Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Minor San Antonio Car Accident?
February 16, 2023 | Car Accidents
Minor car accidents are very common. In 2021, there were 38,461 car accidents in San Antonio, TX, resulting in 5,555 suspected minor injuries. Many people wonder if they should hire a lawyer after a minor car accident in San Antonio. After all, is there any benefit?
The answer is yes. There is usually a benefit to hiring a San Antonio car accident lawyer, even if you only have minor injuries or property damage. Plus, there’s no downside, making it a low-risk and high-reward choice.
Consider Your Injuries
If you are injured in any way after a minor collision, you should hire a lawyer. Minor car crashes can cause all types of injuries, ranging from minor to catastrophic.
We commonly see the following types of injuries from minor car accidents in San Antonio:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Concussions and brain injuries
- Muscle aches and sprains
- Broken bones and fractures
- Bruises, cuts, and burns
Some of these injuries only require minimal medical treatment. Others can result in multiple trips to the doctor and ongoing rehabilitation.
Delayed Injuries
It’s also important to remember that just because the car accident seems minor doesn’t mean you won’t develop injuries later. Sometimes, the adrenaline from an accident prevents people from recognizing an injury at the time of the crash.
You may think that you only have temporary whiplash to find out that you suffer from debilitating headaches and chronic pain for years to come. Lawyers have seen all sorts of accidents and recognize that many seemingly minor injuries are severe. By hiring an attorney, you can rely on their advice to make sure you are fully compensated.
An Attorney Will Help You Avoid Blame After a Minor Car Accident
Unfortunately, many people wrongfully place blame after a car crash – even a minor one. That’s because most people are scared that their car insurance rates will increase. In Texas, car insurance rates go up by an average of 54% if you are at fault for an accident. This can be financially devastating for people who are living paycheck to paycheck or those who are facing growing medical bills after a crash.
By hiring a lawyer, you can position yourself to avoid fault. An attorney can protect you from wrongful blame by investigating the cause of the crash and collecting evidence on your behalf. This might even include hiring expert witnesses, like accident reconstruction experts, to prove you didn’t cause the collision.
They can also negotiate with insurance companies to explain why you aren’t at fault. If the case goes to trial, they can argue for you in court to avoid wrongful blame.
Contingency Fees: You Can Afford a San Antonio Car Accident Attorney
Many people avoid hiring a lawyer after a minor car accident because they think they can’t afford it. With bills and missing work, it’s hard to justify an additional expense, especially when the injuries are minor.
However, this misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. Most San Antonio car accident lawyers charge a contingency fee, which means anyone can afford it.
A contingency fee arrangement is when a lawyer gets paid a percentage of the final settlement. Usually, the fee is between 20% to 40% depending on the complexity and length of the case. If you don’t win the case in the end, you don’t pay the lawyer.
This is different from lawyers who charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. In those cases, you are responsible for paying the lawyer as you go. This can be financially burdensome and makes legal help unattainable for many people.
If you have a contingency fee arrangement, you know that you can afford the lawyer. Their payment comes out of your settlement instead of your pocket. Plus, your lawyer is more likely to work hard on your case because if they lose, they don’t get paid. George Salinas Injury Lawyers offers you a free initial consultation on top of a contingency fee, so contact us today!
Contact The San Antonio Car Accident Attorneys from George Salinas Injury Lawyers
If you were injured in an accident in San Antonio, TX, please contact the car accident lawyers at George Salinas Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We serve all throughout Bexar County and the surrounding areas.
George Salinas Injury Lawyers
6243 I-10 Ste. 955,
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 225-0909
Available 24 hours!