Should I Settle My Texas Auto Accident Case as Quickly as Possible?

A car accident can derail your life in substantial ways. Suddenly, you are left with painful injuries, a damaged vehicle, medical bills, lost wages, and other unanticipated expenses that you worry about covering. The days, weeks, and months after suffering a car accident injury can be overwhelming and stressful, especially if you lack a solid support system. It’s common to feel isolated during this challenging time, but you should recognize that you do not have to go it alone. Enlisting the support of a trusted and compassionate Houston personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure that you recover the compensation you need to get your life back on track. As you navigate the auto accident claim process, you may wonder whether you should try to settle the case as soon as possible. This post will explore the reasons why waiting a bit longer to settle your claim can be the most strategic path forward.

Determining Fault in Texas Car Accidents

Texas observes a “modified comparative fault” rule, meaning that injured victims may still recover compensation if their behavior or negligence contributed to the accident in some way. However, the amount of compensation you recover will be reduced according to your degree of fault. In Texas, you cannot recover compensation if an investigation finds you more than 50 percent at fault for the collision. Determining liability is one of the most time-consuming and challenging aspects of the auto accident claims process. Unfortunately, insurance companies may use this rule to unjustly reduce the amount of compensation you recover. Working with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer is the best way to fight back against insurance adjusters who may be unfairly blaming you for a collision that was not your fault.

Estimating Your Car Accident Claim’s Worth

There is no one-size-fits-all calculation to determine the exact amount of compensation a car accident victim may receive. Instead, you and your legal team will gather several types of evidence and consider many different factors to estimate your claim’s worth. Your attorney will look at the severity of your injuries, current and future medical expenses, loss of income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other costs stemming from the accident and your injuries to calculate the value of your claim. If the accident caused you serious injuries that require lengthy hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and other long-term treatments, you should take your time compiling your auto accident claim. You will want to have a better understanding of the ongoing and future costs of your recovery before you arrive at the amount of compensation you’re seeking. Ultimately, your goal is to recover the total amount of compensation you need to support the full spectrum of damages incurred by the accident.

The Risks of Settling Too Quickly

Most accident victims face significant financial hardship following the incident. Medical bills start piling up, making people worry about how and when they can repay these costs. Unfortunately, many insurance adjusters will take advantage of this financial anxiety and pressure the victim to accept a lowball settlement offer. As a result, the injured party may feel eager to resolve the claim as quickly as possible, but they risk forfeiting the opportunity to recover a more fair and favorable settlement offer. Understandably, you want to obtain the compensation you need as soon as possible, but waiting a bit longer is always advantageous. Your attorney can reject the lowball offer and push for a more favorable settlement offer on your behalf. Most insurance companies want to avoid litigation at all costs, so they will engage in further negotiations until they arrive at a more favorable settlement offer. By waiting a bit longer to secure compensation, you can maximize your settlement offer and obtain the funds you need to support your recovery more comprehensively and substantially.

Knowing When It’s Time to Accept a Settlement Offer

Every car accident is different, which means that every auto accident claim is unique. Your attorney will help you navigate each step of the claims process, working hard to protect and advocate for your best interests at every turn. Your lawyer will consider several factors before they agree to settle your case, such as the nature and extent of your medical needs, your case’s relative strengths and vulnerabilities, the insurance company’s offer, and your personal priorities. When you have a dedicated legal professional in your corner, you can trust that they will work hard to maximize your settlement offer and secure you the most favorable outcome possible. They will remain by your side to answer your questions, address your concerns, and empower you to face the future with greater clarity and confidence.

Reach out to DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC, today at (832) 745-4878 to speak with a caring and experienced Houston personal injury attorney.