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(512) 910-2000Many car accident victims wonder whether it is really necessary to hire a car accident lawyer after a crash. There is no requirement that you need a law firm to file an insurance claim, but the reality is that an attorney can help collision victims in many ways.
Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies do everything they can to limit the payment you receive or even deny your claim completely. Adjusters have many tricks they use to get injured accident victims to accept far less than they deserve. They might request documents repeatedly, delay your claim, and convince you to accept an inadequate settlement. When you have the right lawyer on your side, they will deal with the insurance companies for you. They will compile all the evidence needed to support your claim, including:
Contingency fee basis: You might worry that having help with your insurance claim will cost too much in legal fees to be worth it. However, car accident attorneys handle claims on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not receive any fees upfront, and they do not get paid anything if you do not get compensation. If your claim is successful, their fees come directly from that payment, so you never need to pay anything out of pocket. This means that it is always worth it to seek legal help with a motor vehicle accident claim.
Negotiate a fair settlement: One of the most important tasks an attorney takes on is negotiating a fair settlementwith the insurance company. The insurer will certainly make a lowball offer right out of the gate, and you should never accept an offer without talking to an attorney first. A car accident lawyer near you can negotiate and provide additional information to maximize the settlement offer you get. If the insurance company refuses to offer enough, you have other options. Your lawyer can escalate the matter by filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. This begins the car accident litigation process, which can be highly complicated.
We do not charge our injury clients upfront for representation. Traditionally, when you hire a car accident attorney you must pay a cash retainer before the attorney will begin their work. We are paid for representing personal injury clients through a structure known as a contingent fee arrangement. What that means is we only get paid if we recover money for our clients.
At TK Injury Lawyers, We believe this structure is ideal in that it aligns the interests of the client and the attorney. In other words, the attorney does not get paid unless they produce tangible results on behalf of the client.
If you need to file a lawsuit, you want an attorney with auto accident litigation experience handling the entire process. The best Austin car accident lawyer for you will strive to fight for the compensation that you deserve and need in your case.
There are many rules and procedures during litigation, and your attorney can navigate the process while trying to negotiate a settlement agreement. If you cannot reach an agreement, your case will need to go to court. Having the best car accident lawyer near you is critical to the success of your case if you need to go before a jury.
Trent Kelly obtained his law degree from the University of Arkansas in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and regularly assists clients with their legal matters. Trent’s practice is primarily focused on personal injury matters – particularly those involving motor vehicles (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and motorcycles) and wrongful death – but he also handles various business litigation matters as well. Click here to take a look at some complex cases Trent has resolved.
Years of experience: +15 years
Location: Austin, TX
We believe that almost anyone who has been seriously injured due to another person’s negligence can benefit from hiring an effective car accident lawyer in Austin, TX.
If you were injured in a car wreck that was not your fault, you likely have legal claims that can be pursued and we would be happy to speak with you about whether we can assist.
If you have suffered any injuries in an accident that requires medical treatment, it is safe to assume that you might be eligible to file a car accident claim for those injuries. The most important thing that you can do after your accident is to seek same-day medical treatment at an urgent care facility or hospital. The healthcare provider there will be able to examine you and perform the necessary MRIs and other imaging studies to ascertain your condition. He or she could also recommend follow-up medical treatment, such as with a primary care doctor or specialist.
The other driver might accuse you of being negligent as well to limit their liability. However, under Texas-modified comparative fault laws, you can still recover for your losses as long as you were less than 50 percent at fault. Even if you think you did something wrong, too, you should always talk to a lawyer about possible recovery.
In Texas, a car accident victim must file a lawsuit against the at-fault party within two years of the date of his or her accident. If the accident victim does not file a lawsuit within this time period, he or she will no longer be able to make a claim for monetary compensation in the future arising out of these injuries. This means you need to go through the entire insurance claim process first, and then your lawyer needs to prepare the lawsuit all within two years. If you don’t file in two years, your lawsuit will be dismissed. This is why it is important to contact a car accident attorney near your area immediately.
An experienced car accident attorney at TK Injury Lawyers will be sure to file your lawsuit in a timely manner in order to fall within the two-year Texas statute of limitations on personal injury cases.
Texas has minimum insurance requirements for all drivers, and if a driver violates the law by not having proper insurance, you will need to learn about other options for seeking compensation, such as an uninsured motorist claim.
You can sue for the exact damages that you have suffered because of someone else’s negligence. In any car accident case, there are two different broad categories of damages. Economic damages refer to the money that either comes out of your pocket or that you could have earned. Non-economic damages refer to the damages that you suffer because of what you have had to endure because of the accident.
Economic damages will include the following:
Your non-economic damages are more subjective, and they measure what you are going through since the car accident. Non-economic damages would include:
Your damages are a personal calculation based on your own experience and injuries in a car accident. It is possible for two people to suffer the same exact physical injury but have different damages because the injury affects them differently. For example, a higher-paid worker would have more lost wages, while an active younger person could have more loss of enjoyment of life.
The person who was at fault for the car accident is the one who must pay for the damages. If someone thinks that you were to blame for the crash, they may file a lawsuit against you.
You can take comfort in knowing that the insurance company would be legally obligated to pay a judgment against you up to the value of the policy limit. Then, the injured driver may file a claim against their own auto policy for an underinsured driver if your coverage is not enough to pay the full damages. The other driver can only try to get your money if both of those coverages are not enough.
If you are sued, the insurance company has a legal duty to defend you. As a defendant, you would not need to hire and pay for your own car accident lawyer.
The four elements that must be proven in your car accident case are:
If we told you that the median nationwide settlement for a car accident is $40,000, that information would not help you much. If you suffered $100,000 worth of damages from your car accident injury, a $40,000 settlement would actually be terrible for you. While it is nice to know the average numbers for a frame of reference, you should focus on your own unique situation when you are trying to figure out how much money you can get for your car accident injuries. You never know the situations of other people who are reported as part of an average number.
The defendant has a legal obligation to put you in the same position as if the accident never happened. They would use the money to restore you to that position since they cannot undo the effects of the accident. If you suffered $1 million of damages, the defendant would have a legal obligation to pay you $1 million, although they often do not have this money.
If you have suffered more serious car accident injuries, your settlement amount would likely be much higher than average in Austin, TX. Your car accident lawyer would negotiate the right amount of compensation for you.
When negligent motor vehicle operators engage in these types of activities while driving and an accident and injuries result, then the accident victim may be able to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the driver seeking damages.
Car crashes in Texas occur for a variety of reasons and can lead to a wide range of catastrophic injuries. If you were injured by some of the most common causes of car accidents, do not hesitate to contact an Austin car accident lawyer as soon as possible:
According to TxDOT, in 2021 about 1,029 people in Texas were killed and 2,522 people were seriously injured by someone driving under the influence of alcohol.
If you find yourself involved in a car accident — whether a drunk driver is involved or not — it’s important that you get as much information as possible at the scene. First, seek medical help if you or anyone else involved is injured. Call the police and remember to ask for a copy of the police report or the police report number. If you are able, collect the names and contact information of any witnesses before they drift away and take pictures of the vehicles involved. While the memory is still fresh in your mind, you should also record your first impressions of everything that is said and done before they are forgotten.
Finally, if you suspect drunk driving may have been a factor in the accident, then the final and most important step is to call a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
While “texting and driving” is illegal in Texas and it’s one of the most common causes of distracted driving in the United States, there are other situations that can cause a car crash, including:
Regardless of the exact cause, if you have been injured in a car accident in Austin you should contact our Car Accident Lawyers at TK Injury Lawyers to find out how you can protect your rights.
Speak to a car accident lawyer near your area if you were victim of some of the more common injuries to car accident victims including:
Crashes happen in many different ways, and you might suffer injuries in one of the following:
TK Injury Lawyers: What to do after a car accident?
If you have been in a car accident in the Austin Metro Area and find yourself with questions about paying for medical bills, recovering lost wages, repairing your vehicle, or anything else related to your injuries, we are here for you.
The legal team at TK Injury Lawyers is ready to help you pursue the monetary compensation you need for the injuries that you suffered in your car accident. We can assist you with filing your personal injury claim and pursuing a settlement. We can also help you file a lawsuit in your case if your case does not settle in a favorable manner.
4 months ago
I tell you, I wasn’t expecting much because of a previous accident years ago and my car was totaled (used a different law firm). I just wanted to make sure my doctor bills were at least covered, BUT!!! I was referred by my aunt and he was amazing! Kept me in the loop with everything. Anything I didn’t understand, he explained to ensure I comprehended everything! He also checked in to see how I was doing, feeling, and how doctors visits went. So I say all that to say this…he was a blessing in disguise and was amazing to work with! Thank you so much Tom!!
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When it comes to car accidents that occur in the greater Austin area, many questions often come to mind. Drivers are sometimes unsure of what they should do – or where they should turn – if they are involved in an accident that is caused by another driver’s negligence. This article attempts to answer some frequently asked questions that drivers have after being involved in a serious Austin car crash. To discuss your specific situation, reach out to our Austin car accident lawyers directly.
It is sometimes difficult for individuals to determine if they have a legal case or need a lawyer to pursue the case on their behalf.
We believe that almost anyone who has been seriously injured due to another person’s negligence can benefit from hiring an effective Austin personal injury lawyer
The reason is that insurance companies do not owe you any duty to be fair or even honest in adjusting your claims. As a result, individuals are often unprepared to take on an insurance company – with millions of dollars in resources and no obligation to do the right thing.
If you were injured in a car wreck that was not your fault, you likely have legal claims that can be pursued and we would be happy to speak with you about whether we can assist.
If you have been injured, hiring a personal injury attorney is one of the best decisions that you can make for your future. There are a number of reasons why it is beneficial to hire an attorney as opposed to handling the case without a lawyer. First, some personal injury cases involve complex legal concepts that may be difficult for you to understand if you don’t have a legal background.
Personal injury attorneys can also ensure that you accurately calculate the value of your claim. If you have sustained a serious injury that will continue to affect your life in the future, it can be very difficult to calculate how much you will need to cover medical expenses and lost wages in the future. But if you don’t calculate this accurately, you may end up accepting a settlement that does not cover all of your expenses. Don’t make this mistake – let an attorney analyze your case and help you determine the true value of your claim.
Personal injury lawyers can also handle the negotiations with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are notorious for their attempts to get victims to accept unfair settlements or admit fault for the accident that caused their injuries. Saying the wrong thing to an adjuster could impact the rest of your case, which is why it’s so important to let an attorney speak to the insurance company on your behalf.
Having an attorney by your side is crucial if your case ends up going to trial. Most personal injury cases can be settled outside of the courtroom, but this is never guaranteed. You will need an attorney who can handle your case regardless of where it ends up. For these reasons – and so many more – it is crucial that you work with an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney.
If you have been injured, hiring a personal injury attorney is one of the best decisions that you can make for your future. There are a number of reasons why it is beneficial to hire an attorney as opposed to handling the case without a lawyer. First, some personal injury cases involve complex legal concepts that may be difficult for you to understand if you don’t have a legal background.
Personal injury attorneys can also ensure that you accurately calculate the value of your claim. If you have sustained a serious injury that will continue to affect your life in the future, it can be very difficult to calculate how much you will need to cover medical expenses and lost wages in the future. But if you don’t calculate this accurately, you may end up accepting a settlement that does not cover all of your expenses. Don’t make this mistake – let an attorney analyze your case and help you determine the true value of your claim.
Personal injury lawyers can also handle the negotiations with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are notorious for their attempts to get victims to accept unfair settlements or admit fault for the accident that caused their injuries. Saying the wrong thing to an adjuster could impact the rest of your case, which is why it’s so important to let an attorney speak to the insurance company on your behalf.
Having an attorney by your side is crucial if your case ends up going to trial. Most personal injury cases can be settled outside of the courtroom, but this is never guaranteed. You will need an attorney who can handle your case regardless of where it ends up. For these reasons – and so many more – it is crucial that you work with an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney.
Personal injury attorneys can also ensure that you accurately calculate the value of your claim. If you have sustained a serious injury that will continue to affect your life in the future, it can be very difficult to calculate how much you will need to cover medical expenses and lost wages in the future. But if you don’t calculate this accurately, you may end up accepting a settlement that does not cover all of your expenses. Don’t make this mistake – let an attorney analyze your case and help you determine the true value of your claim.
Personal injury lawyers can also handle the negotiations with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are notorious for their attempts to get victims to accept unfair settlements or admit fault for the accident that caused their injuries. Saying the wrong thing to an adjuster could impact the rest of your case, which is why it’s so important to let an attorney speak to the insurance company on your behalf.
Having an attorney by your side is crucial if your case ends up going to trial. Most personal injury cases can be settled outside of the courtroom, but this is never guaranteed. You will need an attorney who can handle your case regardless of where it ends up. For these reasons – and so many more – it is crucial that you work with an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney.
If you have been injured, hiring a personal injury attorney is one of the best decisions that you can make for your future. There are a number of reasons why it is beneficial to hire an attorney as opposed to handling the case without a lawyer. First, some personal injury cases involve complex legal concepts that may be difficult for you to understand if you don’t have a legal background.
Personal injury attorneys can also ensure that you accurately calculate the value of your claim. If you have sustained a serious injury that will continue to affect your life in the future, it can be very difficult to calculate how much you will need to cover medical expenses and lost wages in the future. But if you don’t calculate this accurately, you may end up accepting a settlement that does not cover all of your expenses. Don’t make this mistake – let an attorney analyze your case and help you determine the true value of your claim.
Personal injury lawyers can also handle the negotiations with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are notorious for their attempts to get victims to accept unfair settlements or admit fault for the accident that caused their injuries. Saying the wrong thing to an adjuster could impact the rest of your case, which is why it’s so important to let an attorney speak to the insurance company on your behalf.
Having an attorney by your side is crucial if your case ends up going to trial. Most personal injury cases can be settled outside of the courtroom, but this is never guaranteed. You will need an attorney who can handle your case regardless of where it ends up. For these reasons – and so many more – it is crucial that you work with an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney.
Personal injury attorneys can also ensure that you accurately calculate the value of your claim. If you have sustained a serious injury that will continue to affect your life in the future, it can be very difficult to calculate how much you will need to cover medical expenses and lost wages in the future. But if you don’t calculate this accurately, you may end up accepting a settlement that does not cover all of your expenses. Don’t make this mistake – let an attorney analyze your case and help you determine the true value of your claim.
Personal injury lawyers can also handle the negotiations with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are notorious for their attempts to get victims to accept unfair settlements or admit fault for the accident that caused their injuries. Saying the wrong thing to an adjuster could impact the rest of your case, which is why it’s so important to let an attorney speak to the insurance company on your behalf.
Having an attorney by your side is crucial if your case ends up going to trial. Most personal injury cases can be settled outside of the courtroom, but this is never guaranteed. You will need an attorney who can handle your case regardless of where it ends up. For these reasons – and so many more – it is crucial that you work with an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney.
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“I would definitely recommend Terry & Kelly’s firm for your litigation needs” “Want to send out a sincere “Thank You” for an outstanding job in handling my case. It took a little over a year to resolve but Jim T. was extremely thorough in putting all of the phases together to close it out. I found out quickly how punctual Jim is as well as his dedication t...
“Trent Kelly has been very supportive and very helpful throughout my case” Trent Kelly has been very supportive and very helpful throughout my case. He has been very realistic from day one. He never changed his position. He really cares for you and fights for your case to the best of his ability. Honestly, he got my case resolved for more than I expected. I once had a...
“I worked with Jim Terry and Trent Kelly” After I was hit by a car on my scooter, I worked with Jim Terry and Trent Kelly, with Trent handling the bulk of my case. I was pleased with their professionalism and that they were always good about staying in touch and keeping me up-to-date on my case. I trusted them completely, and they resolved my case faster than I expect...
“My wife and I were very pleased with the services provided by Jim Terry” My wife and I were very pleased with the services provided by Jim Terry of TK Injury Lawyers in assisting us with her motor vehicle injury accident. He was extremely professional and kept us up-to-date with the progress. Jim took the time to help us understand the circumstances and legal conside...
“When my insurance company denied my claim I did not know where to turn” When my insurance company denied my claim I did not know where to turn. I called Jim Terry and explained my not so easy situation. I had no hope in having my vehicle repaired when I called Mr. Terry. He took on my case and was always in contact with me about where we stood in regards to a resolut...
“The staff always kept me up to date and never left me in the dark” I want to express my thanks to Attorney Mr. James Terry and staff for their representation, guidance and assistance settling my case. The insurance company was difficult, however Mr. Terry was able to get full policy limits available. The staff always kept me up to date and never left me in the dark. ...
“They contacted me frequently to give me updates” Mr. Kelly and Mr. Terry handled my personal injury case in Texas. They contacted me frequently to give me updates on my case and made sure I felt it was being handled to my expectations. I was so pleased with their professionalism. My settlement was extremely fair and timely. I would recommend them to my own family and...
“Mr. Terry is an exceptional attorney” Mr. Terry is an exceptional attorney. James (Jim) is easy to talk to, he explains the process very clearly, and he keeps you informed of events normally before they will occur. Most importantly, he settled the case to everyone’s satisfaction. I used him for a personal injury case and I would highly recommend him.
“Trent Kelly is by far the best attorney I have worked with” Trent Kelly is by far the best attorney I have worked with and I was actually married to one! He is professional and got the job done. He is one of the first attorneys I have worked with that did not make me feel like he just took my money and then did nothing. He was referred to me by my daughter who wanted...
“I have worked with Trent and his firm several times” I would highly recommend Trent Kelly and have to several friends. I have worked with Trent and his firm several times over the past four years and have always been impressed with the level of service and very confident in his abilities. After working with Trent, he set the bar in characteristics to search for in an...
We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning costs come out of your recovery, not your pocket.
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We’ve helped numerous Austinites win their Austin Personal Injury case and we would love to help you if you’ve experienced a serious accident. Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, Call us today, to speak with either Jim or Trent.We’ll review the details of your case, give you an honest assessment of it, and then, if appropriate, we’ll help you create a legal plan of action to pursue justice on your behalf.
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