Not every car accident involves a serious collision or extensive damage to your vehicle. Sometimes, an accident is nothing more than a low-speed rear-end collision.
If you have been involved in a minor car accident in Houston, you may wonder whether hiring a lawyer is really necessary. After all, if your vehicle has only a few scratches and you walked away from the accident, why involve an attorney?
The answer depends on the circumstances of the crash. Keep reading to learn more about how to know if hiring a car accident lawyer may be right for you.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident in Houston?
Texas law does not require you to hire an attorney after a car accident. In fact, some minor collisions can be resolved without a lawyer.
However, the circumstances can change when injuries are involved, the other driver disputes liability, or the insurance company refuses to pay the full value of your claim.
Suppose you are stopped at a red light when another driver rear-ends your car. Your vehicle only has minor bumper damage, and you initially feel fine. The following morning, however, you wake up with significant neck pain and stiffness. After visiting a doctor, you learn that you suffered a soft tissue injury requiring several weeks of treatment.
In that situation, hiring a personal injury attorney may help you pursue compensation for losses that go beyond the cost of repairing your vehicle. The important question is not whether the accident was minor. The question is whether the collision caused injuries or losses that justify pursuing a legal claim.
Reasons to Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident
There are several reasons why someone involved in a minor collision might benefit from legal counsel, including:
-
- Your injuries are more serious than they initially appear. During a stressful event, adrenaline can temporarily mask pain and other symptoms. Some injuries may become more noticeable hours or days after an accident.
- The insurance company disputes your claim. When a collision involves relatively little vehicle damage, an insurer may argue that the impact was too minor to cause significant injuries.
- The other driver may deny responsibility. Even a minor accident can lead to disagreements over who caused the crash.
- You may have medical bills and lost wages. Even a relatively modest injury can require diagnostic testing, prescription medications, physical therapy, or follow-up appointments.
- The insurance company offers a quick settlement. While a prompt settlement may seem convenient, accepting an offer before understanding the full scope of your injuries can create problems.
Before accepting any offer to resolve your claim, it is important to understand the full extent of your damages.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Minor Car Accident?
Even when a collision is considered minor, the injured person may still have recoverable losses.
Economic damages provide compensation for measurable financial losses, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost income
- Reduction in earning potential
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
The amount recoverable will depend on the evidence and the circumstances of your claim.
Non-economic damages provide compensation for the human and personal costs of an accident, which may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
Non-economic damages are not automatic. The injured person must prove the harm and its connection to the crash.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Minor Car Accident Claim?
Evidence is important in every personal injury claim. It can be especially valuable when the accident appears minor.
Helpful evidence can include:
- Photographs
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Employment documentation
- Witness testimony
- Surveillance recordings
Personal journals can also be useful. Your notes should be accurate and consistent with your medical records.
Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Gibson Hill Personal Injury for Legal Help
If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, Texas law may allow you to recover compensation. You do not always need an attorney, but speaking with a lawyer can be helpful when you are seriously injured, the insurer disputes your claim, or you are unsure if a settlement offer is reasonable.
Contact Gibson Hill Personal Injury at 713-659-4000 for a free consultation today. Our Houston car accident lawyers can discuss your minor accident and explain how to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
