Personal Injury 101

personal injury 101

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: I was in a simple car wreck, do I need a lawyer?

A: If you ask Brian, there's no such thing as a 'simple car wreck'. One of our first questions to you will be - 'Were you injured?'
We are a Personal Injury Law Firm so unfortunately,  if you're calling us, it's not because you're having a great day.

The 3 D's of insurance are: Delay, Deny, Defend. You're going to be getting a lot of push back from your insurance company, as well as the defendant's insurance company. Brian has been dealing with this for 25 years now and knows how to get the maximum compensation.

Q:   What if I don't have health insurance?

A:   If you don't have health insurance and you need to be seen by a doctor, or have already gone to the hospital, we'll take care of it. Brian's first priority is making sure his clients are getting the medical care they need in order to heal. Brian can write a 'Letter of Protection' to medical providers stating that the client is to be billed for any medical bills, everything will be handled through our office.

Q:   Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?

A: NO!
If you're working with an attorney to represent you in your car accident case, do not give a recorded statement to either car insurance company. Insurance companies do not have your best interest at heart. They are not in the business of paying out claims, they are in the business of making money.

ASK AN ATTORNEY:

We had our followers submit their questions so Brian could personally answer. Here's what you submitted!

(If you're not already following us on social media, click the icons below so you're not missing out!)

Q:   Do you only handle car wrecks?

A: "I handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including car wrecks, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, premises liability, boating accidents, and wrongful death claims. While car accident cases are a significant part of our practice, I'm currently handling complex cases including an oilfield death case and a wrongful death case resulting from a fall. My firm has the experience and resources to handle any type of serious injury or wrongful death case in Texas."

Q: What if someone hits me and they don’t have insurance?

A:  "If you're hit by an uninsured driver in Texas, you have several potential options for recovery:

First, if you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own auto policy, this can provide compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. I strongly recommend everyone carry this coverage for exactly this situation. We have seen an increase lately in the number of car accidents involving uninsured drivers.

Second, we can investigate whether there are other responsible parties. For example, if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer might be liable.

Finally, while being hit by an uninsured driver can be challenging, we will investigate all potential sources of recovery. The key is to contact us quickly so we can evaluate all possible options and protect your rights."

Q: Should I go to my personal doctor or the ER after an accident?

A: "After an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. However, your choice of medical care will depend on the severity of your injuries. If you're experiencing severe pain, head trauma, loss of consciousness, bleeding, or any emergency symptoms, you should go to the ER immediately. However, for less severe injuries, your personal doctor can be a good choice because they know your medical history and can provide ongoing care. The most important thing is that you seek medical attention promptly, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some serious injuries may not show immediate symptoms. Do not delay seeking immediate medical attention and never substitute your opinion for that of a trained medical professional. Your health should be your priority after any accident."

Q: How soon after a car accident should I contact an attorney?

A: "You should contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Ideally, this means calling Brian Hargrove Law Before speaking with any insurance companies or giving recorded statements. Early legal representation helps protect your rights and ensures crucial evidence is preserved. Important steps happen quickly after an accident. Insurance companies begin their investigations immediately, accident scenes change, vehicles get repaired or destroyed, witnesses' memories fade, and evidence can disappear. Additionally, there are strict deadlines and notice requirements under Texas law that must be met to protect your claim.

When you contact Brian Hargrove Law early, you can focus on your medical recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case, including dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and documenting your damages."

Q: How much to get a consultation with Mr. Hargrove?

A: "My initial consultations are always free. During this consultation, we'll discuss your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. If we decide to work together, we handle cases on a contingency fee basis - which means you pay nothing until we win your case.

This no-cost case evaluation allows you to understand your rights and options without any financial risk or obligation. You can call our office anytime or use our online contact form to schedule your free consultation."

Q: I don’t think I’d be able to afford a lawyer…how much is it?

A: You don’t pay anything upfront because we work on a contingency fee basis - which means you pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket. We only get paid when we win your case or secure a settlement. Our fee is then paid as a percentage of the recovery, and we'll clearly explain this percentage during your free consultation. This contingency fee arrangement means anyone can afford quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. We also advance all case expenses, such as court costs and expert witness fees. This way, you can focus on your recovery while we handle your legal case.

There is absolutely no financial risk to you - if we don't win your case, you owe us nothing. No Win – No Fee- that’s our guarantee!"