Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. In addition to dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the accident, you may also be facing financial losses due to damaged property, medical bills, and lost wages.
If you have been injured in a car accident in San Antonio, Texas, you may be wondering whether you need to hire a lawyer. The decision of whether or not to hire a lawyer is a personal one, but there are certain situations where it is highly recommended.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common scenarios when you should consider hiring a San Antonio car accident lawyer under Texas Law. We will also provide some insights into the tactics that insurance companies may use to reduce your settlement amount, and how a lawyer can help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
When to Hire a San Antonio Car Accident Lawyer
Under Texas Law, there is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer after a car accident. However, there are certain situations where it is in your best interests to do so. Here are some of the most common reasons to hire a San Antonio car accident lawyer:
- You have suffered serious injuries. If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, you are likely facing significant medical bills and lost wages. A lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages.
- The accident was caused by a drunk driver or a driver who violated traffic laws. If the accident was caused by a driver who was intoxicated or who violated traffic laws, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. A lawyer can help you prove liability and pursue all of the damages that you are entitled to under Texas Law.
- The insurance company is denying your claim or offering a low-ball settlement. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they will often try to deny claims or offer low-ball settlements. A lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
- You are unsure of your rights or how to proceed with your claim. The aftermath of a car accident can be confusing, and you may not be sure what steps to take to protect your rights. A lawyer can advise you of your rights and help you navigate the claims process.
Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Reduce Your Settlement Amount
Insurance companies have a number of tactics that they may use to reduce your settlement amount. Here are a few of the most common:
- Claiming you are partially at fault for the accident. Insurance companies will often try to claim that you were partially at fault for the accident, even if the evidence does not support this claim. This is because Texas is a comparative negligence state, which means that your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident.
- Saying you failed to mitigate your damages. Insurance companies may also try to argue that you failed to mitigate your damages by not seeking medical attention or by not following your doctor’s treatment recommendations.
- Offering a low-ball settlement early on. Insurance companies often try to take advantage of the fact that car accident victims are often in need for cash after an accident. They may offer a low ball settlement early on in the hopes that you will accept it without considering your full legal options.
How a San Antonio Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A San Antonio car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve after a car accident. Here are some of the ways that a lawyer can help:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence. A lawyer will investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. This evidence may include police reports, accident scene photos, medical records, and witness statements.
- Prove liability. A lawyer will help you prove that the other driver was negligent and caused the accident.
- Calculate your damages. A lawyer will calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. A lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get you the best possible settlement.
- File a lawsuit if necessary. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement
Hiring a San Antonio car accident lawyer is a crucial step in protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you find yourself in any of the situations mentioned above, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Experienced attorneys, like those at Ryan Orsatti Law, are equipped to handle the complexities of car accident cases and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
For more information on personal injury law and to schedule a consultation, visit Ryan Orsatti Law today.
