It can happen in the blink of an eye: an unexpected car accident that leaves you with personal injuries, damage to your vehicle, pain and suffering, and perhaps even unable to work. If the accident was caused by the other party’s negligence, you might be able to recover compensation for your expenses. You may be wondering: should I get a lawyer after a car accident?

Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer, and How Can They Help Me?

There are many different tasks that car accident lawyers undertake on their client’s behalf. They investigate the facts of the accident, including interviewing witnesses and reconstructing the scene of the crash. They gather pertinent evidence of liability and damages, and they communicate with other parties, insurance companies, the authorities, and others who are important to building a strong case. They research the laws and procedures involved in your car accident claim, and they will apply the law to the unique facts of your case.

An experienced car accident lawyer will negotiate with the other side and their insurance company toward a fair and reasonable settlement offer. They will offer valuable legal advice regarding your rights and options and discuss with you the potential next steps in your case.

If negotiations do not yield a successful settlement, they will file a claim on your behalf in the appropriate court, handling pleadings, discovery, and pretrial motions as needed. They will build a strong case and present it in court, striving for a successful resolution of your claim.

More likely than not, the answer to the question “Do I need a lawyer for a car accident?” is a resounding yes. Hiring a knowledgeable attorney will allow you to focus on your recovery and putting your life back together after your accident.

When Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

Obtaining the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer is always a good idea, but there are certain circumstances under which you should definitely consider hiring a car accident lawyer. For example:

  • When liability is unclear or contested. Liability for an accident — a finding of fault by one party — is rarely clear-cut. This is perhaps the most important issue in any car accident claim, which typically involves negligence. In order to recover, you will need to show that the other party breached a duty of care, which directly caused your injuries. An experienced lawyer’s help is never more important than when liability needs to be established.
  • When insurance companies are involved. Insurance companies have significant legal help and resources available, which skews the balance of power in their favor during negotiations. Don’t try to go alone — a skilled personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf toward a fair and reasonable settlement, evening the playing field.
  • When there are several laws involved, complicating the matter, or when the facts of your case are highly complex or contested. At first blush, a car accident claim may seem simple and straightforward, but it can quickly become complex. A lawyer can help research the applicable laws, analyze them and their application to your case, and offer sound legal advice regarding your rights and options. They can also gather important evidence and build a claim based on law and evidence, in order to put you in a better position for settlement negotiations or trial.
  • When the damages in question are substantial. Damages in a car accident can mean significant medical, hospital, and prescription costs, along with the need to make repairs to the vehicles or other personal property. They may also include lost wages and even loss of future income if a party is unable to work as a result of their injuries. General damages such as pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, and the overall loss of the quality of your life can also be recovered as compensation after a car accident. You will want a lawyer with the expertise to accurately assess, value, and negotiate a fair amount of compensation for your damages.

How Can Johnson Garcia Help with Your Car Accident Claim?

A car accident lawsuit can quickly become complicated, particularly when insurance companies are involved and liability and damages are being questioned. The attorneys at Johnson Garcia have more than 35 years of experience in helping victims of car accidents obtain sizable settlements and resolve their claims.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another party, call our Houston-based legal team at Johnson Garcia. Even when the other party or their insurer is not negotiating fairly, the personal injury attorneys at Johnson Garcia can help, and we will file a lawsuit on your behalf and take your case to trial if needed. We can be reached by phone at 832-844-6700.