The Texas Department of Insurance indicates that a car accident occurs every minute. Given the thousands of vehicles on our roads every day, it’s unrealistic to assume that everyone is always safe. As a motorist or pedestrian, you may adhere to all traffic rules, but it only takes a split second for the negligence of another road user to cause you harm.
If you were recently involved in an auto wreck, you are probably wondering what it takes to recover compensation in Katy car accident cases. To begin with, not all cases are eligible for monetary recovery. You need a car accident lawyer to review your case before taking legal action. In Texas, Lone Star Injury Attorneys are known for helping victims like you obtain not only the justice they are entitled to but also the justice they deserve. In our decades of legal practice, we have secured millions in settlements for different personal injury cases. We may be able to help you too.
Why You Should Never Accept the Initial Settlement Offer
For many victims, receiving a call from the insurance adjuster offering an initial settlement is seen as good news. While it may be a positive start, you should not be overly excited. In many cases, the offer is made hurriedly because insurance companies know you are desperate for money and lack legal knowledge of personal injury claims. Their main goal is to minimize the amount payable as much as possible, as they are profit-driven ventures. Therefore, accepting the initial settlement should not be your priority.
As any seasoned attorney in Katy will tell you, accepting the offer without legal counsel is a bad idea. This is primarily because:
You Sign Away Your Compensatory Rights
Once you accept their offer, you sign away your right to seek further compensation for the car accident. Regardless of the extent of your damages, you cannot file any additional claims against them once you place your signature on the release agreement. For example, if you accept a $10,000 offer and later realize that you suffered more damages than what was offered in the deal, you cannot take any legal action against them. Before accepting any offer from insurance companies, it is in your best interest to consult a lawyer to discuss your case.
The Offer Doesn’t Represent the True Value of Your Claim
As mentioned earlier, insurance companies aim to maximize their returns by minimizing compensation for deserving victims. As such, the initial offer is never a true reflection of the actual value of your claim. Most insurance adjusters do this to prevent victims from pursuing further legal action since they understand the true worth of your compensation.
For a free legal consultation, call (832) 449-8230
Do I Need an Attorney for My Case?
Yes, while there is no requirement that compels you to retain an attorney for your case, it is always in your best interest to have a professional legal team handle your Katy car accident compensation process. An experienced auto wreck lawyer knows what it takes to prove a claim and recover maximum compensation. Therefore, if you are seeking a beneficial recovery, it is crucial to speak with an attorney from our firm as soon as possible. We will assist you in:
- Investigating your case to determine liability
- Collecting, preparing, and presenting formidable evidence
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Obtaining expert testimonials
- Negotiating a fair settlement with insurance companies
- Proceeding to litigation if negotiations fail
The best attorneys have their track record speaking on their behalf. So when searching for a lawyer, always look out for testimonials from previous clients.
Do I Proceed to Litigation or Settle with Insurance Companies?
Before considering a court process, you will first negotiate with insurance companies after receiving their initial settlement offer. Many personal injury cases settle during this stage. The process is fast and convenient, as your attorney handles communication with the insurance companies on your behalf.
On the other hand, proceeding to litigation can be time-consuming, expensive, and typically involves a significant amount of paperwork to have your case heard and determined. However, it provides the opportunity for higher compensation compared to an out-of-court process. Generally, you will begin with negotiations before potentially going to court. While doing so, it’s important to be vigilant for any acts of bad faith from insurance adjusters. In either case, your lawyer will advise you on the best legal avenue to pursue for maximum compensation following your motor vehicle collision.
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Have Further Questions About Car Accident Compensation in Katy? Talk to Us
Seeking compensation in Katy car accident cases can be complex. It’s possible that you have additional questions regarding your case. Because each case is unique, we prefer to discuss yours through our FREE case evaluation sessions. To schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of our highly skilled legal teams, please contact our Lone Star Injury Attorneys offices today.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
