The financial fallout from a pedestrian accident can be just as devastating as the physical injuries. While you’re trying to heal, medical bills start piling up and your paychecks may stop coming. Suddenly, you’re facing a financial crisis on top of a medical one. Securing fair compensation is not just about justice; it’s about getting the resources you need to pay your bills and support your family. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer understands this. Their role is to calculate the true cost of your accident, including future expenses, and fight the insurance companies to ensure you get the financial stability you need to move forward.
Key Takeaways
- A lawyer manages your entire claim so you can heal: They take over the complex legal work, including investigating the accident, proving who was at fault, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Protect your rights from the start: Your immediate actions are critical, so call 911, document the scene, and see a doctor. Most importantly, never give a recorded statement to an insurer before you have spoken with an attorney.
- You can afford expert legal representation: Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and owe nothing unless they win your case. This system gives you access to skilled legal help without any financial risk.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You
After being hit by a car, your focus should be on one thing: getting better. But the reality is you’re suddenly faced with medical bills, lost wages, and a complicated legal process you never asked to be a part of. This is where a pedestrian accident lawyer steps in. Think of them as your professional advocate, someone who manages every aspect of your claim so you can concentrate on your recovery. Their job is to protect your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
From the moment you hire them, they take the weight off your shoulders. They handle the paperwork, the phone calls, and the deadlines that can make or break a case. An experienced attorney understands the specific challenges of pedestrian accidents in Texas and knows how to build a case that stands up to scrutiny from insurance companies. They work on your behalf through three key phases: investigating the accident to establish fault, negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurer for a fair settlement, and, if necessary, representing you in court. Having a dedicated legal expert manage your personal injury claim gives you the space to heal while ensuring your case is in capable hands.
Investigate the Accident and Build Your Case
A strong personal injury claim is built on a foundation of solid evidence. While you might have snapped a few photos at the scene, a lawyer’s investigation goes much deeper. Your attorney and their team will immediately get to work gathering every piece of information related to your accident. This includes obtaining the official police report, tracking down and interviewing witnesses, and collecting all photos and video footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses. They can even issue subpoenas for critical evidence you can’t get on your own, like the driver’s cell phone records to check for distracted driving. This thorough investigation is designed to build an undeniable account of what happened and prove the other party was at fault.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
Dealing with an insurance company alone can be incredibly frustrating. The adjuster for the at-fault driver may seem friendly, but their job is to protect their company’s bottom line by paying out as little as possible. They often try to get you to accept a quick, lowball offer or twist your words to place blame on you. When you have a lawyer, all communication goes through them. An experienced attorney, like Tim Hoch, knows the tactics insurers use and how to counter them effectively. They will calculate the true value of your claim, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, and negotiate aggressively to secure a settlement that is actually fair.
Represent You in Court
While most pedestrian accident cases are settled out of court, the insurance company may refuse to offer a fair amount. If that happens, you need a lawyer who is ready and willing to take your case to trial. The ability to successfully argue a case in front of a jury is a powerful tool. Insurance companies are far more likely to offer a reasonable settlement when they know you have a skilled trial lawyer who isn’t afraid of a courtroom battle. A lawyer with a proven track record of successful results prepares every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring they are ready to fight for you at every stage of the legal process.
Know Your Rights After a Texas Pedestrian Accident
After an accident, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting yourself and your ability to recover. In Texas, specific laws govern how fault is determined and what compensation you can seek. Knowing these rules can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim, especially when you’re up against insurance companies that don’t have your best interests at heart. Having a clear picture of the legal landscape helps you make informed decisions from the very beginning.
Who Is Legally Responsible?
In Texas, figuring out who is legally responsible for a pedestrian accident usually comes down to negligence. This means a driver can be held liable if they failed to use reasonable care, like ignoring a stop sign or not yielding to you in a crosswalk. However, pedestrians also have a duty to follow traffic rules, and your actions could affect the outcome of your claim. Because fault isn’t always clear-cut, it’s important to understand how every detail matters. An attorney can investigate the crash to identify everyone who might be responsible, which could include the driver, the owner of the car, or even a government agency if poor road maintenance was a factor.
How Does Texas’s “Comparative Fault” Law Work?
Texas uses a rule called “modified comparative fault,” which can directly impact your financial recovery. This law means that if you are found partially to blame for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, your award is reduced to $80,000. Crucially, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any money at all. Insurance companies often use this rule to shift blame onto the victim. This is why having a lawyer who can effectively argue against unfair accusations of fault is so important to protecting your claim.
Why You Can’t Trust the Insurance Company
It’s a hard truth, but the insurance company is not on your side. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, which means they often try to minimize their payouts or deny claims altogether. Adjusters may try to get you to accept a quick, lowball settlement before you even know the full extent of your injuries. They might also try to twist your words to suggest the accident was your fault. A pedestrian accident lawyer acts as your advocate, handling all communications and negotiations with the insurer. They work to ensure your claim accurately reflects all your losses, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, allowing you to focus completely on your recovery.
First Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
The moments after being hit by a car are chaotic and overwhelming. It’s hard to think clearly, but the actions you take can have a huge impact on your health and your ability to get fair compensation. If you find yourself in this frightening situation, focus on these critical steps. They are designed to protect your well-being and preserve your legal rights from the very beginning.
What to Do at the Scene
Your first priority is your health. Call 911 immediately to get medical help and to have the police come to the scene. Even if you think you’re not seriously hurt, let a paramedic check you out. Some serious conditions, like internal bleeding or brain injuries, don’t always show obvious symptoms right away. A police officer will create an official accident report, which is a critical piece of evidence for your claim. It documents the facts of the incident from a neutral perspective. Don’t try to tough it out; getting immediate medical and police assistance is the most important thing you can do for yourself at the scene.
Gather This Key Evidence
If you are physically able, start gathering information. Use your phone to take pictures and videos of everything: the car that hit you (including the license plate), your injuries, the street, traffic signals, and any skid marks. Get the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. Look around for witnesses and ask for their names and phone numbers. Their accounts can be incredibly valuable. This evidence forms the foundation of all personal injury cases and helps your attorney piece together exactly what happened and who is responsible for your injuries. If you’re too injured to do this, ask a bystander to help you.
How to Document Your Injuries and Losses
After any accident, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you already saw paramedics. This creates an official medical record that connects your injuries directly to the accident. Insurance companies will often argue that a delay in treatment means your injuries aren’t that serious or came from something else. Beyond medical records, keep a simple journal. Write down how you’re feeling each day, what your pain levels are, and how your injuries are affecting your daily life and ability to work. Keep every bill, receipt, and letter from doctors or insurance companies in a dedicated folder. This documentation will be essential for proving your losses.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Soon after the accident, you will likely get a call from the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster. Be very careful. Do not give them a recorded statement or sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer first. The adjuster’s job is to pay you as little as possible, and they are trained to use your words against you. You should also be wary of quick settlement offers. These early offers almost never account for the full cost of your future medical care, lost wages, and pain. Before you talk to an adjuster, it’s always best to consult an experienced lawyer who can protect your interests.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Receive?
After a pedestrian accident, one of the biggest questions is often about compensation. The legal term for what you can recover is “damages,” and the goal is to cover the losses you’ve suffered because of someone else’s negligence. While no amount of money can undo what happened, it can provide the financial stability you need to cover costs and move forward with your life. It’s about making you whole again, at least from a financial perspective.
Compensation in a personal injury case is typically broken down into two main categories. The first includes tangible, financial losses that are easy to calculate, like medical bills and lost paychecks. These are often called economic damages. The second category, known as non-economic damages, covers the non-financial impacts, such as the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced. Both are critical components of a fair settlement or verdict. An experienced attorney can help you identify all your losses to ensure you are asking for what you are truly owed. The total value of your claim will depend entirely on the unique details of your accident and its impact on your life, which is why a personalized legal strategy is so important.
Recovering Financial Losses
Your financial recovery should account for every dollar the accident has cost you, both now and in the future. This includes all medical treatment, from the initial emergency room visit to ongoing physical therapy and any future surgeries you might need. You can also seek compensation for lost wages if your injuries kept you from working. If your ability to earn a living is permanently affected, you can also claim for that future loss of income. These are often called economic damages because they have a clear price tag. It’s important to keep detailed records of all your expenses, as they form the foundation for this part of your claim and are a key part of our firm’s work across all our practice areas.
Compensation for Pain and Suffering
“Pain and suffering” is the legal term for the physical pain and emotional distress you endure after an injury. This can include things like chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleepless nights, and a diminished ability to enjoy your daily life and hobbies. While it’s harder to assign a dollar value to this kind of suffering, it is a very real and significant part of your experience. Texas law recognizes this and allows you to seek compensation for it. Your story and the way the accident has impacted your day-to-day life are crucial for demonstrating the true extent of your suffering.
What Determines Your Claim’s Value?
The value of your pedestrian accident claim is based on several key factors. The severity of your injuries is the most significant element, as it directly influences everything else. We will look at your total medical expenses, both what you’ve already paid and what you’ll likely need in the future. We also calculate your lost wages and any impact on your future earning capacity. Finally, we assess the extent of your pain and suffering. To build the strongest case, a Board Certified trial lawyer will gather critical evidence like police reports, medical records, photos from the scene, and statements from witnesses to fully document and support the value of your claim.
Don’t Believe These Pedestrian Accident Myths
After an accident, you’re likely to hear a lot of opinions and advice. Unfortunately, much of it is based on common myths that can seriously damage your ability to get fair compensation. Believing these misconceptions can lead you to make mistakes that an insurance company will use against you. Let’s clear up the confusion and get straight to the facts.
“The insurance company will take care of me.”
This is one of the most dangerous myths. The other driver’s insurance adjuster may call you and sound friendly and concerned, but their job is not to help you. Their primary goal is to protect their company’s profits by paying you as little as possible. They will look for any reason to deny your claim or argue that the accident was your fault. They might ask for a recorded statement, hoping you’ll say something that weakens your case. Remember, the insurance company has a team of professionals working to minimize their payout; you deserve to have a legal advocate on your side, too.
“It’s obvious who was at fault.”
Even if you were in a crosswalk with the right of way, don’t assume that proving fault will be simple. The driver’s insurance company will explore every angle to shift the blame. They might claim you were distracted by your phone or that you darted into the street unexpectedly. Many accidents happen because a driver is texting or simply not paying attention, a phenomenon sometimes called “inattentional blindness.” Proving what really happened requires a careful investigation to gather evidence like traffic camera footage, witness statements, and cell phone records. Fault isn’t just obvious; it has to be proven.
“I can handle the claim on my own.”
While it’s technically possible to handle a claim yourself, you’d be going up against experienced insurance adjusters and lawyers who handle these cases every day. They know the law and the tactics to reduce your settlement. Without a deep understanding of personal injury law, you won’t know the true value of your claim, including future medical needs and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney knows how to build a strong case and negotiate effectively. The results speak for themselves; people who hire a lawyer consistently receive higher settlements than those who go it alone. Always talk to a lawyer before accepting any offer.
“I can’t afford to hire a good lawyer.”
This is completely false. At Hoch Law Firm, PC, we handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We cover all the costs of investigating and pursuing your case. You only pay a legal fee if we win your case and you receive a financial settlement or award. This approach ensures that everyone has access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. It allows you to have a Board Certified trial lawyer fighting for you without worrying about the cost.
Your Case Timeline: What to Expect When You Hire a Lawyer
After a pedestrian accident, the legal process can seem overwhelming, especially while you’re focused on healing. It’s natural to wonder what happens next and how long it will all take. While every case has its own unique details, the journey from injury to resolution follows a structured path. Having an experienced attorney by your side means you have a professional guide who understands every step, from the first phone call to the final outcome.
The primary goal is to build a comprehensive case that clearly shows what happened and demonstrates the full impact the accident has had on your life, your finances, and your well-being. This isn’t a quick process; it requires careful investigation, detailed documentation, and strategic action. It begins with a simple conversation and moves through distinct phases: gathering evidence, negotiating with the insurance company, and, if needed, taking your case to court. Throughout this timeline, your lawyer handles the legal complexities, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery. Understanding this roadmap can help reduce the stress of the unknown and empower you for the journey ahead.
The First Step: Your Free Consultation
Everything begins with a conversation. Your initial meeting with an attorney, often called a consultation, is a chance to share your story in a confidential setting. At our firm, this first meeting is always free. You can explain what happened, ask your questions, and get a professional opinion on your case without any financial pressure.
Think of it as a two-way interview. You’re learning about the lawyer and the firm, and the lawyer is assessing the details of your accident. It helps to bring any documents you have, like a police report, photos, or medical bills, but it’s not required. The most important thing is to get a clear understanding of your options and feel confident in the person you choose to represent you.
Building a Strong Case
Once you decide to move forward, your legal team gets to work. The first major task is a thorough investigation into the accident. This is where we lay the groundwork for your entire claim. Your attorney will gather all available evidence to piece together a clear picture of what happened and who is responsible.
This process involves collecting police reports, tracking down and interviewing witnesses, and obtaining photos or video footage from the scene. We also gather all of your medical records to document the extent of your injuries and the cost of your care. This detailed evidence is essential for establishing fault and proving the full value of your claim before we even begin to talk with the insurance company. Our firm handles all of our practice areas with this same level of detailed preparation.
Negotiating Your Settlement
After we’ve built a strong case and have a complete understanding of your long-term medical needs, we move into the negotiation phase. This typically starts when your lawyer sends a formal “demand letter” to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This letter details the facts of the accident, establishes liability, and demands a specific amount to cover your financial losses, pain, and suffering.
Insurance companies often respond with a low initial offer, hoping you’ll accept a quick payout that is less than you deserve. This is where a skilled negotiator makes a significant difference. Your attorney will handle all communication, counter any lowball offers, and fight for a settlement that truly reflects your losses. Having a lawyer who has achieved significant results in the past shows the insurance company you are serious.
Filing a Lawsuit: The Discovery Phase
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, the next step is to file a lawsuit. This action doesn’t mean your case will automatically go to trial; in fact, many cases settle after a suit is filed. Filing a lawsuit simply moves the case into a more formal stage of litigation, beginning with a phase called “discovery.”
During discovery, both sides formally exchange information. Your lawyer and the opposing counsel can request documents, send written questions (interrogatories), and conduct depositions, which are sworn interviews with witnesses and parties involved. This process ensures that all the facts are on the table and helps each side evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the case, often paving the way for a settlement before a trial becomes necessary.
What Happens if Your Case Goes to Trial?
While most personal injury cases settle out of court, you need a lawyer who is prepared to go to trial if that’s what it takes to get you justice. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation or mediation, your case will be presented to a judge and jury.
During a trial, your attorney will present evidence, question witnesses, and make legal arguments on your behalf. This is the ultimate test of a lawyer’s skill and preparation. It’s why choosing a Board Certified trial lawyer is so important. An attorney like Tim Hoch, who has extensive courtroom experience, knows how to present a compelling case and isn’t afraid to stand up to large insurance companies in front of a jury.
Common Hurdles in a Pedestrian Accident Claim
After an accident, you might assume the path to getting compensation is clear, especially if the driver was obviously at fault. Unfortunately, it’s rarely that simple. Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible. You can expect to face a few common challenges designed to reduce or deny your claim. Understanding these tactics is the first step in protecting your rights and getting the support you need. An experienced attorney can help you anticipate these issues and build a strategy to overcome them.
When the Other Party Blames You
One of the first things an insurance adjuster might do is try to pin some or all of the blame on you. Insurance companies for the driver who hit you will often try to make it seem like the accident was your fault by asking leading questions about where you were walking, whether you were distracted, or what you were wearing. This isn’t just an intimidation tactic; it’s a strategy. Under Texas law, if you are found partially responsible for the accident, the amount of compensation you can receive is reduced. A skilled lawyer anticipates this and works to counter these claims by gathering strong evidence, like police reports and witness statements, to establish the driver’s negligence and protect the full value of your claim.
Dealing with Low Insurance Limits
Even with a clear-cut case, you might discover the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your medical bills, lost income, and other damages. This is a frustratingly common problem. If the driver who hit you doesn’t have enough insurance, your own insurance policy might help cover your costs through your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. However, filing a claim with your own insurer isn’t always easy. They may use the same tactics as the other driver’s insurance company to limit their payout. A lawyer with experience in complex insurance matters, like Tim Hoch, can review all applicable policies to identify every possible source of recovery and handle the negotiations for you.
Recognizing Bad Faith Insurance Tactics
It’s a common scenario: shortly after the accident, the insurance company calls with a settlement offer. It might seem like a lot of money, but it’s a calculated move. Insurance companies often offer low amounts early on, hoping you’ll accept before you know the true extent of your injuries and financial losses. A lawyer can help you understand the true value of your claim. Accepting a quick, lowball offer can leave you unable to cover future medical care or long-term expenses. This is just one of many bad faith insurance tactics that also include unnecessary delays and misrepresenting policy terms. An attorney ensures you don’t leave money on the table and holds the insurer accountable for a fair process.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
After a serious accident, the last thing you need is another financial burden. The thought of paying legal fees can be overwhelming, and it stops many people from seeking the help they deserve. The good news is that you don’t need a lot of money upfront to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. Most, including our team at Hoch Law Firm, handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingent fee basis.
This payment structure is designed to give everyone access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. It means your lawyer’s interests are directly aligned with yours: they only get paid if they successfully recover money for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery while a legal professional handles the complexities of your claim. Understanding how this works can give you the confidence to take the next step and protect your rights.
Understanding Contingency Fees: No Win, No Fee
A contingency fee arrangement is exactly what it sounds like: the attorney’s fee is contingent upon winning your case. You pay nothing out of your own pocket to get started. Instead of an hourly rate, the lawyer’s fee is a pre-agreed percentage of the final settlement or court award they obtain for you. If your lawyer doesn’t win your case, you don’t owe them any attorney fees. This model removes the financial risk from your shoulders and ensures your legal team is fully motivated to achieve the best possible results for your case.
Are There Other Costs Involved?
While you won’t pay attorney fees unless you win, every lawsuit involves certain case expenses. These are the costs of moving a claim forward, such as court filing fees, fees for expert witnesses (like accident reconstructionists or medical experts), deposition costs, and charges for obtaining police reports and medical records. At Hoch Law Firm, PC, we typically advance these costs on your behalf so your case can proceed without delay. If we win your case, these expenses are then reimbursed from the settlement amount, separate from the attorney’s fee. We make sure you understand all potential costs from the very beginning.
What Happens If You Don’t Win?
This is a critical question, and the answer provides a lot of peace of mind. If your case is unsuccessful and you do not receive a settlement or a favorable verdict at trial, you owe us nothing in attorney fees. That is the core promise of a contingency fee agreement. In most cases, our firm also absorbs the case costs that were advanced on your behalf. This arrangement ensures that you can pursue justice without the fear of ending up with a large legal bill if things don’t go your way. It allows you to hold the at-fault party accountable without risking your own financial stability.
How to Choose the Right Lawyer for Your Case
Finding the right lawyer can feel like the most daunting part of this whole process, but it doesn’t have to be. Think of it as hiring a key team member who will champion your cause. The right attorney can make all the difference in your case’s outcome and your peace of mind. You’re looking for a combination of skill, focus, and a personal connection. Let’s break down what you should look for to find an advocate who will fight for you every step of the way.
Look for Proven Experience and Board Certification
When you’re vetting lawyers, you want to see more than just a law degree. Look for a proven track record of success in cases like yours. Don’t be shy about asking for case results or testimonials. You need an attorney who has gone up against insurance companies and won. Another key credential to look for is Board Certification. In Texas, becoming Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law is a mark of excellence. It means the lawyer has substantial trial experience, has been evaluated by peers and judges, and has passed a rigorous exam. It’s a clear sign that you’re hiring a true expert in their field.
Why a Specialist Matters
Pedestrian accident cases have their own unique legal challenges and details. You wouldn’t see a general family doctor for a complex heart issue, and the same logic applies here. A lawyer who specializes in personal injury, and specifically pedestrian accidents, will be familiar with the relevant laws, common insurance company tactics, and the type of evidence needed to build a strong case. They know the questions to ask and where to look for answers. Choosing a specialist from a firm with dedicated practice areas ensures your case is handled by someone who understands the specific complexities you’re facing, rather than a generalist who is learning on the job.
Find a Lawyer Who Will Actually Talk to You
This might sound simple, but it’s incredibly important. You deserve an attorney who sees you as a person, not just a case file. During your initial consultation, pay attention to how they communicate. Do they listen to your story? Do they answer your questions clearly and without legal jargon? A good lawyer will take the time to carefully investigate your case, which includes listening to you. You should feel comfortable with your attorney and confident that they will keep you informed throughout the process. This partnership is built on trust, and that starts with open, honest communication from day one.
When Should You Call a Lawyer?
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, you’re probably wondering when you should contact an attorney. The short answer is: right away. The moments and days immediately following an accident are the most critical for your case. Acting quickly allows your legal team to preserve important evidence, like traffic camera footage or witness statements, before it disappears.
More importantly, you need to protect yourself from the other driver’s insurance company. Before you even leave the scene, you might get a call from an insurance adjuster. It’s crucial that you talk to a lawyer before you talk to them or accept any money. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to minimize what they pay out. They often try to get you to make a recorded statement that they can later use against you to downplay your injuries or shift the blame.
Hiring an attorney puts a stop to these tactics. A lawyer can handle all communications with the insurance company, ensuring your rights are protected from the very beginning. Finally, Texas has a strict time limit for filing personal injury claims, known as the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you could lose your chance to get the compensation you deserve. Calling a lawyer isn’t about being aggressive; it’s about being proactive and ensuring you have a Board Certified trial lawyer on your side to guide you through the process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
I think I was partly at fault for the accident. Can I still get compensation? This is a very common worry, so let’s clear it up. Texas law does allow you to recover money even if you are found partially responsible, as long as your share of the fault is not 51% or more. However, your final compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies know this and often try to shift blame onto the victim to pay less. This is why you should never admit fault at the scene and should speak with an attorney who can protect you from unfair accusations and build a case based on the facts.
The driver’s insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I take it? You should be very cautious about accepting any early offers from an insurance company. These initial offers are almost always far less than what your claim is actually worth. The adjuster’s goal is to close your case quickly and cheaply, often before you even know the full extent of your injuries or future medical needs. Accepting that check means you give up your right to seek any more money for this accident, forever. It’s best to have a lawyer review any offer to make sure it fairly covers all of your losses.
How can I afford to hire a good lawyer when I’m already dealing with medical bills? This is a concern for almost everyone, and the answer is simple: you pay nothing upfront. We handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means our fee is a percentage of the financial recovery we win for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us no attorney fees. We also advance the costs required to build your case, like fees for expert witnesses or obtaining records. This allows you to get expert legal help without any financial risk.
How long will it take to resolve my pedestrian accident case? The timeline for every case is different because it depends on your specific circumstances. A straightforward case might settle in a few months, while a more complex one could take over a year, especially if it goes to trial. Factors that affect the timeline include the severity of your injuries, how long your medical treatment lasts, and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate a fair settlement. A good lawyer will not rush to settle your case for a low amount; they will take the time needed to secure the full compensation you deserve.
What’s the difference between hiring a general lawyer and a Board Certified trial lawyer? While any lawyer can take your case, a Board Certified personal injury trial lawyer is a specialist with proven expertise. Think of it this way: you could have a general handyman fix your plumbing, or you could hire a master plumber. Board Certification is a mark of distinction that means an attorney has extensive trial experience, has been vetted by judges and peers, and has passed a rigorous exam in their specialty. This level of experience shows the insurance company you are serious and prepared to go to court, which is a powerful advantage during negotiations.
