Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common legal questions relating to personal injury claims. Please understand that the following information is general information and is not intended as legal advice. Each case presents a different factual situation and presents different legal issues. As such, I am available for a free initial consultation to discuss your claim.
Do I need a lawyer?
In most situations, injured persons benefit from retaining an attorney to represent their interest. Insurance companies have trained and experienced persons whose goal is to pay nothing or as little as possible to resolve your claim. You should have someone with experience on your side. I can handle every detail of your case. I will deal with the insurance company, your creditors, medical providers, and your employer. This allows you to concentrate on getting your health and family back in order. Initial consultations to discuss your claim are free. If you hire Hugh Howerton his services and expertise cost you nothing out of your pocket. We advance the costs of presenting your case and are paid a fee if we collect money for you.
How much will it cost to hire a lawyer?
Our services never cost you any money out of your pocket. There is NEVER a charge for consultation with The Law Offices of Hugh Howerton. We take cases on a contingency basis. That means that we are paid nothing unless we collect money for you. We do not charge an hourly rate for the time the attorney spends on your case. We advance all the costs associated with preparing your case for settlement or trial. Our fee is paid and costs are reimbursed to us only after a settlement is reached or a jury returns a verdict in our favor.
Can I recover compensation for my injuries?
In Texas you must prove that your injuries resulted from the negligent acts or omissions of another person or business before you can recover compensation. You can only recover compensation for injuries that were caused by acts or omissions of the other person or business. The burden is on the person seeking compensation to prove the fault of the other party and to prove that his or her injuries were caused by the acts or omissions of the other party. If these elements can be proved, then you may recover compensation for your injuries.
What should I do if I am injured in an accident?
If you are injured in an accident, the most important thing you can do is collect and keep any available evidence that might show what happened. Obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses, take photographs, and make a journal of exactly what happened. This evidence can be crucial to presenting your case. For example, if a tire failure caused the accident it is critical that the tire and any remaining tread be secured and placed in a safe place. Do not remove the tire from the vehicle until you speak with The Law Offices of Hugh Howerton. The tire must be removed to preserve the bead on the tire. Police reports, medical records, business records, or other information can also be useful. If you need medical attention, make arrangements to get treatment as soon as possible. Make sure to tell your healthcare providers that your injuries were caused by the accident. You should also consider consulting with an attorney as soon as possible to help you preserve any evidence and present your case.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
Believe it or not, there is not an exact formula for determining what your personal injury case is worth. Every accident and injury is different. Case value can depend on the manner in which your were injured or the extent of your injuries or impairment, degree of "pain and suffering", amount of past and future lost wages, and medical expenses. Only after a complete investigation can we assess the compensation that you may be due and assign a monetary value to your case. Hugh Howerton has over 19 years of experience handling personal injury cases. If the insurance company or opposing party is not willing to pay a reasonable amount, then we take your case to trial and present it before a jury.
Will my case go to trial or will it settle?
The majority of personal injury cases that are well prepared settle for reasonable compensation before they are presented to a jury. However, some cases must be tried before a jury. These cases typically involve questions of liability or fault and medical issues about whether the accident caused a particular injury. Hugh Howerton is experienced in presenting cases for settlement or at trial.
What shouldn't I do if I suffer a personal injury?
Don't sign anything without consulting an attorney. Don't attempt to negotiate with an insurance company (your own or the other party's) without consulting an attorney. Don't make any kind of statement, even one the insurance company rep or other party tells you is "off the record", without consulting an attorney. Don't downplay your injuries before you know the extent of them—it's not always immediately apparent how serious your injuries are, and if you've said you were "fine" at the scene, that may come back to haunt you. The bottom line is that it's best to get advice from an attorney before taking any kind of action outside of seeking medical attention.
Let me help you!
For a Free Consultation with a Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Click Here or dial Toll Free 1 - (877) 984-9848 to speak with me personally.
