If you have been involved in a fender bender or an accident that you feel was relatively minor, you may be wondering whether it is worth the time and effort to call an attorney. After all, it is certainly allowable to represent yourself after a car accident, and insurance companies are certainly happy to work with claimants who do not haggle about their settlement offer.
Failing to retain a lawyer after an accident can result in missing out on significant compensation and accepting a settlement that is less than your case is actually worth. Here are some of the reasons you should retain an attorney after any car accident.
Minor Accidents can Cause Serious Injuries
Accidents that seem minor can cause surprisingly serious injuries. For example, even a low-speed rear-end accident can cause whiplash, a painful medical condition that can cause problems for weeks, months, or even years.
Body Work is Extremely Expensive
Minor accidents can cause thousands upon thousands of dollars in damage to a vehicle. Of course, insurance companies are incentivized to delay or deny claims in which more money is on the line. As a result, if your accident resulted in expensive repairs to your vehicle, you may have difficulty getting the compensation to which you are entitled from the insurance company.
Minor Injuries Could Prevent You from Working
Even if your injuries are minor, it could result in you missing a significant amount of work, and in turn, income. Lost income is a compensable loss under Texas law, meaning that any settlement or award you receive should compensate you for it. The representation of a lawyer will ensure your damages are fully addressed by any recovery you obtain.
Call a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
Even minor car accidents can leave victims with substantial financial losses and physical injuries. As a result, anyone involved in any type of crash should speak with a lawyer immediately. To schedule a free case evaluation with attorney Stewart J. Guss, call our office today at 800-898-4877 or send us an email through our online contact form.
1 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/basics/definition/con-20033090
2 http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/
