Why Legal Advice Is Necessary Following a Texas Car Accident

Making it through a car accident is not so much about the wreck. The stress manifests later in the form of insurance paperwork, doctor visits, and unexpected bills that accumulate quickly.

“In Texas, fault is a big deal. A slight mistake can reduce the amount you are owed or result in payment being cut off completely,” says Felix Gonzalez of Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm. When problems become complex, support and advice from a car accident lawyer can be invaluable. This article discusses why legal advice is necessary after a car accident in Texas.

Determining Liability in Multi-Party Wrecks

Multi-vehicle wrecks usually devolve into a game of finger-pointing. Every driver blames another, and their statements do not align. Without objective proof or legal assistance, responsibility can quickly become muddled.

An attorney can investigate the accident by examining police reports, witness accounts, dashcam video, and traffic camera information. They can consult professionals, such as accident reconstruction analysts, to establish a timeline of the events leading up to the incident.

Fault determination is crucial, particularly in Texas, where comparative negligence principles are applicable. Any mistake on your end reduces the recoverable compensation you may be entitled to. Moreover, when you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you lose the right to recover damages.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters are committed to ensuring their company’s profit. They can make reasonable-sounding settlement offers, but these will seldom include actual long-term costs such as future medical treatment or lost earning capacity.

An attorney who understands insurance company negotiation strategies can tip the scales in the client’s favor. They know how to counter lowball settlement offers with evidence such as medical records, repair estimates, and expert testimony. Besides settling in full, attorneys compel insurers to process cases efficiently and in good faith.

Determining Damages

Victims of car accidents are entitled to economic and non-economic damages. That includes hospitalization fees, physical therapy, lost wages, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. However, calculating the extent of damages without legal support can be challenging. Pain does not always show up on a spreadsheet, and insurers tend to underestimate intangible losses.

A seasoned car accident lawyer can document and argue for maximum compensation. They will often receive assistance from medical professionals and vocational specialists when determining claims to ensure they adequately cover the actual cost of your rehabilitation.

Interpreting Texas Personal Injury Laws

Texas imposes strict deadlines on how and when you can bring a claim. You must bring your case within the two-year statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover damages.

Aside from timelines, the state also has a modified comparative negligence rule, where your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you cannot recover compensation if you are more than 50 percent at fault.

A lawyer can help you understand the laws surrounding your case and avoid these pitfalls. They will do so in a clear way so that you are not inundated with legal terms.

Bringing Lawsuits if Necessary

Not all car accident cases result in equitable settlements. When negotiations stall or insurance companies reject legitimate claims, legal action may be the only option.

Lawsuits are about more than filling out forms. You need to present evidence, follow proper filing procedures, and comply with Texas court deadlines. A single error can delay your case or lead to dismissal. 

A car accident attorney can handle every stage of litigation, from drafting the complaint to representing you in court. They also prepare for pre-trial motions, depositions, and discovery exchanges, which often determine the outcome of a case.

Conclusion

Getting back on your feet after a crash takes more than paperwork and patience. Legal guidance can turn confusion into clarity when everything feels out of sync. Do not wait until deadlines or lowball offers catch you off guard. Seek referrals, research your options, and find an attorney with a track record of handling cases like yours.