Houston sees more car crashes daily than any other major city in Texas. If you’ve been involved in one, you’re probably dealing with the chaos of hospital visits and missed work. Although Texas law provides options for seeking compensation, the thought of filing a claim or dealing with the paperwork might make you want to just take the first settlement that comes your way.
It’s tough to juggle your immediate need for relief with the long-term impact your accident can have on your health and finances. Before deciding not to file a personal injury claim, understanding what you might miss out on may be worth it.
How personal injury claims work
At its core, personal injury claims involve ensuring victims are fairly compensated for their troubles. As the injured party, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This process requires you to provide evidence as a basis for the claim, file paperwork and engage in negotiations.
A successful claim can help you recover both economic damages, such as medical costs and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. This compensation can significantly aid your recovery and ease your financial burdens, preventing you from having to rely solely on your savings.
Should you accept the settlement offer?
Insurers know that most people prefer to avoid a lengthy claims process and offer a quick payout. If you decide to file a claim, you may be tempted to settle quickly. Quick offers may not cover the true cost of your damages, including ongoing or future medical treatments.
It is an unfortunate reality that many of those who have accepted quick settlements find out later that they could have gotten more.
What’s right for you?
Filing a claim does take time and effort, and you might even need to go to court if the claim does not result in a satisfactory outcome. However, pursuing this path can lead to compensation that adequately covers your needs and provides peace of mind.
An experienced personal injury attorney can also do most of the heavy lifting for you, guiding you through the legal system and working to maximize your compensation.
What’s crucial is understanding your options so you can confidently make the best decision for your future.