Should I get a lawyer for a rear-end car accident? You should get a lawyer after being rear–ended, even if a collision seems minor.
An Arlington rear-end collision lawyer can help ensure you are getting the full compensation that you are entitled to.
An Attorney Can Protect You From Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies deal with these cases daily and have teams of people dedicated to ensuring you get as little as possible. They bank on you not understanding your rights and the full scope of your entitlements so that they can give you the smallest amount necessary.
Insurance companies use a variety of techniques to avoid paying. They attempt to minimize or deny claims, say that conditions are pre-existing, injuries are minor, and take your statements and try to shift them to fit this narrative. This is why it is important not to speak to them without first consulting an attorney.
Having legal representation often leads to higher settlements. Since your attorney can directly negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, they can act as a barrier between you and the insurance company to help keep your rights protected.
You Could Be Entitled to More Compensation Than You Realize
After being involved in a car accident, you may be unsure of what types of damages you can recover. This can vary based on the severity of your accident, but common compensation can include:
- Lost wages
- Lost future income
- Damage to your motor vehicle
- Medical bills
- Future medical care/medical treatment
- Compensation for travel to doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, etc.
- Other healthcare expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Wrongful death compensation
A rear-end collision may seem minor at the time, but the implications can be costly. Having a lawyer for a rear-end accident is one way to ensure you get the best car accident settlement.
Can You Still Recover Damages Even if You are Partially At Fault
In a rear-end accident, the rear driver is almost always at fault. However, the front driver may also be partially liable in certain situations. This can be the case if brake lights are out, they slam on their brakes unexpectedly, or if they intentionally brake-check the car behind them, which would fall into the reckless driving category (Texas Transportation Code § 545.401).
Texas follows the modified comparative negligence rule under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001. This means that even if you are found to be partially at fault, you may still be able to recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault. The payout would be reduced by the percentage of fault you are responsible for.
For example, if you are found to be 20% liable for a rear-end collision, your payout would be reduced by 20% of the total value. An experienced attorney can help you determine how much at fault you may be and your potential for compensation.
A Lawyer Can Handle the Legal Work While You Focus on Recovery
Dealing with the aftermath of a rear-end collision can be daunting. During this time, your primary concern should be recovering. Medical appointments are time-consuming, and so is coordinating with body shops and rental companies. Having a lawyer for a rear-end car accident means they will handle the legal work.
Gathering Evidence
Attorneys have experts that they know and trust who can help gather evidence. This can include accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and private investigators. They can also obtain police reports, dashcam, and bodycam footage in many cases, if needed.
Speaking to Witnesses
Your lawyer can gather witness testimony to help build your case. They know the right questions to ask to get a detailed account of what happened from the witness’s perspective and how to use that evidence in your favor.
Filing Paperwork
Tedious tasks can be very time-consuming and complex. Filing the necessary paperwork incorrectly can prevent you from moving forward with your case and cause you to lose the option to recover damages. Your attorney knows which deadlines must be met and how to ensure everything is filed correctly.
Handling Insurers
As mentioned, working with insurance companies can be very stressful and challenging. Your attorney can work directly with them to handle settlement negotiations, so you do not have to, making it worth it to get an attorney after a car accident.
Representation in Court
If a settlement agreement is not reached, a court case may be necessary. If so, your attorney will represent you in court, presenting your case, calling witnesses, and fighting on your behalf in front of a judge.
Having an attorney on your side will help keep everything in your case running smoothly. It is their job to stay up to date on current laws and understand the local landscape, so you can focus on recovery. While you’re in physical therapy or the doctor’s office, they’re building your case.
Rear-End Accidents Can Cause Hidden Injuries
You may feel fine immediately following a rear-end crash, but adrenaline is high, so you could have injuries that don’t appear until later. This is why you should contact a lawyer after a rear–end accident. You could have injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue damage
It is important to be evaluated by a medical professional after any car accident, even a seemingly minor collision. The sooner you seek medical attention, the better it is for your case. Delayed treatment can not only be detrimental to your health, but it also tells a judge that your injuries may not be as severe as they truly are.
The Texas Law Dog Will Fight for You
At The Texas Law Dog, we know car accidents and are here to fight for you. Whether it’s handling insurance companies to get you the best settlement possible or taking it all the way to court, we don’t stop until you get the full compensation you deserve. We don’t just bark, we bite. Call our rear–end car accident lawyer today.
