What Would You Do If You Got Into A Car Accident?
Car accidents happen every day, but they often occur during the times when you least expect it. Accidents are already hard enough. However, when someone gets injured, it can be even more complicated. This is why it is important that you retain the services of an experienced Dallas/Fort Worth car accident attorney.
There are several questions that a car accident attorney can assist you in answering before you can see if you are eligible for a car accident settlement.
- What should I do if the other driver offers to settle the case?
- What if the driver hires an attorney who offers to settle?
- What if the insurance company makes an offer?
These are extremely important questions that are difficult to answer for the common individual. This is why most people hire a car accident attorney to represent them because if you provide wrong information or agree to settle too soon, you may jeopardize your claim.
How the Settlement Process Works
The settlement process can be tedious. There is a lot more to it than just filling out paperwork, submitting your claim and receiving your check. It typically requires a lengthy investigation. Your attorney will also need to negotiate with the insurance company. If you are not able to come to a settlement with the car insurance company, then you will have to take the case to court.
In some cases, the claim is resolved quickly. However, it can take several months or years to resolve. That is why it is important to hire an Dallas/Fort Worth car accident attorney. Your lawyer will help to insure that you get a fair settlement.
The Investigation
The insurance company will conduct an investigation after you file a claim. They will review all of the evidence that you submit. You will need to provide the following.
*The official police report
*Your medical records
*Witness statements
*The testimony of the driver
*Photographs of the accident scene
The insurance company is NOT on your side. Their job is to pay you the least amount of money possible. Having an attorney on your side that is experienced in dealing with difficult car insurance companies is extremely important and beneficial.
Consultation With Experts
Experts can provide critical insight into your claim. The following experts may support your claim.
- Your Physician – The doctor can provide information about your treatment, injuries and prognosis.
- An Accident Reconstruction Specialist -They can make a digital creation of your accident. They can also show all of the factors that contributed to it.
- A Mechanical or Civil Engineer – They can determine whether a geographical feature or vehicle malfunction caused the accident.
Reviewing the Insurance Policy
Texas is a fault state. This means that people who are injured have to get compensated by the other company’s insurance company. However, many people are underinsured or uninsured. Also dealing with insurance companies can be difficult and they no every trick in the book to try and reduce or eliminate your claim. This is why it is so very important to retain an experienced Dallas/Fort Worth car accident attorney.
Pre-Lawsuit Settlement
The vast majority of car accidents are settled without a lawsuit. If the attorney decides that the amount the insurance company wants to give you is fair, then they may accept your settlement. You do not want to accept a settlement without speaking to your attorney first. An experienced attorney will know what the going rate is and what is typically paid out by insurance companies for certain types of injuries and accidents. They will also know how aggressive they can be based on who was at fault for the car accident.
Negotiating A Settlement
Even if you have to file a lawsuit, there is a possibility that it may settle out of court. The insurance company and attorney will have to negotiate with each other. Just because a lawsuit is filed, doesn’t mean you will go to court, your attorney may be using this as a tactic to get a higher settlement. There are many factors that go into negotiating a settlement and having the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney is vital.
Going to Court
If you end up in court your attorney will lay out the facts of your case to the judge and jury. The defense will also lay out the facts to their case. After both sides a heard, there will be a judgement. Generally, if your car accident claim goes to court, both sides believe that they have a strong case that did not need to be settled. It is less stressful and expensive to settle out of court, but your car accident attorney will be able to guide you in determining what is the best path forward to maximize your claim.
If you need an Dallas/Fort Worth car accident attorney, then you will need to contact us at one of the following numbers.
Arlington (817) 522-4451
Dallas (972) 362-6848
Fort Worth (817) 764-1375
Plano (972) 354-4602
Cedar Hill (972) 338-9427
McKinney (469) 522-3688
Lewisville (972) 354-4605
Frisco (972) 725-7681
Grapevine (817) 835-8677
Irving (972) 354-4610
Keller (817) 204-0904
Garland (214) 572-2251
Denton (940) 222-4060
Addison (972) 564-8108
You can also contact us online by using our quick contact form.
