How Much is My Texas Personal Injury Claim Worth?

No one expects to file an injury claim. Unfortunately, negligent people are everywhere, and despite your best efforts to stay safe, you may become the victim of an accident. First, you must focus on your health. Do not worry about claims or the legal process — seek prompt medical care.

Once you have seen a doctor and have your injuries diagnosed, it is time to contact a skilled injury attorney. Before you start worrying about legal costs, know that most accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless your claim is successful. Your attorney can swiftly assess your case, identify the facts, and determine if your claim is worth pursuing. Your Houston personal injury lawyer can also determine the value of your claim so that you are not forced into a “low-ball” settlement by an unsavory insurer.

There are four factors that ultimately determine the value of your claim:

• Vehicle damages and injuries — You will need an estimate for damage to your vehicle/property. Additionally, there will be a compensatory value on your general and special damages. Did you suffer minor injuries? Severe? Disfigurement? Life-long disability? How you answer these questions will greatly affect the value of your claim.
• Medical compensation — After your accident, did you receive medical treatment? What was your doctor’s diagnosis? Was surgery or another medical procedure required? A full list of all injuries suffered from the accident, as well as any procedures or medical treatment that was administered to you, will paint an accurate picture of your medical expenses.
• Compensation for loss of work — Many injuries, even minor ones, result in some loss of work. Depending on how much work you miss, if you miss future work, and if you can ever return to work, you may be owed significant damages.
• Compensation for non-economic damages — Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and mental anguish can be difficult to quantify. A multiplier is used to assess the level of pain and appropriate compensation.

Your insurer is not your friend. After an accident, avoid signing or agreeing to any offers from an insurance adjuster or giving recorded statements. Instead, contact an attorney and direct future correspondence from your insurer to their office. Seeking legal help will maximize your chance of recovering fair damages. Additionally, it eliminates the stress of dealing with an insurance adjuster so you can focus on your recovery.

Texas injury lawyer helps you obtain just compensation

Ryan A. DeHoyos is dedicated to helping injury victims throughout Houston. For more information on our services, or to schedule a consultation to discuss your case with a skilled injury lawyer, call (832) 745-4878 or contact us online.