When Do You Know You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas?
The decision to hire a lawyer following an accident is rarely easy. It often hinges on numerous factors that can greatly impact the individual’s life, so it is not a decision made lightly. However, knowing when you need a lawyer can save you the grief of losing out on compensation you should have recovered.
After getting injured, time is of the essence. With the clock running, the best way to determine if you have a legitimate personal injury claim is to ask the professionals themselves. This way, you leave no room for doubt. Remember, this decision could very well determine the path of your physical and financial recovery for years to come.
How You Know It’s Time to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas
Put simply, if another person caused your accident, the law believes they have a duty to pay for the damage they wrought. Most people know when someone else is responsible for their suffering and want justice. Fewer signs are clearer that you need an Arlington, TX personal injury lawyer to help you achieve the outcome you deserve.
Of course, this might be fairly clear in a car accident with two drivers or a slip and fall inside an unkept store. But what about accidents that seem to happen spontaneously while alone or not even there? For instance, your toaster malfunctions and burns your kitchen down. Who to point the finger at then is not so obvious.
However, attorneys know that accidents of this nature do not simply happen on their own. Somewhere down the line, a manufacturer, designer, or even the seller negligently built or allowed that product onto their shelves and into people’s homes. While it might take more effort and resources to identify the liable party, a dedicated lawyer will eventually track them down and hold them to account for your losses.
To be safe, though, it is never a bad idea to consult a lawyer if you are unsure whether your incident requires legal action. Many of these initial consultations are free for prospective clients, so it makes sense to take the time. It is important to keep in mind, though, that you will not have an unlimited amount of time to file your claim, so knowing whether you have a valid claim sooner rather than later can keep you from losing out on compensation that you are legally entitled to.
Breaking Down Your Texas Personal Injury Claim for Signs of Negligence
Negligence forms the backbone of most personal injury claims in Texas. Essentially, it refers to the failure of an individual to act with the same care that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. While this might sound straightforward, looking for the facts that prove that statement can be nearly impossible for someone without the education and training of an attorney. That’s because legally proving negligence means more than just accusing someone of carelessness.
Even in the simplest cases, law firms typically use a systematic approach to analyzing the incident that brought the client to their door. This includes gathering evidence from multiple sources to try and get as much information about the accident as possible.
Many of these sources will not be sympathetic to your plight, while others might be actively working against your interests. These parties will feel more than compelled to deny any requests you might make as they likely see you as lacking any authority they should respect. However, with a personal injury firm standing by your side and making the requests on your behalf, these transactions tend to go much more smoothly. It is difficult to say no to a lawyer who has a legal right to the evidence in these parties’ possession.
When Insurance Isn’t Enough to Cover Your Losses in Texas, Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
The severity of your injuries plays a substantial role in determining the need for legal representation. Serious injuries often result in extensive medical bills, long-term care needs, lost wages, and other life-altering consequences. A personal injury firm can help accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including future financial needs so that any settlement truly reflects the impact of your injuries on your life.
Of course, many people initially turn to insurance claims following an injury. While this is a valid first step, insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts, not helping people. Unfortunately, insurance companies know how to take advantage of individuals filing claims without legal representation because so many do not fully grasp their rights or the true value of their claims.
This often leads to settlements that fall far short of covering all damages and future needs, which is seen as a win for insurance companies’ bottom line. An insurance company’s unwillingness to pay what is fairly owed is one of the clearest indicators of when enlisting an attorney’s services becomes crucial.
You Will Need a Texas Personal Injury Attorney if Your Settlement Offer Falls Short of What Your Injuries Require
As part of their negotiation tactics, it is common for insurance companies to extend settlement offers early in the process. While any offer might seem tempting, especially amidst mounting bills, these initial proposals often significantly undervalue your claim. Your attorney, with their willingness to fight, can advocate on your behalf to get a more equitable settlement that fully reflects your losses.
Many insurance companies do this, knowing the initial offer will be rejected. They do it to lower the starting base price for negotiations. While this tactic might work on an inexperienced claimant, it has a far lower success rate on experienced personal injury firms. Your lawyer will make it clear early on that if the insurance company is not willing to deal fairly, a lawsuit will be filed very soon after.
The Right Move is to Talk to a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer Immediately Following Your Accident
Many people realize time and effort are required to bring a personal injury claim, which is why some waver on whether to go through the trouble of contacting a lawyer. These individuals risk not only missing out on exercising their legal rights but could also forego compensation for long- term needs that arise long after the initial accident. The only way to be sure you are not paying for another person’s mistake is to speak to a personal injury firm. That way, you can rest assured that only those with your interests at heart have analyzed your case and provided you with an opinion you can trust.
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