Do I Need a Lawyer To File an Injury Claim?
After being injured in an accident, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is whether to hire a personal injury attorney. Settling your claim quickly with the insurance company may be tempting, but not understanding your legal rights can negatively impact your ability to recover the compensation you need and deserve. It is especially important for you to hire an experienced Houston personal injury attorney if you have suffered serious injuries because of another party’s negligence or if the fault of your accident is in question.
At The Krist Law Firm, P.C., we can evaluate your claim, explain your legal options, and fight to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. The last thing you should be worried about when trying to recover from your injuries is filing a claim on your own. We will advocate for your best interests and help you shoulder the burden of pursuing a claim for compensation while you focus on recovery.
Proving Liability Can Be Complicated
When you file a personal injury claim, you must be able to prove that you were involved in an accident, someone else’s negligence caused the accident, you were injured, and that the accident caused your injuries. The most complicated aspect of most personal injury cases is proving liability. In order to prove liability, you will need evidence, witness testimony, and experts whose scientific, medical, or technical knowledge supports your case.
It can be difficult for you to know how and where to gather the evidence you need on your own. Furthermore, building a strong argument to support your case will require financial resources, which may be difficult if you are already facing mounting medical bills and unable to work because of your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to conduct a thorough investigation, preserve crucial evidence, and have the financial resources necessary to build the strongest possible argument to support your case.
Understanding the Law and Legal Process
Filing a personal injury claim is a complex task that requires an understanding of the laws that affect your case and knowledge of strict legal procedures. This includes knowing what paperwork needs to be filed, what deadlines apply, and how to communicate with opposing counsel or the insurance company.
Your financial future depends on the successful outcome of your claim and you should not risk missing out on thousands of dollars because of an oversight or mistake in the legal process. A personal injury attorney can not only help you navigate every facet of the legal process, but will improve your odds of obtaining a favorable settlement or jury verdict.
Settlement Negotiations
The vast majority of personal injury cases are settled outside of court. Negotiating with an insurance company for a fair settlement can be an overwhelming endeavor for a lay person. It is the job of the insurance adjuster to pay out as little as possible on your claim and avoid a lawsuit. This means that the initial settlement offer from the insurance company is likely to be low and inadequate to cover your losses.
If you accept a settlement offer before you know the full extent of your injuries, you will not be entitled to seek additional compensation for your injuries down the road. A Houston personal injury attorney can help you understand how much your claim is worth, negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement, or determine if it is in your best interest to take your case to trial. Having a skilled attorney by your side can increase the likelihood that an insurance company will settle earlier and for a more favorable amount. In fact, research has shown that individuals who are represented by counsel receive larger settlements than those who do not retain an attorney.
Focus on Recovery While The Krist Law Firm, P.C. Does the Work
At The Krist Law Firm, P.C., we will be there with you every step of the way, from the initial investigation to settlement or trial. With over four decades of experience handling virtually every type of personal injury case in the Houston area, our team of talented attorneys knows how to conduct investigations, collect evidence, and present the strongest possible argument designed to obtain the compensation you deserve. We have obtained some of the largest settlements and jury verdicts in Texas and we will work tirelessly to achieve the maximum compensation in your case.
We offer a free initial consultation so that we can discuss your case and explain your legal options. Once you decide to hire us, there are no up-front fees to investigate your accident, file your lawsuit, or take your case to trial. We only get paid if we obtain compensation for you. To learn more about your legal options, contact us today at 281-283-8500 .