It’s natural to wonder whether you need to hire an attorney after getting into an accident. While you can technically pursue a personal injury claim on your own, that doesn’t mean it’s the best idea. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to protect their profits. Without legal representation of your own, you could end up settling for far less than your case is worth.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in El Paso ensures you have someone on your side who knows the law and can fight for your rights from start to finish, including in court if necessary.
Texas Personal Injury Law and Fault Rules
Texas law allows injured victims to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence causes them harm. This could involve a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or other incident. However, it’s important to note that the state follows a modified comparative negligence system under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §33.001.
This means that you can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If you are partly to blame, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but are found 25% responsible, you would receive $75,000.
This framework allows insurance companies and other defendants the possibility to escape liability, so it’s likely that they will try and pin at least some of the blame on you. An attorney can help you respond to these allegations appropriately and work to maintain the full value of your claim.
Why It’s Important To Have a Personal Injury Lawyer in Your Corner
A lawyer does much more than file paperwork. From the moment you hire them, your attorney can take on the burden of dealing with insurance adjusters and building your personal injury claim for compensation. They will:
- Investigate the accident by gathering evidence, witness statements, and expert reports
- Determine liability and identify all possible sources of compensation
- Calculate all of your economic and non-economic damages
- Hire experts to help make your case as strong as possible
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement offer
- Represent you in court if your case goes to trial
Accidents often leave victims overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Having legal help allows you to focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the legal side.
What Does It Cost To Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Another potential benefit of hiring a personal injury lawyer is the fee structure that they operate on. Most injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means it won’t cost you anything up front or by the hour. Instead, your lawyer only gets paid at the end of your case if they recover compensation for you.
With this framework, you can afford to hire a top-rated lawyer for your case regardless of your financial circumstances. It also means that your attorney will be motivated to increase the value of your claim as much as they can.
Contact a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an accident anywhere in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. However, you may need legal assistance in order to make the most of your claim.
While you might not need a lawyer for every case, it’s at least worth your time to reach out for a free consultation. Contact Cal Mundell Injury Law today to get started. We can offer some initial legal advice about your best course of action at that time.