Should I Get A Lawyer For A Car Accident?
Car accidents in Texas can be overwhelming. Beyond the immediate stress of medical care and property damage, you’re often left facing insurance adjusters, mounting bills, and questions about your rights. One of the most important decisions you may face after a crash is whether to hire a personal injury lawyer. While not every car accident requires legal representation, many cases benefit greatly from having an experienced attorney on your side.
At Carrollton Injury Law, we put the personal back into personal injury law. Our goal is to help you understand your options, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Matters After a Car Accident
Car accidents are more than just inconvenient—they can cause serious, long-term consequences. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, leaving you responsible for expenses you shouldn’t have to cover. A lawyer helps level the playing field by protecting your rights, gathering evidence, negotiating settlements, and if necessary, filing a lawsuit.
Without representation, you may risk accepting less than your claim is truly worth.
Situations Where You Should Strongly Consider a Lawyer
While not every fender bender requires legal help, there are many situations where hiring a lawyer is highly beneficial. You should consider getting a car accident lawyer if:
You suffered serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, or permanent scarring.
The accident caused long-term medical care needs including surgery, physical therapy, or rehabilitation.
There is disputed fault and the other driver (or their insurance company) denies responsibility.
Multiple parties are involved, making liability complex (such as pileups or commercial vehicle accidents).
The insurance company denies or delays your claim.
You are offered a settlement that doesn’t cover your expenses for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
You lost a loved one in a fatal accident and need to pursue a wrongful death claim.
In these cases, a lawyer helps ensure your claim is properly valued and supported by strong evidence.
What a Car Accident Lawyer Does for You
An experienced attorney takes on the legal burden so you can focus on recovery. Here’s how a lawyer helps:
1. Investigates the Accident
Lawyers collect police reports, witness statements, medical records, and even hire accident reconstruction experts if needed. This ensures your claim is supported by strong evidence.
2. Deals With the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters often pressure victims into quick settlements. A lawyer knows these tactics and negotiates firmly on your behalf.
3. Calculates Full Compensation
Your claim may involve far more than just immediate medical bills. A lawyer accounts for future medical costs, lost wages, diminished earning ability, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
4. Files a Lawsuit If Necessary
Most cases settle, but if an insurance company refuses to be fair, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
5. Provides Peace of Mind
With a lawyer by your side, you don’t have to navigate confusing paperwork, deadlines, or Texas legal procedures alone.
Texas Law on Car Accident Claims
Under Texas law, car accident claims are governed by comparative negligence rules. This means if you are partly at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your damages may be reduced by 20%.
Importantly, if you are more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation at all. This makes it critical to have legal representation if fault is being disputed.
Additionally, Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you do not file your claim within two years from the date of the accident, you could lose your right to compensation. A lawyer ensures you meet all deadlines and legal requirements.
Common Mistakes People Make Without a Lawyer
Victims who try to handle claims on their own often run into challenges. Some common mistakes include:
Accepting the first settlement offer without realizing it won’t cover long-term expenses.
Failing to properly document injuries or medical treatment.
Missing important filing deadlines.
Saying too much to insurance adjusters, accidentally admitting fault.
Underestimating the value of their claim.
A lawyer helps you avoid these pitfalls and ensures your rights are protected every step of the way.
How Carrollton Injury Law Puts the Personal Back Into Personal Injury
At Carrollton Injury Law, we know every client and every case is unique. We provide personalized attention from start to finish, making sure you understand your options and feel supported during this stressful time. We fight hard against insurance companies, but we never forget the human side of what you’re going through.
When you’ve been injured in a car accident, you deserve a law firm that listens, cares, and takes action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I always need a lawyer for a car accident?
Not always. If the accident was minor, caused no injuries, and liability is clear, you may be able to handle it on your own. However, for serious injuries or disputed claims, having a lawyer greatly improves your chances of fair compensation.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
Most personal injury lawyers, including Carrollton Injury Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay upfront. Instead, the lawyer is paid a percentage of the settlement or verdict only if you win.
How long will my case take?
The timeline depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the case, and whether the insurance company is willing to settle. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take longer if a trial is necessary.
What should I do right after a car accident?
Call 911 and report the accident.
Seek medical care, even if you feel fine (some injuries appear later).
Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver.
Avoid admitting fault.
Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
What damages can I pursue in a Texas car accident claim?
You may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
The answer depends on your situation. If your accident involves injuries, disputed liability, or insurance company pushback, the safest move is to hire a lawyer. An attorney helps protect your rights, ensures your claim is fully valued, and relieves you of the stress of dealing with insurance companies.
At Carrollton Injury Law, we are here to stand by your side and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve while treating you with the personal care and respect you need.
Don’t face the insurance companies alone. Get the personal help you need to move forward after a car accident.
