When to Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident in Friendswood, TX, you may be unsure whether you actually need a lawyer. The answer depends on your injuries, the insurance process, and whether fault is disputed. Knowing when to get legal help after a car accident can make the difference between a manageable recovery and a devastating one. 

At The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped car crash victims all over Texas get the compensation they deserve, no matter the type of accident.

Call us today at (281) 992-8633 to schedule a free consultation with a Friendswood car accident lawyer.

Why Choose The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for Help After a Car Accident in Friendswood, TX?

Why Choose The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for Help After a Car Accident in Friendswood, TX?

When you hire The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers, you get a team with a positive reputation for results and client service in Friendswood, Texas, and beyond. 

Our firm has earned recognition from some of the most respected organizations in the legal field, including:

  • Double board certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • Nine-time Top 100 Texas Super Lawyer
  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Membership in the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers

With more than five decades of combined experience and over $500 million recovered for accident victims, our personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and resources to handle even the most challenging cases. 

Call us today to discuss your legal options with our Friendswood car accident attorneys. 

Can I Handle a Car Accident Claim on My Own?

If your case involves any of the following, it’s smart to contact a lawyer:

  • Injuries requiring extensive medical care or rehab
  • Disputed fault
  • Multi-vehicle accident
  • Lost wages or long-term disability
  • Insurance delays, denials, or low settlement offers
  • A fatal accident involving the wrongful death of a loved one

The complexities of these situations often demand skilled navigation. An experienced Friendswood personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation for your losses.

Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use Against Crash Victims

Insurance adjusters often sound helpful, but their goal is to protect company profits, not customer interests.

Some common tactics include:

  • Offering quick settlements before you know the full cost of your injuries
  • Delaying claims until you feel pressure to settle
  • Blaming you for the accident to avoid paying
  • Asking for recorded statements that they can use against you

Our team knows the strategies insurers routinely use to avoid paying out accident victims’ claims and how to challenge them. We can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims.

What Damages Can You Recover After an Accident in Texas?

Texas law allows accident victims to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. 

You may be entitled to recover for:

  • Past and future medical expenses (ER visits, rehab, ongoing care)
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced future earning potential
  • Vehicle repairs and property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Permanent disability or scarring

We work with medical and financial experts to ensure your claim reflects the full extent of your injuries.

Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident

Securing proper compensation often requires a deep understanding of legal procedures and negotiation strategies. Even well-meaning drivers can hurt their own cases.

Common mistakes to avoid include:

  • Admitting fault at the scene before all facts are known
  • Skipping medical care or failing to follow treatment plans
  • Talking to insurance adjusters without getting legal advice
  • Posting accident details on social media

A lawyer helps you avoid these pitfalls from the very beginning. They understand the nuances of liability and can protect your rights throughout the process, offering peace of mind during a challenging time.

Misconceptions About Getting a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Texas

It’s a common belief that hiring a lawyer is only necessary for severe injuries, yet this can be a costly gamble. Many underestimate the long-term implications of even seemingly minor collisions. Let’s address some misconceptions about getting legal representation.

Do I Need a Lawyer if I Am Partially At-Fault for a Car Crash?

Yes, possibly. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still have options through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. A Friendswood car accident attorney can review your policy and explore all potential sources of compensation.

How Long Will My Car Accident Case Take?

It depends on the severity of your injuries and whether the insurance company negotiates in good faith. Some cases settle in months, while others may require litigation and take longer.

But Aren’t Lawyers Expensive?

Most Friendswood personal injury attorneys take cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything unless we successfully recover compensation for your injuries. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us attorneys’ fees.

How Long Do I Have to File an Accident Lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the accident date. However, the statute of limitations may differ depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

But that doesn’t mean you should wait. Delaying action can weaken your claim. The sooner you involve an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

Contact Our Friendswood Car Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation

After a car accident in Friendswood, it’s natural to ask yourself: Do I really need a lawyer for this? The truth is, if your injuries are serious, the insurance company is giving you the runaround, or if the cause of the accident isn’t apparent, having a lawyer by your side can make all the difference. 

Contact The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and fight to hold negligent drivers accountable.

And if you’re still unsure, a free consultation with an experienced Friendswood car accident lawyer can help you decide whether hiring an attorney is right for you. Call today.