...

Handling a Personal Injury Case Without a Lawyer

Handling a Personal Injury Case Without a Lawyer

In my over 40 years of practicing as a personal injury attorney in Houston, Texas, one of the most significant mistakes I see personal injury victims make is expecting the adjuster to be fair and reasonable in their claim. This is especially true for those handling a personal injury case in Houston without the assistance of a lawyer.

Insurance companies in Texas are primarily for-profit companies and are not appropriately regulated in claims handling. Worse, recent court opinions have limited attorneys’ abilities to hold insurers accountable for hardball or bad-faith tactics.

Insurance Companies Will Always Seek to Pay as Little as Possible

Adverse insurance companies are not out to pay full and fair restitution for injuries sustained in an accident. Adverse insurance companies in Texas seek to spend as little money as possible to settle a claim for personal injury.

Adjusters go to classes to dispute claims and are taught negotiation tactics as part of their job. You will be disappointed if you expect to receive a fair offer for an injury caused by their insured without the assistance of a qualified lawyer.

If you were hit by a drunk driver, speaking with a Houston accident lawyer before speaking with the adjuster is always advised. Always talk with a car accident lawyer before exploring a settlement.

Accepting Responsibility Does Not Mean a Fair Offer.

The misconception generally occurs when the victim first contacts the insurance company and is told by an adjuster that their insured was responsible for the accident or words to that effect.

Accepting Responsibility does Not Mean a Fair Offer

Those words mean that the insurance company will offer a reasonable and prompt settlement proposal to the unsuspecting consumer. Unfortunately, that could not be further from reality.

In some instances, adjusters may discourage hiring an attorney, typically when the injuries are severe and a significant liability policy is in place. And pressure you to settle.

It does not take a rocket scientist to understand why an adverse insurance company may not want a seriously injured person to hire an injury attorney.

If you are handling your case yourself, here are the secrets of negotiation for personal injury victims.

Your Odds Go Down Without A Lawyer

Any belief that the insurance company will treat an individual without a lawyer the same as one with a reputable attorney is likely to be misguided.

Frequently, even with an attorney, an insurance company becomes serious about fair compensation only when a jury is in session or a trial is imminent. Sometimes, it takes a judge or jury to make the determination. If you have questions about accepting a settlement offer, read this article.

Studies have shown that those represented by quality attorneys net more money than those who choose to represent themselves.

 How Do You Know If You Need an Attorney

When attempting to handle a claim on their own, it is usually only after the adjuster first makes an offer of settlement that a personal injury victim realizes that they need an attorney to help them with the process.

The real problem with this approach is that the insurance company has controlled the process with this person from the outset and has likely taken steps to defend the case at the expense of the victim’s claim.

There are some things the insurance company would rather you not know. The primary benefit is that you are in a much better position to obtain a fair settlement with a reputable attorney.

Usually, only after receiving a lowball offer do many understand that the adjuster never intended to be fair.

The more serious the injury, the more likely a personal injury victim will need the assistance of the best personal injury attorney they can find.

It is usually advantageous to obtain an attorney in the location where the accident occurred, rather than one who lives out of state or far away from the County where the accident occurred.

Get a Free Consultation with a Houston Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident in Houston, Texas, contact the leading Houston personal injury lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm for a no-obligation consultation regarding your rights and options.

6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069

Call (281) 587-1111 or send us an email!

Visit Our Law Firm in Houston

Related Resources:

Greg Baumgartner, Founder of Baumgartner Law Firm

Since establishing Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985, Greg Baumgartner has built a reputation as one of Houston’s leading personal injury attorneys, dedicated to representing severely injured victims and families who have lost loved ones due to negligence.

Greg holds two law degrees, a distinction earned by less than 1% of all attorneys, demonstrating his exceptional legal expertise. He is also a prestigious Trial Lawyers College graduate, further enhancing his skills in trial advocacy and litigation.

His relentless commitment to legal excellence and client advocacy has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers, the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and many others.

With decades of experience, Greg has consistently received top peer reviews. He holds a preeminent rating, a testament to his unwavering dedication to securing justice and maximum compensation for his clients.

Baumgartner Law Firm6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069

Call Us at: (281) 587-1111

testimonials
Client Reviews
Mayra T
Houston Personal Injury Victim
Mr. Greg is a great personal injury lawyer. Looking for the best help? Call Baumgartner Law Firm!
Brian Wilson
Houston Personal Injury Victim
I highly recommend this law office. Greg Baumgartner is knowledgeable, dependable, honest and truly has the client’s best interests at heart.
Callie M
Houston Personal Injury Victim
Greg, a personal Injury Lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case. I am very happy with the case result. Baumgartner is a GREAT law firm with GREAT people. They get RESULTS.
Cindy S
Houston Personal Injury Victim
My experience with Baumgartner law firm was excellent. They took the time to hear my concerns and kept me informed throughout the process. They fought for the best resolution for my case. Working with Greg and Lissa gave me peace of mind in a scary and stressful situation. I highly recommend their services.
NEED HELP? HAVE QUESTIONS?

"*" indicates required fields

Your Name*

“Let Our Experienced Houston Injury Lawyer Assist You”

Shopping Cart

No products in the cart.