It’s no secret that traffic accidents can burn a big hole in your pocket. Not only that, but traffic accidents can also be devastating in a more serious way, with an average of 33,000 fatalities a year. This only further increases the economic costs of traffic accidents, considering the whopping life insurance cost as well as the money needed for simple quality-of-life for those injured.
Now, to be sure, private insurance companies can cover a significant amount of this cost. However, an insurance company is still a business, and will still try to keep their cost down as much as possible. There is no legal duty imposed on insurance companies to settle reasonably in any particular case. To ensure accident victims do not get swindled out of the money they need after an accident, it is highly recommended that such victims always retain an attorney for such a circumstance.
There are a variety of things you’ll want to consider when hiring such an attorney. This goes for those making a claim against their own insurance company or even against another driver involved in the accident, particularly one at fault according to police reports.
- It is essential to remember that an insurance company will always try to make the smallest pay-out possible. These payouts are considered losses for the business, and, in order to turn a profit, the insurance company will attempt to give you the least amount of money they can.
- The last thing an insurance company wants to be involved in the case is a lawyer. To insurance companies, attorneys mean more money out of their pocket.
- You need to consider any other drivers involved in the accident. Should the other driver prove to be at fault for the accident, the claim will need to be filed against his insurance provider rather than your own. Again, this provider will act vastly similar to yours, looking to minimize their losses, and your profits, as much as possible.
- You need to know how much your claim is actually worth. Due to non-economic damages and future losses, this can be incredibly difficult for most victims. However, it is important to have a suitable estimate in your mind in such a circumstance.
Considering these factors, the most logical thing would seem to be to have an experienced legal negotiator on your side when going up against an insurance company, especially if the stakes are high. Perhaps it may not be worth the check if the damage claims are on the lower end of the spectrum. However, if there is serious damage or injury that is going to require a serious payout, the best thing you can do for yourself is hire an experienced Houston auto accident attorney to make sure you get what you need.
