Why Calling a Lawyer Should Be The First Thing You Do After An Accident
In Houston, an accident can happen at any time. Whether it’s a car accident, a slip-and-fall, or some other type of injury, the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. It is important to know how to handle these situations correctly from the start to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
One of the first things you should do after an accident in Houston is to call a lawyer so let's look at the six reasons why.
Providing expert advice
Even though you may have some basic understanding of the law, an attorney can offer much more nuanced information and advice due to their specialized knowledge. They will be able to advise you on what steps to take to maximize your chances of receiving compensation.
Of course, it also depends on the type of accident - some lawyers specialize in certain areas, such as car accidents or workplace injuries. So, if you need a car accident lawyer in Houston, or any other city where you might reside (or where an accident occurred), look for the experience, qualifications, and history of the lawyer to ensure they are best suited for your case. You can also read customer reviews to get a better understanding of how successful they are.
Gathering the evidence
Gathering the necessary evidence to build your case is essential, but it can also be a very time-consuming process. An experienced lawyer will know exactly what type of evidence is needed and will be able to quickly collect it for you. Time is of the essence when it comes to gathering evidence, as some evidence can be lost or destroyed quickly, and a lawyer will be able to act faster than you in this regard.
For instance, if the accident involved a hit-and-run, they will be able to launch an investigation and attempt to track down the other driver. Or if the accident was due to a faulty product, they can look into any relevant legal cases and make sure your case is properly represented.
Negotiating with insurers
In many cases, you may have to negotiate with insurance companies to get fair compensation for your losses. In this situation, having a lawyer on your side can be invaluable. They have experience in these types of negotiations and will be able to get you the compensation that you deserve, even if the insurance company is trying to lowball you.
If you find yourself in a situation where the insurance company refuses to pay, a lawyer can also help you file a lawsuit. They will be able to represent you in court and make sure that your rights are protected.
On the other hand, if the insurance company is offering a settlement that is too low, they will be able to negotiate on your behalf to get you a better deal.
Navigate the paperwork
In a legal situation, there is often a lot of paperwork that needs to be filled out correctly, such as accident reports, insurance forms, and more. An attorney can ease this burden by helping you understand and accurately fill out these forms. If any important deadlines are missed, it could jeopardize your case, so having a lawyer to help you with the paperwork can be essential.
In Texas, there is also a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury cases, so time is of the essence. An attorney will be able to help you make sure that all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, even though it looks like enough time to do it yourself, you may not be able to identify all the necessary paperwork and make sure it's done correctly.
Knowledge of the law
Many different laws apply to different types of accidents, and an experienced lawyer will know which ones apply to your case. For example, if you were hit by a drunk driver, there are special laws that apply, such as dram shop laws. These laws allow you to sue the establishment that served the drunk driver alcohol if they were served while visibly intoxicated.
An attorney will also know how to properly value your case so that you can get the compensation you deserve. They will take into account both economic and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Therefore, a lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of filing paperwork and negotiating with insurance companies. They will also know relevant laws that could benefit your case and provide valuable advice on how to maximize your chances of receiving compensation.
Having an experienced attorney by your side is essential when dealing with any legal issue, so don’t hesitate to contact one as soon as possible if you find yourself in any legal situation.