Car accidents fall under the category of personal injury law: a specialty that requires extensive experience, strong tactics, and the ability to negotiate with big insurance companies. When you need a car accident attorney in San Antonio, a jack-of-all-trades lawyer is probably not going to be right for the case. So, how do you find a car accident attorney who knows how to win?
What Does It Take to Win Compensation After a Car Accident?
Understanding Your Rights
If you have been injured in a car accident in Texas, you may be eligible for thousands or even millions of dollars in compensation. The average car accident settlement in the state is just over $15,000, but a case involving a serious injury can bring in substantially more money when argued by a skilled lawyer. The types of damages you may claim include:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Stress and anxiety
- Disfigurement
- Loss of the affection of a spouse
- Loss of enjoyable activities
- Punitive damages (in the case of gross negligence)
Making Your Case Against the Other Driver
According to the law, the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for your damages with insurance or out of pocket when there is substantial evidence indicating that he or she caused the accident. To collect compensation, you will need to prove that your crash-related injuries were directly caused by the accident and that they were serious enough to warrant the damages you seek.
Pursuing Damages With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
Most car accident cases end in a settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, so chances are, you won’t need to go to court to collect compensation. The best way to pursue a settlement offer is to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance and let your lawyer handle the communications.
A qualified lawyer will present your arguments to the insurance company as though you were in court. He or she should make them understand that unless a settlement is reached, they will be compelled by law to honor their policy.
Taking the Other Side to Court if Necessary
While settling outside of court works in everyone’s favor by saving time and legal fees, there is a chance that the other side will not respond to reasonable arguments. In that case, you have a right to take the other driver or his or her insurance company to court. Your lawyer will then litigate on your behalf, presenting evidence to support your case.
What Should You Look for in a Winning Attorney?
Insurance companies make their money by avoiding payouts. You cannot count on them to act in your interest or to issue a fair settlement without putting up a fight. A strong lawyer is your best chance of recovering compensation for your damages, and the traits you should look for include:
- Willingness to thoroughly investigate your accident to uncover evidence
- In-depth understanding of personal injury law
- Thorough understanding of all the types of damages you may be eligible to collect
- Awareness of what counter-tactics the insurance company might try
- Ability to deliver arguments persuasively
- Strong negotiation skills
- Relentless commitment to serving your interests
Do Your Research
When you start vetting lawyers, it pays to look into the law firms’ track records. If you see that a firm or a particular lawyer has extensive experience in cases similar to yours and numerous wins to their credit, you can feel confident about trusting them with your case. The firm’s website, client referrals, and the bar association are often good sources of information.
Schedule a Consultation With a Car Accident Attorney in San Antonio
When you have identified a lawyer who you might want to work with, it’s time to meet virtually or in person. You should be able to find a good San Antonio car accident attorney who offers free consultations to help clients avoid paying any out-of-pocket expenses before the settlement is secured. The consultation is an excellent time to assess the attorney’s professionalism and commitment to your case.
During the consultation, you can ask what kinds of evidence might work to your advantage, and how the lawyer intends to go about pursuing compensation for you. What arguments will he or she present to the insurance company? Is he or she willing to take the case all the way to trial if necessary? How and when will the legal fees be paid?
Finding a lawyer who knows how to win a personal injury case is an essential step toward getting the compensation you deserve. Whether your accident is a straightforward case involving two personal-use vehicles or a more complicated accident involving a motorcycle, a commercial truck, or another complicating factor, connecting with a qualified lawyer can help you hold the at-fault party responsible.
