Everyone assumes a certain level of risk when they leave their homes in the morning. In most cases, you’ll get back home without any scratch, but there’s always a possibility of you being involved in an unexpected accident.
Most accidents are preventable. However, even the most careful person can sustain severe injuries and find themselves in the hospital due to another party’s negligence. But why should you pay for damages for an accident you didn’t cause?
Personal injury claims can be very complex. For this reason, it’s best to work with a reputable Hutto, Texas, personal injury lawyer that can offer you the best possible legal representation. Whether you have sustained a traumatic brain injury or lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, an attorney can protect your rights and interests throughout the claims process.
What Qualifies As a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case is any claim involving injuries caused by another person or entity. The case is the dispute between you — the plaintiff — and the other party — the defendant — regarding fault and liability. If you’ve been hurt due to another person’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may have a valid personal injury claim against that party for damages.
After a successful case, you may receive compensation for your injuries, financial losses, and other damages caused by the other party’s wrongdoing.
What Should I Do if I Am Hurt in an Accident?
The seconds, minutes, and hours after an accident can be confusing. You may be in shock, especially if you are severely hurt. Here’s what our Hutto personal injury lawyers recommend after an accident.
- Assess possible injuries and call 911 for assistance
- Seek immediate medical treatment and describe your injuries in detail
- Don’t leave the scene of the accident
- Document the scene by taking photos and videos
- Obtain witness contact information
- Cooperate with Hutto law enforcement
- Keep a record of all accident-related documents and expenses
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer near Hutto
Reaching out to an attorney after an accident is important. They can protect your rights and ensure valuable evidence isn’t destroyed. A reliable Hutto personal injury attorney can evaluate your claim and push for a fair settlement.
What If an Insurance Company Wants My Recorded Statement?
After an accident in Hutto insurance carriers may ask for recorded statements. The other party’s insurer may require a statement that asks about the accident and how you feel. Remember, you are not obligated to give the other party’s insurance company a recorded statement.
But it may be another story if such a request comes from your own insurer. It’s important to point out that you have a contractual relationship with your insurance provider. Refusing to comply with their request may violate the terms of your contract.
Whether it is giving a recorded or written statement or signing papers, it’s advisable to have an experienced personal injury lawyer from Hutto by your side. An attorney can help you draft a statement that meets the insurance company’s needs without jeopardizing your claim.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with insurance companies:
- Stick to the facts
- Never admit fault, even to your own insurance provider
- Only answer the question asked
- Say as little as possible
- Never guess
- Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question
- Do not agree to any quick settlement offer
What Is the Value of My Case?
Every personal injury case is different. Lawyers, claims adjusters, and courts consider various factors when determining compensation during a Hutto personal injury claim. Here are some crucial factors that may help to determine the value of your case:
- The extent of your injuries. Did you sustain minor or catastrophic injuries? What was the duration of your recovery?
- Medical bills. Did you undergo a surgical procedure or require long-term home-based care?
- Property damage. Was your vehicle or any other personal property damaged during the accident?
- Insurance coverage. Do you have comprehensive coverage? Was the defendant insured?
- Were you to blame in any way for the accident?
A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Hutto can provide an accurate assessment of your past, present, and future needs to arrive at an estimate of your claim’s value. This is a crucial phase before entering into any negotiations with the insurance carrier.
What If My Case Goes to Trial?
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. However, there are some instances where your Hutto personal injury attorney may advise you to go to trial, including if the insurance company offers a lowball settlement or if they argue your injuries were caused by a preexisting condition.
In the event that a settlement isn’t feasible, you may file a lawsuit against the defendant to recover compensation in court. During litigation, your lawyer will explain what happened during the accident and prove the defendant’s negligence. The jury will thoughtfully evaluate your case and arrive at a verdict.
Here’s what you should expect in a Hutto personal injury trial:
- Jury selection
- Opening statements
- Witness testimony and cross-examination
- Closing statements
- Jury deliberations
- Final ruling
If your case goes to trial, it’s in your best interest to enlist the services of a Hutto personal injury attorney with relevant trial experience. This will give you the peace of mind you need to focus on your recovery as your attorney handles your civil court case.
Medical Bills and Personal Injury Claims
The state of Texas applies a minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25 for auto accidents. This implies that drivers must have coverage of at least $30,000 for injuries per person, up to $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Since Texas is an at-fault state, all your medical bills must be covered by the at-fault party’s insurance company. If you use your health insurance to pay for your medical bills, the defendant’s insurance company must reimburse any cash you may have used for your accident-related medical expenses.
Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
It’s advisable to contact a reputable personal injury law firm near Hutto immediately after your accident. Here’s how the legal team at Pastrana & Garcia Injury Law can help with your claim:
- Handle all paperwork involving your claim
- Gather and analyze all relevant evidence
- Handle settlement talks on your behalf
- Expedite your claim
- Work with other lawyers, investigators, the police, financial experts, and medical professionals
- Represent you in court
All in all, a lawyer can provide peace of mind throughout the claims process. They can handle all the legal aspects of your claim while you rest and recuperate.
Types of Personal Injuries
Various situations can lead to personal injury claims. Most of these cases involve negligence. If a party owed a duty of care to others, there’s a good chance that you could receive compensation after a personal injury.
Examples of situations that could lead to a Hutto personal injury claim include:
- Car accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Truck wrecks
- Defective products
- Construction accidents
- Premises liability claims
- Workplace accidents
If someone you care about dies in an accident due to another person’s negligence, you could file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Charge?
Lawyers have various fee arrangements for different types of cases in Hutto. Some law firms charge hourly fees, retainers, or flat fees for civil and criminal cases.
At Pastrana & Garcia Injury Law, our personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. Simply put, you don’t have to pay any upfront fees for our legal services. We only get paid once you secure the compensation you deserve for your accident.
Protecting Your Right to a Personal Injury Claim
Have you or your loved one been hurt due to another party’s negligence? You may be eligible to receive compensation for your injury and damages. A reputable lawyer can help you recover a fair settlement for your medical bills, lost wages, and property damages.
Pastrana & Garcia Injury Law is ready to help answer any questions that you may have. Contact us to schedule your free case evaluation.
