If you’re wondering if it’s worth getting an attorney for a car accident in Texas, the answer is usually yes.
A car accident lawyer in Texas can make a big difference in your case by handling the legal process, negotiating with insurance companies and providing legal support.
In cases of serious injuries, disputed liability, or lowball offers, it’s important to get a lawyer to get fair compensation and representation.
While getting a lawyer means legal fees and time, the benefits of expertise in personal injury law, maximizing your compensation, and handling all the legal work often outweigh the drawbacks.
Why You Need Legal Representation After a Car Accident
A car accident can be overwhelming, especially in a state like Texas where the laws are complex and the stakes are high. A car accident lawyer can make a big difference in your case.
They are experts in the legal process, protecting your rights, and will be there to support you through this. From providing legal guidance to negotiating fair settlements and even representing you in court if needed, a car accident attorney can be your best friend, especially if the injuries are serious or long-term.
Get advice from a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident and you’ll increase your chances of getting financial recovery and strengthen your case from the start.
Contact our Abilene car accident lawyer today for a free consultation and guidance on next steps
Texas Car Accident Laws
Texas car accident laws are a complex web of rules that can affect your case. For example, the state has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so you have a limited window to file.
This is where a Texas car accident lawyer can be very helpful. We have years of experience with car accident cases and know the Texas legal process.
We know the ins and outs of the law and will make sure all the necessary steps are taken on time so your case is strengthened.
Help with Insurance Claims
Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident is a tough job. Insurance adjusters are good at paying out as little as possible, and without proper legal representation, you may end up taking a settlement that’s way less than what you deserve.
A car accident lawyer from our firm will handle all communication with the insurance company, including talking to adjusters and negotiating settlements.
When evaluating settlements they take into account medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and future costs related to your injuries. This ensures a fair and complete outcome for your case.
In short, a lawyer will get you what you deserve. We’re also good at countering the intimidation tactics insurance companies use to get victims to take lowball offers.
Additional reading: how much can someone sue for a car accident
Mistakes to Avoid Without a Lawyer
Without a car accident attorney, you can make big mistakes that can harm your car accident claim.
One common mistake is taking the first lowball offer from the insurance company, which often leaves a big chunk of potential recovery unclaimed.
Another mistake is settling too soon before the full extent of injuries and damages is known.
An experienced lawyer uses their knowledge to gather key evidence like videos and eyewitness accounts to build your case.
When to Definitely Get a Car Accident Lawyer
While getting a car accident lawyer is good, there are situations where it’s absolutely necessary.
Serious Injuries or Death
In cases where a car accident results in serious injuries, death, or property damage, legal representation is necessary. The following injuries can lead to long-term medical care and huge medical bills:
- Brain or spinal damage
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Severe burns
A lawyer from our firm will connect you with reputable medical professionals and make sure all medical records are documented thoroughly which is key to proving your claim.
We can also arrange for independent medical exams to get an impartial opinion on the injuries.
Disputed Liability
When liability for a car accident is in question, a lawyer is essential. If your own insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company is blaming you for the accident, you need legal help to contest the liability.
Our Texas car accident lawyers are excellent at proving fault, which means showing the other driver was negligent.
We can gather evidence and build a case to prove the other party’s fault, oftentimes getting expert testimony and accident reconstruction.
Lowball Offers
Insurance companies start with lowball offers hoping victims will take them out of desperation. But these initial offers rarely cover the full damages. A good lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to get you what you deserve.
Our experience in settlement negotiations means we’ll consider all factors, like future medical bills and lost wages.
Find out how a Midland car accident lawyer from Keith & Lorfing can help you today via a free initial case evaluation
Why Get a Car Accident Lawyer
Getting a car accident lawyer has many benefits that can make a big difference in your case:
- Expertise in personal injury law
- Get you more money
- Handle all legal process
- Provide valuable support to car accident victims
They can get you bigger settlements and less stress in dealing with the legal process.
Expertise in Personal Injury Law
Personal injury lawyers bring specialized knowledge and experience to car accident cases so your personal injury claim is handled with the highest level of expertise.
As personal injury lawyers, we are familiar with personal injury claims and negligence and have many years of experience in handling complex cases.
Also, our experienced personal injury attorneys know the state-specific laws and can use that to your advantage in court.
Get You More Money
A big benefit of getting a car accident lawyer is that they can get you more money. Lawyers help by calculating total losses including emotional costs, lost wages and future earnings. They make sure all factors surrounding the accident are considered to get the highest possible settlement.
By contesting lowball offers and knowing the total value of the claim including future medical bills and lost wages, our lawyers can get you what you deserve.
Additional reading: Average car accident settlement in Texas
Handle all Legal Processes
Dealing with the entire legal process can be stressful, especially when you’re injured. Car accident lawyers take that burden off you, they’ll handle everything from evidence gathering to communication with the other side.
Once you hire us, an attorney from our firm will contact the other side and manage all further communication to make sure your interests are protected.
We anticipate the other side’s moves and get the important evidence to build your case.
Additional reading: average payout for a car accident death in Texas
What to Watch Out For
While there are many benefits to getting a car accident lawyer, you should also consider the drawbacks. These include the cost of legal fees and the length of the process. Knowing these factors will help you decide if you need legal help.
Cost of Legal Fees
Legal fees are a big consideration when deciding to hire a car accident lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they take a percentage of the recovery.
These fees usually range from 30% to 40% and must be in writing and signed by the client. Some attorneys front the costs of the case which can be recovered from the settlement or award.
Look into the lawyer’s fee structure including any hidden charges. Many personal injury law firms offer free consultation to evaluate your case without charging you first.
Note: At Keith & Lorfing, we are very transparent with our fees, which will be discussed in detail with you before you sign with us
Length of Process
The process can take time, and you may not get your compensation right away. A car accident case can take longer if negotiations or a trial is needed.
While hiring a lawyer can add complexity to the case and may prolong the resolution time, their approach usually yields a better result, so it’s worth the wait.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
Taking action immediately after a car accident is important for your safety and the strength of your claim. Here are the core steps you should take:
1. Gather Evidence at the Scene
Gathering evidence at the accident scene is key to building your case:
- Take photos and videos of the scene, including vehicle damage and road conditions. Recording a video can help get the details right.
- Get contact information from any witnesses present.
- Write down notes about the incident so you don’t forget important details.
A car lawyer can help you gather and preserve the important evidence for your car accident claim including crash scene investigation and police reports.
Let our San Angelo car accident lawyers take the burden away from you so you can focus on your recovery
Get Medical Attention
Getting medical attention immediately after a car accident is important, even if injuries seem minor. Medical care right away can detect life-threatening injuries like internal bleeding and uncover hidden injuries that may not be apparent at first.
Medical documentation of your injuries is important for any legal claims and insurance processes that will follow the accident.
Contact a lawyer early to help you follow certain medical care rules, such as the 14-day PIP rule, which can affect your insurance claims.
File a Report
Filing a report sets the stage for your insurance claim and any potential legal action since it documents the incident officially.
After the accident, follow these steps:
- Call 911 and get police assistance as soon as possible. File the report right away.
- If there are injuries, get medical aid, too.
- Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claim process.
Additional Reading : How many days do you have to file a police report after an accident
Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right car accident lawyer can make a big difference in your case.
A good lawyer will bring the necessary expertise and support to help you navigate your case, and here are the elements to follow:
Experience and Results
A lawyer with many years of experience in car accident cases can make a big difference in your claim. Experience from past cases allows a lawyer to anticipate the obstacles and build a strong case for you. Look for a lawyer with a long history of settlements as a good indicator of their success.
Make sure the lawyer is personally available to handle your case and keep you updated throughout the process. Russell Lorfing has received praise from clients for his expertise, professionalism and quick response to questions.
Client Reviews and Testimonials
Online reviews play a big part in shaping public opinion and influencing potential clients’ decisions. Positive client testimonials boost a lawyer’s reputation and build trust with future clients. Look for consistency in positive reviews across multiple platforms to get a sense of the lawyer’s reputation.
Client testimonials can also give you insight into how the lawyer communicates and their overall approach to cases.
Initial Consultation
These consultations are usually free and give you a chance to get a sense of the lawyer’s approach and communication style. During this meeting, the lawyer will assess your case and discuss your legal options.
Many firms offer a free consultation to help you evaluate your claim and determine the best course of action.
Keith & Lorfing: Your West Texas Car Accident Lawyers
With over 75 years of experience combined, Keith & Lorfing are car accident lawyers for West Texas. Their years of legal experience and dedication to working Texans make them the go-to lawyers for those injured in a car accident.
Our Mission and Values
The mission of Keith & Lorfing is to:
- Level the playing field for working class Texans
- Protect them
- Represent individuals over corporations
- Advocate for West Texans against big insurance companies
The firm’s values are about helping people provide a better life for their family and embody the heart, grit and work ethic of West Texas.
Keith & Lorfing are committed to serving and protecting their community, that’s why they’re dedicated to the hard-working, family-focused people of West Texas.
Russell Lorfing
Russell Lorfing’s rise from poverty to being a respected lawyer is a story of perseverance and hard work. Growing up in a poor family and seeing the effects of drugs and the criminal justice system, he became the first in his family to attend and graduate college.
He has a Doctorate of Jurisprudence with a concentration in criminal law from St. Mary’s School of Law and was a former state and federal prosecutor. Russell has:
- Hundreds of cases handled
- Dozens as lead counsel in complex jury trials
- Serves West Texas in criminal defense and personal injury cases
- Used his expertise in electronic evidence and the Electronic Communication Privacy Act
Russell’s awards and memberships in various bar associations are just a few examples of his credentials and dedication to his clients.
If you’ve been in an accident, contact Keith & Lorfing today and you’ll see the difference.
Conclusion
In short, hiring a car accident lawyer in Texas can make a big difference from navigating the legal process to getting more money. Whether you have serious injuries, disputed liability, or low settlement offers, a lawyer can be a big help.
Keith & Lorfing are the go-to lawyers for West Texans. If you’re in a car accident, get legal help fast and protect your rights and get fair compensation.
