How Does a Texas Car Accident Lawyer Help with Claims

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the state reported 15,219 serious auto crashes in 2023. These accidents resulted in 18,752 severe injuries, underscoring the perilous nature of our streets and freeways. 

Following an auto accident, the first instinct for most victims is to seek prompt medical treatment or (if the damage and injuries are minimal) drive away from the crash scene as fast as possible. 

However, it’s highly recommended to contact a car accident attorney regardless of the outcome of an auto crash. One of the benefits of engaging these professionals is that they can help with the often-tedious claims process, allowing you ample time to recover from the ordeal. 

This article looks at the different roles a Texas car accident lawyer plays in negotiating compensation for the victims.

1. A Texas Car Accident Lawyer Understands Personal Injury Law

Personal injury law can be quite challenging to navigate, particularly for car accident victims with minimal or ZERO experience with the legal system. That’s the first reason to contact an auto crash attorney immediately after being involved in a car accident.  

Your Texas car accident lawyer will break down the nuances of personal injury law and help you grasp all the technical terms relevant to your case. 

The attorney understands the various elements of negligence that the at-fault party must satisfy to determine your eligibility for compensation. They’re also well-versed in the legal theories of imposing liability, including intentional torts and strict liability. 

Even if you’re the at-fault driver, a professional car accident lawyer can bring their experience to bear in helping turn the odds in your favor. 

2. A Texas Car Accident Lawyer Is Your Link With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are wise in their handling of auto accident claims. 

First, your insurer may attempt to have you make self-incriminating statements, such as accepting liability straightaway. The idea is to have you forfeit your compensation in the event you go ahead with the claims process. 

If that fails, the company may attempt to have you accept lower compensation than you truly deserve. 

The surest way to escape these traps is by enlisting professional legal assistance. 

Your Texas car accident attorney serves as the bridge between you and your insurance company, handling all critical correspondences on your behalf. Thanks to their experience in personal injury law, you can always look forward to receiving just compensation from your auto insurer. 

3. A Texas Car Accident Lawyer Helps Gather Evidence

Auto insurance companies rely on solid proof to grant fair compensation to car accident victims. However, it’s often impossible to gather critical evidence when you’re still reeling from the aftershocks of an auto crash. 

Upon contacting a car accident lawyer, the professional will rush to the crash scene and secure key evidence. This typically entails capturing photo and video footage of skid marks, vehicular damage, and injuries. It’s imperative to collect such information before the accident scene is contaminated, or the evidence may be inadmissible. 

When done with the crash scene, your car accident lawyer will proceed to secure police reports, medical records, and witness statements. They may also gather information from the other party that might help your claims process, such as their vehicle’s accident record. 

After collecting relevant proof, your car accident lawyer will store the evidence securely for future use.

4. A Texas Car Accident Lawyer Helps Prepare Legal Documentation

The next logical step after securing auto crash evidence is completing the required legal documentation. 

But while these documents are necessary to kick-start the claims process, their complexity makes them tedious to fill out. Your best bet is to enlist expert legal services. 

A Texas auto crash attorney will help prepare your insurance claims documents and relevant evidence describing the full extent of damages and injuries sustained. They’ll also complete all required paperwork within the legally permissible duration to prevent claims adjusters from dismissing your appeal on mere technicalities. 

Should additional information be required, your car accident lawyer will gladly provide it.

5. A Texas Car Accident Lawyer Helps Negotiate With Insurance Companies

Claims adjusters seldom approve settlements at the first attempt unless the demanded compensation is reasonably below their expectations. Usually, they’ll issue a counteroffer, which you must respond to with a new offer. This process can drag on for too long, impeding your recovery. 

Hiring a Texas car accident lawyer provides more leverage when negotiating with insurance companies. Using their exceptional negotiation skills, the attorney will pinpoint arguments to ensure you receive the highest settlement. 

The settlement amount typically depends on the scope of vehicular damages and bodily harm. Other factors, such as potential income loss and emotional trauma, may also come into play. 

Where a fair settlement cannot be reached, and the process grinds to a halt, your car accident attorney will advise whether to pursue further legal action to compel your insurer to oblige. If you consent to a full trial, the lawyer will help file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

The Bottom Line

Nobody wishes to be involved in a car accident. But when it happens, it pays to engage a professional Texas lawyer to help with the claims process as you heal from the resulting physical and emotional trauma. Hopefully, this post gave you enough incentives to work with a car accident attorney in the unfortunate event you become a victim of an auto crash.