Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Houston?
Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Houston?: Nearly 440,000 vehicle crashes and accidents were reported on Texas roads in 2019. Some accidents were minor collisions, but others were fatal and caused extensive property and vehicle damage. After an accident, you may feel overwhelmed and numb, but taking the right steps is necessary and important. Among other things, you should consider hiring a skilled Houston car accident attorney, even if it is not required by law. Here is more information about accident laws in Texas and the benefits of having an attorney.
A quick look at the laws
If a police officer has not investigated the matter, you are required by law to file an accident report within 10 days of the accident. This is mandatory for all car accidents and accidents resulting in injury or property/vehicle damage. The statute of limitations in Texas allows for two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident, but this does not apply to insurance claims. Notify your insurer immediately and contact the at-fault party’s insurer within a reasonable time.
Advantages of being a lawyer
There are several reasons why you might want to hire a car accident lawyer for your case-
- To protect your rights. Texas follows the “modified comparative fault” rule. This means that if there was a fault on your part, your compensation payment will be reduced by that percentage. In the real world, people involved in accidents often blame each other. So that all the blame does not fall on you, you need a car accident lawyer on your side.
- To maximize returns. A claims adjuster from the at-fault party’s insurer may contact you with an offer, but it’s likely to be far less than you qualify for. With a lawyer by your side, you don’t have to deal with the insurance company on your own. An experienced car accident attorney knows all about the state laws and can see the tactics that the insurance company uses.
- To handle paperwork. From filing a claim to negotiating with an insurer and filing a personal injury claim, your accident attorney will take care of everything. They will ensure that you get a fair deal, no matter the circumstances. Otherwise the paperwork can be difficult to understand and eliminate.
Check online now for the best rated accident lawyers in Houston. The first meeting with an attorney costs nothing and you can ask all relevant questions about your case.
