Cities such as San Antonio or Houston are lovely places to work and live, with lively social scenes and numerous business opportunities. However, the steady stream of tourists and visitors is less enticing when you are involved in a traffic accident. If you are injured or have your property damaged by another driver, personal injury attorneys can ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
The Other Driver’s Lawyers Are Calling Me: Should I Talk to Them?
If a personal injury attorney or team of attorneys are representing you, you should not discuss details of the case with the lawyer who is representing the other driver. Remaining silent is your best course of action, as you do not want to say anything that could be misconstrued as you admitting fault. Additionally, if you already have legal representation, the other lawyer must direct their queries to your representation.
While talking to the other driver’s lawyer may not appear to be a problem, it is essential to remember that they will always act with their client’s interest in mind. No matter how pleasant the opposing lawyer may seem, they are not on your side. For example, if you were to admit that “everything happened so fast,” that could be viewed as acknowledging you aren’t sure what happened during the accident.
Direct Questions to Your Personal Injury Attorneys
When a personal injury attorney or team of attorneys represent you, let them handle the opposing side’s legal representation. They are educated and experienced in discussing case details and know what is beneficial to say and what isn’t. If the other driver’s lawyer contacts you, do not discuss the case details. Instead, give them your attorney’s contact information and politely let them know that you have legal representation and all questions must be directed to them.
The other lawyer must legally direct all queries to your personal injury attorney once they know you have one, so they should not contact you more than once. If the other lawyer tries to convince you to talk to them without your attorney present or continues to contact you, keep a record of the dates, time, and content of their communication. This behavior is considered unethical, and the documentation could be necessary if your case goes to court.
Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in Houston and San Antonio
They Know Your Options
Most individuals aren’t familiar with the necessary steps involved in filing a claim. Your personal injury attorneys know how to streamline the process and available options depending on case specifics. For example, you may find that the other driver is willing to pay for your medical care and damages, or they may claim no fault in the accident. An attorney will be able to navigate either scenario and ensure that you exhaust all options for seeking compensation.
Also, your personal injury attorney will know how much compensation is reasonable in your situation. Since each accident is unique, your attorney will determine the amount you should seek as compensation based on your injuries. They will also be able to advise you on if you should seek additional compensation for pain and suffering along with medical or property damage bills.
They Will Work with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters are focused on paying as little money as possible in compensation. The average individual will be outmatched in negotiating with them because adjusters are familiar with personal injury claims laws. Adjusters consistently offer settlements far below what an injured driver should receive, but drivers accept the offers because they don’t realize they are being low-balled.
An personal injury attorney will handle the negotiations with the adjuster and ensure that you don’t take a low settlement. They are experienced in fighting for their clients’ compensation and will not be manipulated by an insurance adjuster’s attempts to avoid paying out.
Your Settlement Is Larger
It is unlikely that you’ll be able to land the maximum settlement possible for your case without an attorney. Even if you are an excellent negotiator, the other driver’s lawyer will have more experience and a thorough knowledge of the laws that apply to your case. Going against a professional with only a layman’s understanding of laws and negotiation strategies is unwise.
When you are injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence or error, you deserve to receive the most significant compensation possible for your expenses and suffering. A skilled personal injury attorney can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.
Court Is an Option
Insurance adjusters are often more inclined to offer a reasonable settlement when they know you have legal representation. Pairing with a firm with a history of success in your locale, such as Gamez Law Firm, which serves San Antonio, Houston, Laredo, Mcallen, and Austin, TX, shows the adjuster that you are serious about your claim and willing to move the case to court.
It is easier for insurance adjusters to settle out of court, so they would rather you didn’t move your case before a judge and jury. However, if they know you are prepared to pursue your claim, they will often skip low-balling you with settlement offers and move into more realistic bids. And in the event they do not supply an adequate offer, you will be ready to take the next step with your personal injury attorney.
Knowledge of Personal Injury Law
Your attorney will lead you through the method of filing a claim and seeking compensation for your injuries. They will ensure that necessary forms and documents are submitted on time and correctly. With a personal injury attorney monitoring all aspects of the claims process, you’ll be able to feel confident that all your paperwork has been submitted correctly.
Additionally, your attorney will be someone you can ask questions and get honest, educated answers. Even when everything goes as smoothly as possible, filing a personal injury claim is still a stressful ordeal for the average person. Knowing that you have a professional on your side looking out for your best interest will comfort you during the claims process.
When Should I Contact a Personal Injury Attorney?
If you have been injured in an accident that occurred due to someone else’s negligence, you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. There is a statute of limitations limiting the length of time you have to seek compensation for damages.
The countdown may have begun when the accident occurred, or, depending on your situation, it may not have begun until later. Either way, the sooner you enlist a professional to guide you, the sooner you can be sure you are on the right track to receiving compensation.
What Expenses Can I Seek Compensation for After a Car Accident?
If you are injured in a car accident that is the other driver’s fault, you may receive compensation for medical bills, missed wages, and property damage. In addition, depending on your injuries, you may also be eligible to be compensated for emotional distress, pain and suffering, or loss of enjoyment. Loss of enjoyment typically applies to situations where the injured party can no longer participate in their activities or hobbies.
When you find yourself injured through someone else’s negligence in Houston and San Antonio, you need professional personal injury attorneys that will work to get you the compensation you need. So give Gamez Law Firm a call today to schedule your free consultation and discuss how our team can handle your personal injury and accident claim.