Do You Need a Lawyer After a Minor Crash in Austin? What Qualifies as a Serious Claim?

Have you recently become the victim of a minor crash in Austin, Texas? It is easy to assume that you will not need the help of a lawyer after your accident, but victims often find themselves facing more serious financial impacts than they initially thought. When injuries or vehicle damage reveal themselves days or weeks after a crash, victims without legal representation can find themselves facing bills that they cannot pay.

That is why the Austin car accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw take pride in offering affordable legal services to victims across Texas. Our free consultation policy means victims should never second-guess whether it is worth contacting a lawyer. We take pride in winning cases and ensuring justice is served. To find out more about what we can do for you, give us a toll-free call at 1-800-862-1260!

If you have recently been involved in a minor car accident in Austin TX you may be wondering if it is necessary to work with a lawyer. While victims of fender benders and other minor crashes may not need a lawyer, it is easy to underestimate how serious your accident is. Injury symptoms can take days or weeks to reveal themselves in you or other drivers involved in your crash.

Additionally, what seems like a straightforward fender bender could easily turn into a disputed liability case, leading to complications with insurance claims. To protect yourself financially, it is generally wise to contact a lawyer for a consultation after a crash.

Liability in a car accident claim in Austin Texas, is decided on an at-fault basis. That means that driver negligence will determine who is accountable for the consequences of a crash. Negligence refers to any action or inaction that falls below the reasonable duty of care we owe to one another. Some common examples of negligence leading to liability are:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Running stop signs
• Tailgaiting

Modified Comparative Fault

Under the modified comparative fault rule in Texas, liability for an accident may be shared by multiple parties. You may even be partially liable for your own crash. As long as you are less than 51% liable, you still retain the right to pursue compensation, but the funds you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault you hold. Your lawyer can fight to reduce your percentage of fault, helping to maximize the compensation you receive.

No matter how minor an accident seems at first, there is always a chance that its financial impact is more severe than initially thought. Vehicle damage or injuries can be more expensive than anticipated, leaving insurance settlements insufficient to cover victims’ costs. That is when to hire a car accident lawyer and begin suing liable parties for damages. Damages allow victims to recover compensation related to both the financial and emotional impact of their accident. Some examples of damages you may qualify for include:

• Reimbursement of medical expenses
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Loss of companionship
• Permanent disfigurement

Working with an experienced Austin lawyer is beneficial for all accident victims, even those involved in seemingly minor crashes. Your local attorney will work to build you a strong liability case, allowing you to pursue compensation and protecting you from being blamed by other drivers. Your lawyer will also protect you from lowball settlement offers and can even negotiate your insurance claims on your behalf. By delegating busywork to your attorney, you can focus on getting your life back in order with the security that your case is in good hands.

The attorneys at Carabin Shaw know what it takes to ensure your minor crash doesn’t turn into a major headache. Our team has been fighting for the rights of Texans like you for over three decades. Check out our law firm’s client reviews to hear from the many victims we have already helped. We make it easy for victims unsure whether they need an attorney to get answers through our free case review policy.

We also offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. To get started, just give us a toll-free call at 1-800-862-1260, where our English and Spanish-speaking staff is available 24/7. Do not underestimate your minor crash. Call Carabin Shaw today!

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