Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

When someone else’s negligence turns your life upside down, the system doesn’t make it easy to recover. You’re suddenly facing medical bills, time off work, and pressure from insurance adjusters who are trained to minimize payouts. Hiring a personal injury lawyer isn’t just about filing paperwork; it’s about leveling the playing field. 

At Daly & Black, P.C., we fight for injury victims across Texas and Louisiana, using aggressive legal strategy and trial-tested experience to pursue the full compensation our clients may be entitled to.

When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better positioned you are to protect your rights. Here are common scenarios where hiring a personal injury lawyer can make a critical difference:

You Suffered a Traumatic Injury or Permanent Disability

If your injury requires ongoing care, affects your ability to work, or permanently alters your life, your damages likely extend into the future. These are high-stakes claims, and insurers often fight them aggressively to limit payouts.

A lawyer will:

• Work with financial and medical experts
• Calculate future care costs and lost earning capacity
• Position your case for full lifetime compensation

Liability Is Disputed

If the other party is denying responsibility, your case could stall or be dismissed entirely. Whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or pedestrian accident, you must prove the other party was at fault to recover damages. 

A personal injury lawyer will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation
• Gather physical and testimonial evidence
• Consult with reconstruction or industry experts
• Build a legal strategy to establish liability

The Insurance Company Is Acting in Bad Faith

If your claim is being delayed, denied without reason, or subjected to unfair tactics (e.g., excessive paperwork, misrepresented policy terms), you may be dealing with insurance bad faith.

A lawyer can:

• Document and expose these tactics
• Hold the insurer accountable through litigation
• Protect your legal rights and prevent your claim from expiring

Multiple Parties Are Involved

In cases involving medical malpractice, multi-car accidents, construction site injuries, or defective products, liability is often shared across multiple parties. This makes claims more complex and more likely to be delayed or underpaid.

An experienced attorney can:

• Determine each party’s share of liability
• Coordinate with multiple insurers and defendants
• File claims efficiently without missing deadlines

You’re Being Blamed for the Accident

Even when the other party admits some fault, their insurer may try to shift blame onto you to reduce your compensation. For example, if you’re accused of speeding during a motorcycle crash or ignoring warnings in a workplace injury, your recovery could be significantly reduced under Texas or Louisiana comparative fault laws.

An attorney can:

• Challenge false or exaggerated claims of negligence
• Protect your right to full compensation
• Navigate contributory fault laws in your state

Your Claim Involves a Government Entity

Claims involving city, state, or federal agencies, like public transportation accidents, including serious bus crashes and government vehicle collisions, come with strict deadlines and immunity protections.

You need a lawyer who understands how to file timely claims under notice provisions, the exceptions to sovereign immunity and the right legal procedures for suing a government entity

If you’re unsure when to hire a personal injury lawyer, remember that time isn’t on your side. Delays can mean lost evidence, missed deadlines, and stronger defenses for the insurance company. Daly & Black works on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no cost to get started, and no fee unless we win.

How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

Every personal injury case comes with a countdown; don’t let yours expire. Texas and Louisiana both impose strict time limits for filing claims.

In Texas, most personal injury suits must be filed within two years of the injury (Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). Whereas, as of July 1, 2024, the statute of limitations in Louisiana for most personal injury claims was extended from one year to two years, under Act 423 (Civil Code art. 3493.11 & .12).

Insurance companies often delay in order to exploit statute limits. Missing these deadlines, even by a day, can permanently bar your claim, no matter how strong it is. 

Why Hiring a Lawyer Matters Early

Hiring a lawyer early is crucial because they will immediately track filing timelines for all involved parties, including governmental agencies, and determine any applicable exceptions, such as those for minors or incapacitated individuals. Furthermore, they will work to preserve evidence without delay, as crucial elements like witness recollections, accident scene data, and medical records can degrade quickly. 

Don’t gamble with your future; get legal guidance before the clock runs out.

Can You Deal with the Insurance Company on Your Own?

Technically, yes, but you’ll likely leave money on the table. Insurance companies are in business to protect their bottom line, not yours. They may pressure you to settle quickly, dispute liability or downplay your injuries or even delay or deny valid claims.

Without legal representation, you’re at a disadvantage. A seasoned attorney knows the tactics insurance companies use and how to fight back.

Should You Hire a Personal Injury Attorney for a Minor Injury?

It’s easy to underestimate an injury that seems “minor” at first. But many soft tissue injuries, concussions, and joint problems don’t fully surface until weeks or months later. If you settle early, you may waive your right to further compensation.

So, should you hire a personal injury attorney even for a seemingly small case? If there’s any doubt about your future medical needs or long-term effects, it’s worth getting legal advice before signing anything.

How a Lawyer Can Maximize Your Compensation

When you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, securing the full compensation you deserve can be challenging. A personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages for:

• Emergency care and ongoing medical treatment
• Lost income and future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

Proving those losses and negotiating their full value requires specific legal skill, thorough documentation, and courtroom readiness. At Daly & Black, we know how to present a case that insurance companies take seriously.

Legal Experience Matters in Texas and Louisiana

Our attorneys know the legal systems, judges, and insurance defense strategies in both Texas and Louisiana. We’ve tried, and won, high-stakes personal injury cases in state and federal court. 

That regional insight gives our clients a distinct edge when it comes to jury selection, case valuation, and navigating procedural hurdles.

Our firm has been recognized as Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year, and our lawyers have been listed among Super Lawyers and Top 100 Trial Lawyers. We bring that reputation into every negotiation and courtroom.

FAQs

Can’t I just deal with the insurance company myself after an accident?

You can, but it’s risky. Insurers may delay, deny, or underpay your claim. Without a lawyer, you have little leverage to challenge their offer or prove the full extent of your damages.

What does a personal injury lawyer actually do for me?

They handle every aspect of your case: gathering evidence, working with medical experts, filing court documents, negotiating with insurers, and going to trial if needed — all while you focus on recovery.

How can hiring a personal injury lawyer increase my compensation?

Lawyers know how to properly value claims and push back against lowball offers. Studies consistently show that represented clients recover significantly more, even after legal fees.

Get the Legal Firepower You Deserve

You don’t have to take on insurance companies alone. Whether your injury happened on the road, at work, or due to medical negligence, the right legal team can make the difference between an unfair settlement and full compensation.Call Daly & Black today to schedule your FREE consultation. We go ALL IN for every client.