If you have been caught in a car crash, you’ll have a lot to deal with. You might have been impacted psychologically, physically, emotionally, or financially.
A lawyer can help you through this difficult time by guiding you through the claims process, taking things off your plate, and improving the outcome of your case. Get an experienced attorney like Joe Stephens and his team to fight for you.
If you’ve been injured by the negligence of another, you could hire any local lawyer, or you can hire the best West Houston auto collision attorneys. Joe Stephens has been defending injury victims in Texas for over 3 decades from negligent individuals, companies, and greedy insurance companies. As a top rated vehicle wreck attorney in Katy, TX, Joe handles all cases personally, and his staff is always available to answer questions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Your attorney will work with investigators to gather all evidence, including weather conditions, road issues, and driver negligence, to build a strong case and boost your chances of success.
- A lawyer helps determine responsibility and prove your innocence. By reviewing all factors surrounding the accident, your attorney will identify who is at fault, protect you from blame, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- A lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. Insurance companies often offer low payouts, but your attorney will fight to ensure you get fair compensation that covers all your losses, including pain and suffering, and prevent you from accepting an unfair offer.
Are Car Accidents Common In Houston?
Ways a Car Accident Lawyer in West Houston Will Improve Your Chances of Winning a Claim
Not only can a car accident lawyer make the recovery process easier, but your attorney can also improve your chances of winning and even how much you win. Without an attorney, you may find yourself winning less than you deserve or even losing entirely. Here’s how an attorney can make a difference in your settlement.
Investigating the Accident
One of the ways a car accident lawyer will improve your chances of winning a claim is by thoroughly investigating the accident with an experienced eye. Most of the time, traffic collisions are incredibly complex scenes. Even if it seems clear to you who caused the accident, there are often mitigating circumstances such as the weather, improper signage, the state of the road, driver negligence, and a vehicle’s condition.
A car accident lawyer will work with specialized investigators to piece together the scene so that when they come to present your case, you are more prepared and therefore more likely to win your case. From the investigation, your attorney will strive to get justice for your or your loved one’s injuries, pain, and suffering.
Determining Responsibility
Another one of the ways a car accident lawyer will improve your chances of winning a claim is by using the results of the investigation to determine who is responsible for the collision. In recent years, risky driving behaviors are becoming and causing more fatalities and injuries than ever.
Your lawyer will make sure that all these factors are assessed and determine the responsible party. If another party was negligent and caused you or your loved one to be injured, your attorney will prove your lack of blame, so you can receive compensation. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost income, the expenses of vehicle replacement, and psychological damage.
Insurance Company Negotiation
Thirdly, you will need an experienced lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company following a collision. This is because some insurance companies try to minimize their payouts using contract intricacies and other legal complexities.
But the cost of replacing your vehicle, medical expenses, and lost income can be very expensive and add up quickly. To recover financially, you will need as much insurance payout as you can get. Your attorney can accurately assess your case and determine a fair value of compensation.
Your attorney will handle communications with the insurance company and negotiate fair compensation for not only your financial losses but your pain and suffering. Without an attorney, you may settle for a far lower price only to realize later the check won’t cover all your losses. They will work to secure you a better settlement than the one originally offered, and make sure you don’t sign any documents that will prevent you from further litigation.
Medical Bill Support
After a car crash, while you should be recovering, you may experience hospitals or debt collectors following up about medical expenses. Joe Stephens and his team will work on your behalf to communicate with these financial pressures, so you can focus on a healthy recovery.
Similarly, one of the ways a car accident lawyer will improve your chances of winning a claim is by assessing all your injuries and getting you scheduled with the best doctors. They will also gather all your medical records and highlight for insurance companies how your injuries impacted your life.
Can a Houston Car Accident Attorney Still Help if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Yes. In Texas, being “partially at fault” does not automatically disqualify you from receiving money. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (the 51% Bar Rule). This means you can still recover compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce what they pay. Joe Stephens works to challenge unfair fault determinations by reviewing accident reports, witness statements, and available evidence to protect your right to compensation.
How Shared Fault Impacts Your Check
If you are found to be 20% responsible for the crash (perhaps for a minor speed violation) and the other driver is 80% responsible (for running a red light), your final compensation will be reduced by your 20% share. Insurance adjusters know this and will fight to push your “fault percentage” above 50% to avoid paying anything. Joe Stephens works to challenge these unfair determinations by using:
- Dashcam and surveillance footage
- Professional accident reconstruction
- Black box data from the vehicles involved
How an Attorney Protects Your Claim
Hiring an attorney is about more than just filing paperwork; it is about leveling the playing field against billion-dollar insurance corporations.
Handling All Communication with Insurance Adjusters
From the moment you hire a lawyer, the insurance company is no longer allowed to call you directly. This prevents them from tricking you into making statements that could be used to deny your claim.
Identifying the Full Scope of Your Damages
Many victims accept an early settlement before they realize they need surgery or that their “minor” back pain is a permanent injury. We calculate the true value of your claim, including future medical costs and lost earning capacity.
Gathering Evidence That Disappears Quickly
In Houston, traffic camera footage is often overwritten within days, and witnesses’ memories fade. We act immediately to secure 911 recordings, police reports, and physical evidence from the scene.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
The compensation available in a car accident case depends on the facts of the crash and the extent of your injuries. Common types of compensation may include:
- Medical expenses for current and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
An experienced lawyer can work with you to carefully review the full impact of an accident to pursue compensation that reflects both short-term losses and long-term consequences. If you need to talk to an experienced lawyer in Houston, Joe Stephens offers a free consultation to support you.
Will I Pay Anything Upfront?
No, Joe Stephens handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any legal fees upfront.
There are no legal fees unless Joe wins your case. This allows injured Houstonians to pursue justice without worrying about out-of-pocket costs during an already stressful time.
How Soon Do I Need a Lawyer After a Crash?
It is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident. Ideally, you should call within 24 to 48 hours of the crash. While the Texas Statute of Limitations for personal injury is generally two years, waiting even a few weeks can result in lost evidence or “lowball” offers that set a negative tone for your entire claim.
If You Were Injured in a Car Wreck Call West Houston Injury Attorney Joe Stephens Now
Do not hesitate to ask for help when you have been hurt in a car accident. One of our experienced lawyers will fight for you, so you can get the settlement you deserve. Get your free case evaluation today!
