Should I get a lawyer for an accident that wasn’t my fault? You should get a lawyer for an accident that wasn’t your fault because a lawyer protects your rights throughout the case, ensures you get fair compensation for the losses you have, and protects you from insurance company tactics that put you at risk.
There are various situations where it can be imperative to hire a Houston car accident lawyer even if you were not at fault.
There Are Questions About Fault
You know you are not at fault. The police may even have stated that the other driver was at fault, and you believe you are not at risk of being held accountable. Even in these situations, it is not uncommon for victims to need an attorney to demonstrate they were not at fault for the accident.
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means that more than one party could be considered at fault in an accident. In these situations, the amount of fault each party has played in the value of the compensation paid. For example, if the other party can prove that you are 20% at fault, that reduces the amount of compensation owed to you by 20%.
Insurance companies have every motivation to do this, as it saves them money. Since insurance companies often base fault on factors beyond just the police report, they could use small details or statements you make against you. Having a Houston personal injury lawyer helps you protect your rights in these cases, minimizing the risk of financial loss.
You Have Serious Injuries
Another time to hire a lawyer for an accident that wasn’t your fault occurs when you have serious injuries. If you had to be transported to the hospital or sought medical care after the accident, it becomes essential that you seek an attorney to pursue full and fair compensation for all of the losses you incurred.
Your attorney will consider all financial implications, as well as physical and emotional losses you have suffered. Examples of some of the losses you may be owed include:
- Medical bills from the emergency and ongoing medical losses
- Lost wages from the period of time when you could not work due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering injuries
- Property damage for any of your assets damaged in the incident
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish from your suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of quality of life
- Disfigurement
- Loss of earning capacity
There are many types of potential losses you could be owed, but the burden of proving what those losses are is on your shoulders.
Your attorney will help you by evaluating all aspects of your case and losses, even those you may not realize just yet. With the guidance of your lawyer, you will know you have the maximum claim allowed under the law, and that can bring you peace of mind.
You Suffered Catastrophic Injuries and Losses
Victims in a serious accident may suffer catastrophic injuries, which are injuries and losses that will not improve over time. These injuries and losses can be complex to put a value on because they impact so many areas of your life and well-being.
If you have any of the following types of losses after an accident, seek out an attorney to help you value them:
- Partial or full paralysis, often from spinal cord injuries
- Cognitive function changes due to traumatic brain injuries
- Chronic pain develops even though you have reached maximum recovery
- Post-traumatic stress disorder or depression
- Disfigurement due to scarring or amputations
- Loss of vision or hearing
Any type of permanent injury you have could influence your future in various ways. It may make it harder for you to earn a living, care for your family, or meet the responsibilities you have in day-to-day life. You may need physical help just to get through the day yourself.
You deserve compensation that is equal to what you have lost in these situations, which is why it is important to hire a lawyer for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Insurance Companies Are Using Tactics Against You
Another reason to hire an accident lawyer, even if you are not at fault, is simply to handle the aggressive and often frustrating actions of insurance companies.
These companies are for-profit organizations, which means that they profit when they do not have to pay claims. They use a variety of strategies to reduce the compensation paid to victims. Some examples may include:
- Denials of claims that are valid and backed by evidence.
- Stalling tactics to push you beyond the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit, limiting your compensation.
- Tricks to get you to admit you were at fault or statements to imply that your injuries are not what you say they are.
- Tactics to reduce their responsibility to pay for injuries if you have pre-existing conditions that could have impacted your losses.
- Requiring too much information about your medical condition or overall health.
Even if the insurance company seems like they are being fair and honest to you, chances are good they are working to minimize the compensation owed to you.
They do not have to tell you what they owe to you or what additional losses you may be able to claim against the policy, even if it is clear. For these reasons, having your own attorney becomes essential. Review our FAQs to learn more today.
Big Insurance Companies Are Even Worse
If you are in an accident with a commercial company, a doctor for a medical malpractice claim, or an accident involving a large insurance company, expect to see even more aggressive tactics.
These large companies often hire attorneys who will work to minimize any financial compensation paid to you as well. As a result, it is often best to level the playing field to minimize further risks to your future.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Car Accident Lawyer
Turn to Lowe Law to discuss your accident and the losses you have incurred. Since there is no cost for a consultation and no obligation to continue, there is no reason not to act now. Protect your future with a conversation with your attorney.
