Q: DO I NEED AN ACCIDENT LAWYER TO HANDLE CLAIM?

A: It is possible to handle your auto accident claim without the help of a car accident lawyer, but it will likely be much more difficult. A car accident lawyer has experience dealing with insurance companies and insurance adjusters. A car accident lawyer can also investigate your accident claim and identify key evidence that may help prove your injuries and show you were not the one at fault. Research shows that settlements reached with the aid of a car accident lawyer are generally result for more compensation for injury victims after a car accident than settlements reached without a car accident lawyer.

Q: DO I NEED TO CALL THE POLICE AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

A: Calling the police following a car accident is not mandatory in all states. However, in most instances, if you call the police you will be able to obtain a police report which can be an essential part of your car accident claim.

A police report has important information that should outline who the responding officer believes is at fault. The at fault party should be liable for the damages caused by the car accident.

Q: HOW DO I GET MY PERSONAL INJURY CASE STARTED?

A: You’ve been injured. Now what? A lot of injury victims are at a loss when it comes to the legal process. After you have sought medical assistance, your next step is to determine whether or not you will require legal representation. To make that determination, contact a personal injury lawyer and educate yourself about the legal process. Have a clear conversation with the law firm you choose and make sure they understand your expectations. Feel confident that the personal injury lawyer you choose will fight for you and get you the cash settlement you deserve. At the Patel Firm We are dedicated to aggressively representing our clients and achieving the maximum recovery possible. Contact us today for a free no obligation professional assessment of your case.

Q. IF I FEEL OK AFTER AN ACCIDENT, SHOULD I STILL SEE A DOCTOR?

A. It is always a good idea that you see a doctor following a car accident. In many instances injuries sustained do not arise until later, sometime after the accident occurred. This means that although you may feel alright initially you may still be injured. Adrenaline and a heightened level of stress on your body can also mask injuries immediately following a car accident. So, get yourself checked out. If you are in fact injured from the car accident, the doctor can properly document those injuries so if you do make an injury claim against the party that caused the car accident, you can prove your damages.

Q. SHOULD I TALK TO THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

A. You must remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company and it is their job to save the insurance company as much money as possible. You should not speak with the insurance adjuster about the car accident until you have spoken to an experienced personal injury lawyer. After any car accident, it is important to understand your rights by speaking to a car accident lawyer before approaching the insurance company to report your claim.

Q. WHAT IS A PERSONAL INJURY?

A. Have you been hurt or seriously injured? Every year millions of people suffer personal injuries from a car accidents, truck accident, and 18 wheeler accidents. So What’s a personal injury? A personal injury occurs when an individual is wrongfully hurt resulting in bodily injury or property damage. If you have been wrongfully injured due to another party’s negligence or recklessness, you may have a legal right to compensation. Don’t worry about haggling with insurance companies in order to receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, or vehicle damage. We are here to help. The Patel Firm can help get the answers you need and the justice you deserve. We’re dedicated to aggressively representing our clients and achieving the maximum recovery possible. Contact us today for a free no obligation professional assessment of your case.

Q. HOW TO HANDLE AN 18 WHEELER ACCIDENT

A. An accident involving a truck can be devastating. Neck, brain and spinal injuries are common. Trucking and 18 wheeler accidents can turn your life upside down. Time off work, medical bills, and pain and suffering can have a devastating impact on your life and on your family. Trucking accident and 18 wheeler accident cases can be complex. The driver of the truck, the owner of the trucking company, the company providing maintenance for the truck, and even the manufacture of parts, each can be liable for the injuries you suffer. After an 18 wheeler accident or trucking accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you determine who is at fault and against whom you should bring a lawsuit if you have been injured. In a trucking accident or 18 wheeler accident, never accept the first offer you get from the insurance company, they do not have your best interest in mind. Instead, choose an aggressive injury lawyer at The Patel Firm that can help protect your rights and discuss your options. But you need to move quickly, there are time limits for filing claims. Call The Patel Firm  for a no-cost no-obligation review of your case you may have a claim that affects your future pick up the phone, text, or email us schedule your free consultation today.

Q. WHAT IS MY CASE WORTH?

A. The accident settlement you receive will always depend on the severity of your injuries. To assess your injury claim, insurance companies divide your injuries into two broad categories – soft injuries and hard injuries. Soft injuries are less severe, generally to your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Examples of soft tissue injuries include whiplash, strained neck, sprained ankles, or back spasms. Typically, soft injuries result in smaller personal injury settlements when compared to hard injuries. Hard injuries are more serious and painful injuries which generally result in larger personal injury settlements.  Examples of hard injuries include neck and back disc herniations, broken bones, fractures, and head injuries. Hard injures are also easier to document. If you are injured, ask yourself “Did I suffer a soft injury or a hard injury? Is there potential for long-term damage? Did I visit the hospital? Can a doctor diagnose my injury through x-rays, cat scans, or MRIs?” Answering these questions will help you determine what your case is worth. Remember though, every case is different. It is always important to speak to a qualified personal injury lawyer after an injury to learn more about the value of your particular case.

Q. HOW DOES THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINE WHO IS AT FAULT?

A. The most important question after a car accident is whose fault is it and who is going to pay for the damages. In the most common scenario, the police will arrive to the scene and determine who caused the accident and issues a traffic ticket in most cases to the person at fault for the damages. In Texas the person who caused the accident pays for the accident. If you disagree with the police officers decision immediately contact a car accident attorney who can review your case and determine if the decision can be overturned

Q. Who is at fault if both drivers made a mistake?

A. While different states follow different guidelines the state of Texas generally follows a simple rule: if the other driver is  responsible for fifty one percent or more of the accident they are at fault and are liable for the damages. Car accident rules vary from state to state please consult a licensed attorney in your area to learn about your local laws and procedures.