Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
It's important that you speak to an attorney as quickly as possible following a car accident. Your Houston lawyer for car accidents will maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies are focused on their own financial interests, however an experienced lawyer for car accidents balances the playing field. They can help you avoid issues like medical bills that are deducted from your settlement.
What should you do following an accident with a car
If you're hurt or not, it's important to remain calm in the aftermath of a car accident. It is not advisable to leave your car unless it is safe. Injured people need to be treated by medical professionals right away and police should arrive to make an official report.
Take photos or videos of the scene as you exit your vehicle. This will help your accident attorney in Houston determine what transpired and then prove it to the court. It's also recommended to capture photos of the vehicles involved, the road's condition and any other pertinent information.
Exchange information with all the parties involved in the incident. This includes their name, address, phone number, insurance company, and driver's licence number. You should also ask them about any witnesses who were present and obtain their names and contact information. You should also obtain the license number if they hold a driving license.
It's recommended to note down all the details you are able to remember before your memory begins to fade. This could include the date and time the crash occurred when, the time and the location of the crash. You should also take note of the conditions of the weather.
If you can, it's an ideal idea to take as many photographs of the scene as you can, particularly when there are witnesses at the scene. You can use your smartphone to capture these photos, or if you are disabled following the accident, you can ask a witness to do so for you. Try to take close-up photos of the damage to the vehicles and farther ones of the accident site as a whole.
Take pictures of any damaged guardrails, skids or trees that you see. It's also an excellent idea to record any visible injuries that were sustained in the accident, so make certain to check you and your passengers thoroughly for any cuts or scrapes. Also, take photos of any bruises or other injuries. Make sure to obtain a copy of the police report. This will be helpful if you are sued by the other driver.
Contact the police
Every day, people throughout Houston get in their automobiles and drive. Others walk around on foot or riding bikes. While they are following the rules of the road, it's just one driver who is negligent to cause a serious car accident. The repercussions of this could be devastating. As a result, it's important to know what steps you should immediately following an accident to ensure your safety and your rights.
Among the most important things you can do following an accident is to call the police and report the incident. This will ensure that a police officer will visit the scene and write an accurate report that will be invaluable to insurance purposes or legal issues that may arise following the accident.
Witnesses must also be interviewed. It is important to get eyewitness statements immediately, even if some people leave the scene prior to an officer arrives. This will allow your attorney to follow up with the witnesses and secure their testimony in the future, if needed.
Take pictures of the scene, if possible. This is a vital step, and is possible by using a mobile phone or digital camera. Photographs of the skid marks, vehicles and other things will provide valuable evidence for your attorney.
You should also note the names of the drivers involved and their license plate numbers, and their insurance information. Tyler accident attorney will help your lawyer determine who was at fault for the crash. It will also help establish the extent of any injuries you or the other driver may have suffered.
In the end, it is important to seek medical attention when needed. Even minor injuries, such as whiplash, can have a long-term impact on your health, and can be worsened as time passes. A visit to a doctor as soon as possible is also a good idea to document any injuries you suffered in the accident.
If it's safe, remove your vehicle from the road following an accident. If you can't move your car, then surround it with reflective signs. Doing so will prevent other drivers from hitting your vehicle in the future and will help you secure more damages in a personal injury claim against a third party.
Seek medical attention
If you've been involved in a car accident it is imperative to seek medical attention as quickly as you can. No matter if you believe your injuries are serious or not, visiting an expert will help you identify and treat any conditions that may develop in the aftermath of the crash. A medical evaluation can also be used to prove your injuries if you have to submit a lawsuit or a claim.
In many cases, symptoms of injuries resulting from the crash of a car may not show up for days, hours or even weeks after the accident. This is because our bodies respond to stress by releasing hormones which can cover up pain for a brief period of time. What may feel like an insignificant bump or ache immediate aftermath of a crash may turn into a debilitating condition if left untreated.
You will be asked a series of questions by the doctor about your feelings prior to and after an accident. Be sure to answer the questions honestly so that your doctor can give the most accurate assessment of your injuries.
If your injuries aren't life-threatening, you can decide between going to a hospital emergency room or to an urgent care center. Both will provide the medical attention you require and will provide documentation of your injuries to aid in the insurance claim or legal proceeding.
Some people are hesitant to seek medical attention due to the belief that their injuries will heal on their own or that the cause of their injuries is something else apart from the accident. But, not seeking medical treatment can have adverse consequences for your health and your ability to claim compensation for the damages you suffered.
It's also important to refrain from discussing the crash with anyone, not even the other driver, because any information you share could be used against you in court or during the settlement negotiations. It's important to take photographs of the accident scene and any injuries you might have sustained, as well keeping copies of your medical bills repair estimates, invoices, receipts, pay stubs, and income statements for expenses that resulted from the accident.
Contact an attorney
A Houston car accident lawyer can help if you've been injured or lost a loved one in an accident that killed someone. You could be entitled to significant compensation for injuries, medical expenses and other damages.
Find an attorney experienced in representing victims of auto accidents, who can examine your case. You can find attorneys by asking friends and family as well as searching on the internet or by contacting your local bar association. After you have identified some potential candidates, you can schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and make a final decision.
The injuries from car accidents can be devastating, so it is important to get a lawyer as soon as you can after the accident. A good lawyer will assess your case and help you file a claim with the insurance company of the party who was negligent. They can also represent your case in court, should you need to.
A Houston lawyer who is experienced will know what to search out in the police report, as well as other evidence. They will also understand how to calculate the damages you have suffered which include future medical bills and all other forms of income loss, as well as damage to your vehicle and other property. They will be able negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf and advocate for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are often in bad faith, which could include low-ball offers or refusing to pay for a legitimate claim. An attorney can act as your advocate and advisor in ensuring that you do not get taken advantage of.
In addition, an attorney can help you recover non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. It can be difficult to prove this, but an experienced lawyer can utilize a medical evaluation to make a convincing argument, which could lead to an increase in settlement.
A Houston lawyer for car accidents can give you the assurance and support you require following a crash. Contact the Smith & Hassler law firm to speak with an attorney about your case. They have over 30 years of experience achieving results for their clients and are ready to take on your case.