This is the next article in my series on the handling of car accident cases in Laredo, Texas. My last post addressed the question of “how long does it take to settle a car accident case?” It is important for auto wreck victims to understand that they should not settle a matter until their future damages and losses can be reasonably ascertained. Settling your matter quickly can result in you receiving less than what is needed to cover future medical expenses, future lost wages, etc. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist you in setting reasonable expectations as to how long it will take your case to resolve. In this article I will discuss another important point – why it is important to speak with an attorney before talking to an insurance adjuster. If you or a loved one have been in a wreck then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer. We serve other areas of south Texas in addition to Laredo.
It is common for one to be contacted by the defendant’s insurance adjuster after an accident. In fact, it is not uncommon for the adjuster to reach out in as little as a day or two. During this call, the adjuster is likely to attempt to schedule a quick meeting with you and will discourage you from contacting an attorney. In my experience, it is the adjuster’s goal to reach a quick settlement in the matter. While such adjusters may come across as personable, and as someone who cares about your situation, it is important to remember that they work for the insurance company and are not your advocate. It is their job to settle the matter for as little as possible and, practically speaking, they tend to try to minimize the importance of facts which weigh in your favor.
Retaining an attorney means having a representative who advocates for you, as opposed to the profit-motivated insurance company, in the handling of your case. Counsel will fully investigate your matter and submit evidence to the insurer which proves the negligence of the defendant. This can include witness statements, photos, etc. Moreover, having counsel can make the insurance company more likely to settle disputed matters. Examples of matters can include cases where liability is an issue. If, for example, there is a collision at a four way stop sign, then the insurer may wish to simply say that fault cannot be determined and deny the claim. If you retain counsel, however, the insurer may be more likely to entertain settlement negotiations in order to avoid the potential of litigation. While the outcome of any given case will always depend on the specific facts of the situation, it is generally advised that all car accident victims retain counsel before speaking to insurance adjusters.
If you or a family member have been involved in a wreck then contact my office today to speak with a Laredo car accident lawyer. My office serves the south Texas area and we are proud of the level of service which we provide to clients. This includes promptly responding to phone calls, quickly replying to emails, and making sure you know what to expect as your matter moves forward. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.