Can You Settle a Houston Car Accident Case Without an Attorney?
If you’ve been in a car accident in Houston, you may wonder if you need an attorney. The answer is: Maybe. If the collision was minor and there was no damage to your vehicle or injuries, you may settle without an attorney. However, if the accident was significant and there was damage to your car or injuries, you will probably need an attorney to help you get total compensation.
Is a Houston Car Accident Attorney a Requirement?
The short answer is no. Hiring a car accident attorney in Houston is not a requirement. You may represent yourself in court and can negotiate your settlements with insurance companies, and no law says you have to have an attorney.
Car accident cases can be complex, especially if there are injuries involved. And the insurance companies know this. They may try to take advantage of you if you don’t have an attorney representing you.
How a Car Accident Attorney in Houston Can Help
Several benefits come with an experienced Houston car accident attorney.
Handle All Communications
After a collision, you must deal with insurance companies. It’s their job to save the company money, not get you the most money possible. An attorney will handle all communication with the insurance companies for you to focus on healing.
Your Houston lawyer is on your side—not the insurance companies. An attorney also knows the scare tactics used by some insurance companies and how to counter them. Getting past these tactics is essential to getting a fair settlement.
Gather Evidence
Your lawyer will also investigate the accident to gather evidence to support your claim. These tasks may include talking to witnesses, reviewing the police report, and looking at surveillance footage. Car accident attorneys often work with private investigators to help with this process. They work together to prove how the other driver caused the accident.
Calculate Your Losses
It’s not just your car that needs to be repaired after an accident—you may have medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. A lawyer will help you calculate all your losses to make sure you are compensated for everything you deserve. Your law office works with a particular accountant to calculate these numbers.
Without an attorney, you may not get the total amount you’re owed. This includes any compensation for your pain and suffering. You may be entitled to this money, but the insurance company may try to lowball you if a lawyer does not represent you.
Negotiate a Settlement
Once all the evidence is gathered, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get you a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer will take them to court.
An experienced and knowledgeable Houston car accident attorney can win at the negotiating table or in the courtroom, getting you the compensation you deserve. The process for payment is often faster with an attorney since they know how to navigate the legal system.
Get You the Most Money Possible
The goal of any insurance company is to save money, and they are not on your side. But a Houston car accident attorney is.
Your lawyer’s job is to get you the most money possible to move on with your life. If you choose to settle without an attorney, the process will likely take longer, and you may not get the full compensation you deserve. Go for a free consultation to learn more about how an attorney could help you.
How Does the Houston Car Accident Settlement Process Work?
After any collision, seek medical attention and file a police report. Before speaking with insurance agencies, it’s in your best interest to contact an attorney. Then your lawyer will request and review all evidence, including the police report, photos, surveillance footage, and medical records.
While you recover from injuries, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will take the case to trial. As your lawyer, we will be with you every step, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.
You Don’t Have to Settle for Less.
Hiring a car accident attorney is simple. Most law firms offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose by meeting with a few different lawyers to see which one is right for you.
Choosing An Accident Attorney in Houston, TX
The best way to find an attorney is by word of mouth. Ask friends or family members if they know anyone specializing in car accident cases. If you don’t have any personal recommendations, look for online reviews once you’ve found a few potential lawyers, and set up free consultations to get to know them better.
At the consultation, you’ll ask the lawyer questions about their experience, handled cases, and how they would approach your case. It’s also an opportunity for the lawyer to know you and see if you’re a good fit for their firm.
How Do I Pay For A Houston Accident Attorney?
Also, payment is contingent on successful settlements or verdicts, so you don’t have to pay upfront legal fees. Your attorney won’t lie to you—when we say you have a claim, you have a claim. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything.
A car accident attorney in Houston is not required by law, but if you’ve been in a severe collision, it’s good to have one on your side. An experienced lawyer can handle communication with the insurance companies, gather evidence, calculate your losses, and negotiate a settlement while fighting to get you the most money possible. So if you’ve been in a car accident, contact Morgan Legal Group PLLC, advocacy for the Injured, to see how we can help you.