There were 212 fatal car accidents out of a total of 33,980 crashes in Dallas during 2022. That’s less than the 55,634 crashes in 2021, but the number is still high. If you have recently been involved in a collision, you may have injuries that need treatment or vehicle damage that needs repairing. On top of that, you have to deal with insurance claims, police reports, and negotiations to get compensation. With so much going on, you may wonder if hiring a Dallas car accident attorney is really necessary.
Here are some things to consider when making this decision:
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The Severity of Your Injuries
If you only sustained minor injuries like cuts and bruises in the accident, you may not need an attorney. The insurance process for smaller claims is usually pretty straightforward. However, if you have more severe injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or back injuries that require extensive treatment, hiring a lawyer is highly recommended. These cases typically warrant higher compensation payouts, with the average payout for a bodily injury in the region of $22k. An experienced attorney will know how to prove and maximize your claim.
Who Was at Fault for the Car Accident
If the accident was clearly the other driver’s fault, your case is stronger to recover damages for your losses. However, the insurance companies will still try to dispute or minimize your claim. Having a knowledgeable car accident lawyer on your side levels the playing field and compels the at-fault party to pay what you rightfully deserve.
The Value of Your Car Accident Claim
Do you know how much compensation you might be entitled to after the accident? An attorney experienced with motor vehicle accidents and insurance policies will be able to calculate an estimated value for your claim based on your damages, injuries treatment costs, lost income, vehicle repair/replacement costs, and other losses stemming from the accident. If your claim is worth over $10,000, hiring a skilled Dallas car accident attorney is likely worthwhile to ensure you maximize your payout.
Navigating Insurance Negotiations
Insurance carriers have teams of adjusters and lawyers backing them up during claim negotiations. As an average person without legal expertise, you are at a disadvantage if you try to handle negotiations yourself. An attorney levels the playing field and deals with the insurance company on your behalf while you focus on recovery. Plus, insurers know that a represented plaintiff has a strong case, so they are more likely to offer a fair settlement.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
There are many legal processes and documentation requirements involved in accident claims. Making seemingly small mistakes can negatively impact your claim or even get it denied entirely. An experienced Dallas car accident lawyer has handled hundreds of cases and knows how to navigate the intricate legal and insurance issues in order to build a strong claim for you. Their expertise helps avoid costly errors.
The decision of whether or not to hire an attorney after a car accident is very situational. If your crash injuries and vehicle damages are minor, you may be able to handle things on your own. However, if the at-fault driver caused significant losses for you, hiring a car accident lawyer in Dallas is extremely beneficial for recovering maximum compensation for your claim.