Why Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Crash?

You should never assume that your car accident claim is straightforward. A variety of factors can make it difficult for you to handle the case on your own and achieve a favorable result.

The top reasons you should hire a lawyer after a car crash include:

1. The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side

Despite the image they cultivate in their advertising, insurance companies are not your friend. They are businesses, which means their principal focus is the bottom line. When it comes to paying out claims, they try to save as much money as possible.

As a result, if you receive a settlement offer, it will likely be for much less than what your claim is actually worth. Furthermore, insurance claims adjusters may ask you to make a statement about the accident or sign a medical release. These tactics are not designed to expedite the claims process – they are intended to elicit information the insurer can use to underpay or deny your claim.

2. You May Be Seriously Injured

The injuries victims suffer in a car crash can vary. Some accidents result in only minor injury, while others may involve serious trauma.

At first, you may not be aware how serious your injuries are after the crash. For this reason, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. As you receive treatment, a clearer picture will emerge regarding the nature of your injuries and the long-term challenges you may be facing.

In the event of a serious injury, you need a lawyer who can advocate on your behalf for the damages you deserve.

3. Your Damages May Be Substantial

The financial and other costs of a serious injury can be immense. You may be entitled to significant compensation, but recovering full damages in your case will be extremely challenging without a lawyer representing you.

A Houston car crash lawyer will assess the evidence in your case and hire experts to calculate the full amount of damages. You may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses (present and future)
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional anguish
Loss of consortium
Loss of enjoyment of life

Insurance companies typically only offer settlements for a fraction of the damages in car accident claims. An experienced lawyer can account for all of your losses and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

4. You May Face Accusations of Fault

Many car accident claims revolve around the “standard” situation of a collision between two drivers. Typically, one or both of the drivers will be at-fault for the crash, in which case one or both of the insurance companies for the drivers will be responsible for paying damages.

If the at-fault driver erroneously argues that you caused the accident, you need a lawyer to gather evidence that disproves this claim. Your ability to recover the full compensation you deserve is dependent on your ability to prove that the other driver was at fault.

5. Liability May Be Complicated

Another factor that can make car accident litigation complex is when a party or parties other than the driver of another vehicle are involved. Examples of these complicated car crash claims include:

Defective vehicles: If you were injured in a crash because your vehicle or another driver’s vehicle malfunctioned, you may need to pursue compensation through a product liability claim against the manufacturer and other parties involved in the production and distribution of a defective part.
Dram shop cases: If you were hit by a drunk driver, you may also have a claim against the establishment (a restaurant, bar, etc.) that served too much alcohol to the patron who caused the accident. This is known as dram shop liability.
Commercial vehicles: From taxis to delivery vans to rideshare vehicles, commercial vehicle accidents are complicated because they typically involve taking legal action against both the careless driver and his or her employer.
Dangerous roads: If you were involved in an accident because of a hazardous road condition, you may be able to recover compensation through a claim against the government entity responsible for maintenance of the road.

It is important to contact a Houston car crash lawyer who can help you navigate the complexities of a claim against negligent third parties.

6. Thorough Investigation Is Required

Recovering the full compensation you deserve requires compelling evidence of your injuries, damages, and the party or parties at fault for the crash. Although you can take steps immediately after the accident to collect evidence (e.g., photographing the scene, exchanging information with the other driver, speaking to witnesses, etc.), an experienced lawyer can perform a more comprehensive investigation.

Your attorney can review your medical records, request a copy of the police report, enlist experts to analyze and reconstruct the scene, and take additional action to build your claim. Ultimately, investigation by a lawyer should yield evidence above and beyond what you can get on your own, resulting in a stronger car crash case.

7. Communicating with the Insurance Company Is Risky

Whether you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or the insurer contacts you first, it is important to be cautious. Insurance adjusters may present themselves as friendly and helpful, but they do not have your best interest in mind.

You may feel comfortable answering the adjuster’s questions. However, your answers to those questions will be scrutinized for inconsistencies and other information the insurance carrier can use to deny your claim or offer you a low settlement.

With this in mind, it is in your best interest to hire a car crash lawyer to handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf. Your attorney can protect your rights in these interactions, providing you peace of mind as you heal from your injuries.

8. The Settlement Offer May Be Low

If you receive a settlement offer from the insurance company and it doesn’t adequately compensate you for your losses after the crash, it is imperative to hire a lawyer. You are at a serious disadvantage if you try to negotiate with the insurance company on your own.

Most people have little to no experience interacting with insurance companies. An experienced car crash lawyer, however, will know how insurance carriers operate. Your attorney can counter a low offer and negotiate for a fair settlement.

9. Your Claim May Be Denied

In addition to a low settlement, the other driver’s insurance company may deny your accident claim. If your claim is denied, you should speak to a car crash lawyer as soon as possible.

An experienced lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and present evidence in an effort to persuade the insurer to reconsider its position. A lawyer can also advise you of all of your legal options.

10. Your Case May Go to Trial

If negotiations with the insurance company do not result in a fair settlement, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover compensation. Taking a case to trial requires time and effort, and you should definitely work with a lawyer who is experienced presenting car crash cases in court.

When looking for a Houston car crash lawyer to handle your case, it is important to consider how many cases the attorney has taken to a verdict. Settlement negotiations may resume during the course of the trial, but the ultimate goal is for the court to find in your favor.

Contact a Houston Car Crash Lawyer Today

Car accident claims can be complicated, and multiple parties may attempt to limit or deny you fair compensation for your injuries and damages. At Patrick Daniel Law, our car crash lawyers are Strategic, Meticulous, and Merciless in our pursuit of justice for clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our clients’ expectations and developing innovative strategies to prevail on their behalf.

Please call (713) 999-6666 today to speak to a Houston car crash lawyer at Patrick Daniel Law. Your initial consultation is free.

Do You Really Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?