Yes, you can get a settlement for a Dallas auto accident lawyer without a lawyer. In fact, many people are able to get the compensation they need without having to go through the judicial process, according to the American Bar Association.
However, if you do not have a legal background or have ever dealt with a car accident claim before, you may encounter difficulties getting the compensation you deserve. You may experience complications during negotiations with the insurance company or not fully understand how Texas law applies to your case.
Working with a lawyer can offer a host of benefits that can work to ease the stress of your situation. They can calculate the total cost of your damages, manage communications with the insurer, and advise you on your financial recovery options. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, consider the benefits of teaming up with a personal injury lawyer.
Obstacles in Your Personal Injury Case
There are several challenges that may be present in your case that may seem overwhelming without a lawyer’s help. If you are not well equipped to handle these obstacles, your claim might be denied, or you might unwittingly accept an unfair settlement offer.
Some missteps that can prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve include:
Agreeing to a Recorded Statement
Insurance adjusters will often contact accident victims shortly after their accident and ask them to give a recorded statement. They may tell you that this is necessary and will speed up your claim. However, these statements can be used to discredit or devalue your case. When you work with a lawyer, they can determine whether giving a recorded statement could work to your benefit.
Signing a Medical Release Form Prematurely
The insurance company may send you medical release forms so that they can get information directly from your medical providers. You may think that this makes sense so they can see your bills and promptly pay you. However, if you do not carefully read what you are signing, you may inadvertently sign something that says that your injuries are not as bad as you claim. This, in turn, could affect any settlement offers they give you.
A lawyer can read everything the insurance company sends you so that you do not accidentally sign something that could negatively impact your case.
Accepting a Low Settlement Offer
As your bills continue to mount, you may be tempted to quickly wrap up your case. However, if you accept a settlement offer that does not take into account certain aspects of your damages (like future losses), you will be unable to recover additional compensation later.
A lawyer can estimate the cost of your collision-related damages to determine if the insurance company is extending a fair offer. They can also negotiate with the insurer to get you more money.
Not Understanding the Value of Your Case
When seeking to recover compensation for their damages, some claimants do not understand the true value of their damages. For example, if your injuries left you with a long-term disability, you may not understand the value of this loss because it does not have a predetermined monetary value. This can prevent you from getting a settlement that compensates you for all aspects of your collision.
Yet, a lawyer can calculate the cost of both your economic and noneconomic damages. They can factor in losses such as pain and suffering, your medical bills, lost income, and reduced earning capacity. This can help you understand what money you should be entitled to.
A Lawyer’s Goal Is to Recover Compensation for You
When you work with a personal injury lawyer, you gain from their experience.
Personal injury lawyers can assist with your claim by:
- Identifying all potentially liable parties, including parties you may not have initially considered
- Handling all interactions with the insurance company
- Reviewing the details of the involved insurance policies
- Collecting evidence that establishes the other party’s negligence
- Consulting with medical professionals regarding your health condition
- Estimating the long-term impact that the accident will have on your life
- Evaluating the cost of your pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other noneconomic losses
Many personal injury lawyers also operate on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning that claimants do not have to pay them anything until the successful conclusion of their case.
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins to Learn More
Loncar Lyon Jenkins advocates on behalf of injured car accident claimants. We provide a free consultation to discuss the aspects of your case. A member of our team can also provide more information regarding whether you can get a settlement for a car accident without a lawyer.
We encourage you to take prompt action because, under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you may not have a long time to file a lawsuit.
Call in the strong arm today at +1 214 747 0422 to get started.
