Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
If you're in a car accident, it's crucial to follow certain steps and speak with an attorney as soon as you can. Your Houston car accident lawyer can help maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies are more focused on their own financial interests. A seasoned attorney for car accidents can even the playing field. They can help you avoid traps such as medical bills that are taken out of your settlement.
What to do following a Car Crash
It is crucial to remain calm after an accident, whether you are injured or not. Don't get out of your vehicle unless you are sure you are safe to do so. The injured person must be treated by medical professionals immediately and police should arrive to provide an official report.
Take pictures or videos of the scene as you exit your vehicle. This can assist your accident lawyer in houston determine what actually happened and then prove the facts in court. Photograph any relevant information, like the vehicles involved and the road conditions.
While you're at it, share details with all those involved in the crash. This includes getting their names, contact numbers, insurance company and driver's license number. You should also ask about witnesses present and ask for their name and contact information. You should also get the license number if they have an driving license.
It's an excellent idea to write down all of the details you are able to remember before your memory begins to fade. This may include how the crash happened, what time it was and where the accident occurred. It's a good idea to keep track of the weather conditions too.
It is beneficial to capture as many photographs as possible of the scene, particularly in the event that witnesses are present. You can take pictures with your mobile phone or if you're incapacitated request a trusted friend to help you. Make sure to take pictures in close-ups of the damage to the cars and more distant ones of the accident site as an entire.
YouTube , damaged guardrails, or trees that you observe. It's also recommended to record any visible injuries that were suffered in the accident. Make certain to check you and your passengers for any scrapes or cuts. You can also take photos of any bruises and other injuries. Make sure to take a copy of the police report. This will be helpful if you are sued by the other driver.
Call the Police
Everyday, people across Houston take their cars and drive. Others take to the streets on foot or a bicycle. Even if you observe the rules of road, one negligent driver can cause a serious accident. The repercussions of this could be devastating. In the event of an accident it's crucial to know what steps you should take immediately after an accident to protect yourself and your rights.
One of the most important things to do after a crash is to call the authorities and report the crash. This will ensure that a police official visits the scene and creates an accurate police report that will be crucial for insurance purposes or any legal issues that might arise following the accident.
Witnesses should also be interviewed. Although some witnesses may leave the scene before the arrival of a police officer It is essential to collect eyewitness accounts as quickly as you can. This will enable you to follow-up with witnesses and get their testimony in the event of a need.
Take pictures of the scene, if possible. This is a vital step, and can be done by using a mobile phone or digital camera. Your lawyer can make use of photographs of the vehicles, skid marks, as well as other items.
It is also important to note the names of the drivers involved and their license plate numbers, and their insurance information. This will assist your attorney determine who was at fault for the accident. In addition it will provide evidence of any injuries sustained by you or other drivers.
Finally, you should always seek medical attention if you need it. Even minor injuries, such as whiplash, can have a long-term impact on your health and could be worsened over time. A visit to a doctor as soon as possible will also record any injuries you suffered in the accident.
It is also a good idea to move your vehicle off the road following a crash if safe to do this. If you can't move your vehicle, you should surround it with reflective signs. Doing so will prevent other drivers from crashing into your vehicle in the near future. It will allow you to collect additional damages in a personal injury claim against another party.
Seek medical attention
If you were involved in a car crash it is imperative to seek medical attention as quickly as you can. Whatever your opinion is about whether your injuries are serious or not, visiting a doctor will help you determine and treat any ailments that may be arising in the aftermath of the collision. In addition an evaluation by a doctor will be used as evidence of your injuries if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
In many instances, the symptoms of injuries from a car crash may not manifest for days, hours, or weeks after the accident. Stress can cause our bodies to release hormones that mask discomfort for a short period of time. What appears to be a minor bump or ache in the immediate aftermath of a crash may become a serious condition if left untreated.
When you go to see an ophthalmologist following an accident in the car the doctor will conduct a thorough exam and ask you a series of questions about how you feel before the, during, and following the collision. Be sure to answer the questions honestly so that your doctor can make the most accurate evaluation of your injuries.
If your injuries are not life-threatening, you may choose between going to a hospital emergency room or to an urgent care center. Both will provide the medical attention you require and provide documentation of your injuries to support an insurance claim or legal proceeding.
Some people are hesitant to seek medical attention due to the belief that their injuries will go away by themselves or that the cause of their injuries is something apart from the accident. In the absence of seeking medical attention, it could be detrimental to your health as well as your ability to get compensation for the damages you suffered.
Do not discuss the incident to anyone, even the other driver. What you say could be used against your interests in court or in negotiations for an agreement. Take photos of the site of the accident as well as any injuries you may have suffered. Keep copies of all your medical bills, repair estimates, and invoices.
Contact an Attorney
A Houston car accident lawyer can help if you've been injured or lost a loved one in the event of a fatal crash. You may be entitled for substantial compensation for injuries and medical costs.
Find an attorney who has experience in representing victims of auto accidents to assess your case. You can find lawyers through asking your family and friends as well as searching on the internet or contacting your local bar association. Once you have found a few candidates, schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and make a decision.
The injuries from car accidents can be devastating, so it is important to get an attorney immediately following the crash. A good lawyer will evaluate your case and assist you in submitting a claim to the insurance company of the responsible party. They can also represent you in court if necessary.
A Houston lawyer for car accidents who is experienced will know what to look for in the police report and other evidence. They will also know how to calculate the damages you have suffered which include future medical bills as well as all types of income loss, and damage to your vehicle and other property. They will be in a position to negotiate with the insurance company for you and push for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are often in bad faith, making low-ball offers and refusing to pay for legitimate claims. An attorney can be your advocate and advisor, ensuring you do not get ripped off.
A lawyer can also assist you to recover noneconomic damages such as discomfort and pain. This is often difficult to prove, however an experienced lawyer can provide a thorough medical assessment of your injuries and present an argument that is convincing, possibly leading to a larger settlement.
An experienced Houston lawyer can provide you with the support and peace of mind you require following a crash. To speak with a lawyer about your case, call the Smith & Hassler firm. They have over 30 years of experience achieving results for their clients and are able to tackle your case.