there’s one thing our years of experience have shown us, it is that those with legal representation are more likely to get a higher settlement than those who don’t have one.
Here’s why:
Accurate Claim Valuation
After an accident, especially one that leaves you hospitalized, one of the people you might see at the hospital is the insurance adjuster for the other driver’s insurance company. Texas is an at-fault auto liability insurance state, so the at-fault party owes compensation. As a result, the insurance company will want to minimize the payout by convincing you to take a quick settlement.
The insurance adjuster will tell you that’s the best you can get and that, if you decide to go to court, they can prove that you contributed to the accident, which will reduce the amount offered. But this is often not true. While you might be unable to calculate your damages, your lawyer can help. We can assess the total value of your claim, including future medical costs, loss of earning capacity, and all non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.
Negotiation Expertise
Lawyers are skilled negotiators and can negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. We will push back on any unfair offers or bad faith practices. We will advise you to accept a settlement only if it fully accounts for your economic and non-economic damages. If we cannot agree with the insurance company, we will file a lawsuit in court and argue before the judge or jury so you get a fair amount in the verdict.
We have recovered over a billion dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients and will not relent until you get the maximum compensation.
Legal Knowledge
Texas car accident attorneys understand relevant laws like the Texas comparative negligence rule. We will protect your rights and ensure insurance companies do not unfairly apportion blame to you to reduce the settlement amount. In cases where we go to trial, we can ask for punitive damages to increase your pay.
Reduced Stress
After a car accident, especially one with significant injuries, you will need time to recover. Recovering from your injuries and handling a claim yourself will be too stressful. But with legal representation, you’ll have less stress. We will handle the paperwork, negotiations, and evidence collection so you can focus on your recovery.
Having a lawyer represent you during settlement negotiations is more beneficial than not having one. Aside from the advantages, it is advisable to have representation if:
- Liability is disputed
- You sustained severe injuries with long-term impact
- There is a high financial stake
- Your claim is being delayed or denied
- You got lowball settlement offers
- You lost a loved one to the accident.
What Happens if You Don’t Have a Lawyer for a Car Accident Settlement?
When you don’t have legal representation, you leave yourself open to the manipulative tactics of insurance companies. Also, just because you don’t have a lawyer, this does not mean the insurance company or at-fault driver won’t have one. Insurers know the importance of legal counsel and will have one to protect their interests. Furthermore, without a lawyer, you might find it hard to prove your case or show why you deserve the settlement amount you’re demanding.
Your Chances of a Fair Settlement Are Better With Us
While you can handle a car accident settlement without a lawyer in simple cases, having legal representation significantly improves your chances of receiving fair compensation. Our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can handle complex negotiations, protect your rights, and maximize your recovery.
Also, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to let the fear of legal fees keep you from getting legal counsel. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential consultation.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
