Accidents happen every day. Merriam Webster defines an accident as any “unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance.” Spilling your orange juice can be an accident. Being late for a meeting can be an accident. There are even happy accidents.
Some accidents, however, are more serious. If you get hurt because of someone else’s mistake, especially if your injury or loss is severe, you may want to pursue legal action. Sometimes, it’s helpful to have a lawyer when you decide to seek legal recourse. Other times, you might be fine negotiating your own settlement. Let’s look at an example.
Case Study: Car Accidents
If you get into a fender bender, there are no significant damages to either vehicle, and no one sustains an injury, so there’s no reason to pursue legal action. Most people don’t even report this kind of accident to their insurance company.
On the other hand, if you get into a car accident, your car is totaled, and you get a couple of bruises, you’re probably going to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Typically, the insurance companies will talk to both parties to determine fault, then the responsible person will use their policy to pay for the damages. When the settlement is fast and fair, there’s usually no reason to pursue legal action. However, sometimes, insurance isn’t enough and you may need to go a step further.
Now, imagine you’re driving to work and another driver smashes into the side of your vehicle. This kind of accident is going to leave you with more than a few bruises. You might have broken bones, require surgery, or endure some other type of serious injury. If the driver was texting, driving under the influence, or otherwise acting negligently, you probably have a strong case for filing a personal injury claim in Dallas.
When Should I Hire an Attorney?
Legally, everyone has the right to represent themselves, or proceed pro se, in a personal injury case or any type of legal matter. If you choose to do this, you may not receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. Independent reports out of Boston and London show that pro se litigants do not receive the same kind of favorable results as those who are represented by an attorney. It’s important to remember that lawyers go through years of schooling and oftentimes have decades of experience. They know the rules, speak the language, and have teams of people who can help you.
If you have been injured and want to pursue legal action, don’t settle for less than what you’re worth – call our firm at (214) 739-0100 and schedule a free consultation today.