Is it Worth Hiring an Austin Car Crash Lawyer?

The aftermath of a car accident can be incredibly stressful. On top of the mounting bills and lost income, you must deal with the claims process. Your insurance company is driven by profit, and they will likely make it difficult for you to secure a fair settlement. Although you are within your rights to claim without a lawyer, you might be asking yourself, ‘ Is it worth getting a car crash lawyer?’

Usually, it is worth getting an Austin car crash attorney if you or someone you love has been in a car accident that was not your fault. They will investigate your claim and take over negotiations so that you can focus on your recovery.

Many victims avoid getting a lawyer for car accident claims because they are concerned about the cost. However, at Chris Morrow Law, PLLC, we work on a contingency fee basis which means that we only get paid if your claim is successful, and you will never be left out of pocket.

Often, victims who have legal representation end up with a higher amount in compensation than those who don’t, even after their legal fees have been considered. Our Austin car crash lawyer is able to offer a set of skills, experience, and resources that may prove invaluable to your case.

Call us at 512-520-8100 for a free consultation with one of our car wreck lawyers in Austin.

What a Car Wreck Lawyer in Austin Can Do for You

A car accident claim is rarely straightforward, and each case is unique. In a free consultation, an experienced Austin car crash attorney will be able to quickly assess your case so that they can advise you on your next steps. If they believe you have a valid claim to compensation and you agree to representation, they will get to work quickly to ensure you have a strong car accident case.

Some of the things that an Austin car crash attorney can do for you include:

Gather Evidence

The first job of your car crash lawyer is to gather evidence. The more evidence they can find, the stronger your claim will be for compensation. We always recommend that victims seek legal representation quickly, as some evidence can be lost if not protected quickly. Some potential sources of evidence include:

Video footage from the scene could come from CCTV or home security cameras.
Vehicle damage and repair reports.
The police report.
Medical records.
Witness statements.
Information about the other driver, such as a history of traffic offenses.
Testimony from experts such as medical experts or accident reconstruction specialists.

Establish Liability

Your attorney will need to establish who was at fault for the accident using the evidence they have collected.

Texas operates under comparative negligence, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you might still be owed compensation. However, your claim will be reduced by the amount you are determined to be at fault. For example, if the other driver ran a red light, but you were speeding, you could be found to be 15% at fault for the accident. If your claim is worth $100,000, it will be reduced to $85,000.

The other party could try to exaggerate your part in the accident in order to reduce the amount they have to pay you. When you have an experienced Austin car crash attorney representing you, they will ensure that you are not unfairly blamed for the accident. They will clearly establish the facts of your case so that it is difficult to argue against.

Our Car Crash Lawyer Will Negotiate With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies, including your own insurance company, are profit-driven, which means that their goal is to pay victims like you as little as possible. They employ large legal teams who will look for ways of reducing the value of your claim. When you have legal representation, you level the playing field.

Insurance companies are more likely to take your case seriously when you have the help of a well-established personal injury law firm. It sends a message that you will not accept less than what you deserve.

Dealing with insurance companies can also be incredibly stressful. Insurance adjusters are skilled at getting victims to admit fault or diminish the extent of their injuries so that they can justify a lower settlement. They may also try to offer a quick settlement in the hopes that the victim will accept, thus giving up their right to fight for more. When you have the help of an Austin car crash lawyer, they will handle all correspondence with insurance companies. This prevents you from accidentally saying something which damages your claim and takes away a lot of the stress.

Determine The Value of Your Damages

Car accident cases can incur a lot of damages, which are the losses that make up the value of your settlement. Some damages are relatively straightforward, such as your property damage, while others, such as your future expenses and your non-economic damages, are more challenging to calculate and evidence.

An experienced Austin car crash lawyer will fight for a fair settlement that is truly representative of your damages, including:

Property Damage – If any of your property was damaged in the accident, such as your vehicle, you should be compensated for its repair or replacement.
Medical Bills and Expenses – All of your medical expenses should be recovered in your settlement, including hospital bills and any other costs related to rehabilitation, medication, transport to appointments, and more.
Ongoing Medical Expenses – If your injuries are ongoing, then you should also be compensated for the estimated costs of future treatment. Your attorney may need to draw upon expert testimony to ensure that your request for compensation carries sufficient evidence.
Lost Income – If you have had to take time away from work while you receive treatment and heal from your injuries, then you should be compensated for any resulting lost wages.
Loss of Earning Capacity – If your injuries are severe and you are unlikely to return to work in the same capacity in the near future, then you should be compensated for your future lost income. If your injuries are life-long, then this could justify a lifetime of lost earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering – Pain and suffering is the legal term for damages relating to your emotional and physical pain. Car accidents are traumatic, and so are the resulting injuries, which could result in a loss of enjoyment. An attorney will help you to provide evidence of how the car accident has affected your life so that you can fight for a fair settlement. These damages are highly contentious but can often make up a significant percentage of victims’ settlements when they have the help of an attorney who understands how to fight for them.

Explore Every Avenue to Compensation

If you suffered severe injuries, then the at-fault party’s insurance coverage may be insufficient to pay for all of your damages. Texas operates under comparative fault, which means that more than one party could share liability for the accident; when this happens, you may be able to claim compensation from more than one source.

For example, perhaps the condition of the road contributed to the accident. In this case, you may be able to claim some compensation from the party responsible for maintaining the road.

An experienced attorney will explore every avenue to compensation to maximize the amount you could receive.

Our Car Crash Attorney Will Represent You in Court if Necessary

Most car accident claims will not go to court. Car accident lawsuits are time-consuming and create additional expenses for the party determined to be at fault. Therefore, it is usually to everyone’s benefit to settle outside of the courtroom.

However, if your case does go to court, then an experienced lawyer will be prepared to advocate on your behalf in front of a Judge. They will have already gathered strong evidence that they can use to support your case.

Even if your case is unlikely to go to court, it is important to have the support of an attorney who has courtroom experience. Often, just the threat of a court case will mean that insurance companies are more likely to offer a fair settlement. Car accident lawyers have reputations with insurance companies, and they know who will be willing to take them to court and who won’t.

When You Might Not Need an Austin Car Crash Attorney After an Accident

If you or someone you love has been in a car accident, then we always recommend you contact us for a free consultation. Regardless of your circumstances, you will, at the very least, have a deeper understanding of your case and can make a more informed choice regarding your next steps.

There are some circumstances where you may not need representation from an Austin car crash lawyer, for example:

You Do Not Have Any Injuries

If you or your loved one who was in an accident did not suffer any injuries, then you will not need to pursue a personal injury claim. However, after a car accident, you should always seek a medical examination to make sure that you do not have any injuries. Adrenaline can mask injuries, and some can take a while to develop. If you are not checked by a doctor, then you could unknowingly worsen your injuries.

Fair Offer

If an insurance company offers you a fair settlement that covers all of your expenses, then you may not need a car accident lawyer. However, it is very rare that an insurance company will offer a fair settlement without extended negotiations. Once you accept an offer, you will give up your right to fight for more, even if it turns out to be insufficient to cover all of your expenses.

If you have received an offer, even if you think it is fair, you should still contact an Austin car crash attorney for a free consultation. They will assess your case and advise you on whether you should accept the offer or fight for more.

How Do I Find The Best Car Crash Lawyer in Texas?

Once you have decided that it is worth getting a lawyer for a car accident, you are now left with the daunting task of trying to find the right one.

To make your life a little easier, here are a few things to look for when choosing a personal injury lawyer.

Find a Lawyer Dedicated to Personal Injury Cases

Some law firms split their time and resources across multiple practice areas, such as personal injury, criminal defense, and family law. When you find a law firm such as Chris Morrow Law, PLLC, which is dedicated to personal injury, you ensure that all of the law firm’s experience is derived from helping people like you.

Find a Local Car Crash Lawyer

When you have the support of a local attorney, you ensure that they have an in-depth understanding of the state laws surrounding your case.

Do Not Choose an Attorney Based on a Billboard or Television Ad

Some law firms spend a lot of money on large billboards or TV ads, and this is not always representative of a good law firm. Many of the best personal injury law firms get a constant stream of clients through referrals and reputation.

Find a Law Firm That Works on a No-Win No-Fee Basis

At Chris Morrow Law, PLLC, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only take payment if you win. This flat percentage of your settlement will be discussed and agreed upon with you before you agree to representation.

It is important to find a law firm that works on a no-win no-fee basis so that you are not at risk of losing money.

Find an Austin Car Wreck Attorney With Trial Experience

Your attorney should be skilled in the courtroom. If they are not, then you could be left vulnerable if your case does go to court. Insurance companies may also be more willing to offer a fair settlement if a court case is a possibility rather than risk being faced with court fees.

Arrange a Free Case Review With One of Our Austin Car Crash Lawyers Today

At Chris Morrow Law, PLLC, we will guide you through the entire legal process. We will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve and will keep you informed about your case at every stage.

Going up against large insurance companies is tough; they have legal teams who are working to devalue your claim. By hiring an experienced Austin car crash lawyer you ensure that you cannot be taken advantage of, and every avenue to fair compensation will be explored.

Call us today and arrange a free consultation with an experienced car crash attorney at 512-520-8100.