Every day in Texas there are people injured due to someone else’s negligence, whether from car accidents, slip and falls or defective products. In these stressful moments, an experienced McKinney personal injury attorney can provide the guidance needed to pursue fair compensation. Medical bills, lost wages and ongoing recovery can quickly become overwhelming after an accident. However, with trusted legal support you can successfully hold the responsible party accountable.
Ways an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Can Improve Your Settlement
With proper evaluation, investigation, and handling by an experienced personal injury attorney, many personal injury claims can be resolved before a lawsuit is filed. Even after a lawsuit is filed, most of these cases can be resolved through a negotiated settlement and or mediation that compensates victims for their losses. Here are the main ways an experienced personal injury lawyer can maximize this settlement.
Assess the Value of a Personal Injury Claim
A personal injury can result in economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost income and property damage, while non-economic damages cover physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. An experienced personal injury attorney typically works with relevant parties, medical doctors, and expert witnesses to calculate the full extent of these damages.
Understand the Relevant Texas Laws
Texas uses the modified comparative fault system, also known as proportionate responsibility. Under this rule, if a plaintiff is found to be partially responsible for the accident (as long as they are 50% or less at fault), their compensation is reduced by that percentage. This legal rule, along with other state laws, makes it essential to find a personal injury attorney with experience in Texas law.
Manage Insurance Company Negotiations
An insurance adjuster may try to reduce your payout by arguing that you were more at fault, the impact was minor, you have pre-existing injuries, that your injuries aren’t that severe, that the medical treatment was unnecessary, that the medical bills are unreasonable, lapse/gap in treatment and other claims to try and reduce your recovery. Fortunately, an experienced personal injury attorney knows how to handle these tactics during the negotiation process. Your attorney will gather strong evidence and prepare an evidence-based valuation of what your claim is really worth.
Collect Evidence to Support Your Case
An experienced personal injury attorney will collect key evidence that helps support your compensation claim. Examples of this documentation include medical records, police reports, eyewitness statements, narratives from doctors, future medical costs, and other related information. A thorough collection of evidence will almost certainly influence the eventual settlement or jury verdict.
Avoid Mistakes That Could Lower the Settlement
Accepting the first settlement offer, failing to seek medical care promptly, not following your treatment plan, and missing key deadlines are all serious errors that can reduce the value of your claim. Your attorney will guide you on what to say, and when it is best to avoid making statements.
Recognize the Right Time to Settle
A skilled auto accident injury lawyer or personal injury attorney will carefully assess the strength of your case and the fairness of any settlement offer. In some situations the offer may be reasonable, while in others, filing a lawsuit could be the better option. Your attorney can clearly outline a strategy to maximize the settlement.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in McKinney
Lucé Law, PC helps people maximize their settlements after a personal injury. If you need dedicated support for a car accident, workplace injury or wrongful death claim in North Texas, contact our attorney team today. Call (972) 632-1300 or request a free legal consultation now.
