14 Misconceptions Common To Accident Lawyer In Houston
Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
It is essential to talk to an attorney as quickly as possible after a car accident. Your Houston car accident lawyer can maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies prioritize their own financial interests, but an experienced attorney for car crashes balances the playing field. They can help you to avoid issues like medical bills that are taken from your settlement.
What to do following a Car Crash
If you're hurt or not, it's important to remain calm in the aftermath of a car accident. You should not leave your vehicle unless it is safe. Medical experts must treat injured persons immediately, and the police must arrive to file an official report.
Take pictures or videos of the scene as you exit your vehicle. This can help your accident lawyer in houston determine what actually happened and show that in court. It's also recommended to take photos of the cars involved, the road's condition and any other pertinent information.
While you're there, exchange information with everyone involved in the crash. This involves obtaining their name, phone number, insurance company and driver's license number. It is also advisable to inquire about witnesses and get their name and contact information. Also, you should get the license number if they have an active driving license.
You should also record any details you can remember, before your memory deteriorates. It might be helpful to write down the time and location of the accident, as well as the manner in which it happened, or what caused the accident. You should also take note of the conditions of the weather.
If you are able, it's recommended to take as many photographs of the scene as you can, especially if there are any witnesses at the scene. You can capture pictures with your cellphone or in the event that you are incapacitated, ask a friend to take the pictures for you. Make sure to take pictures in close-ups of the damage to the vehicles and farther ones of the accident site as an entire.
Photograph any damaged guardrails, skids, or trees that you spot. Also, take photos of any visible injuries that you may have sustained in the accident. Examine yourself and your passengers for scrapes or cuts. 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
Houstonians hop into their cars each day and drive. Others walk around on foot or riding bicycles. Despite obeying the rules of the road, it only takes one driver who is negligent to cause a serious car accident. The consequences of this can be devastating. It's crucial to be aware of the steps to take after an accident to ensure your rights and protect yourself.
One of the most important things to do after a collision is to call the authorities and report the accident. 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 might arise following the accident.
Witnesses should also be questioned. It is important to get eyewitness accounts immediately, even if some people leave the scene before an officer arrives. This will allow you to follow-up with the witnesses and get their statements if needed.
If you can, capture the scene. This is an essential step that can be done using an electronic camera or mobile phone. Olathe accident attorneys of the vehicles, skid marks, and other objects will provide valuable evidence for your attorney.
It is also important to note the names of the drivers involved and their license plate numbers, and their insurance information. Doing this will assist your lawyer in determining who is responsible for the crash. It will also prove any injuries you or the other driver may have suffered.
In the end, it is important to request medical attention if necessary. Even minor injuries like whiplash can cause a long-lasting impact on your health. They may also worsen as time passes. A doctor will document any injuries you may have sustained as a result of the accident.
If it's safe, you must remove your vehicle from the road after a collision. If you are unable to move your car, surround it with reflective signs. This will stop other drivers from hitting you vehicle in the future, and it can also help you collect more compensation in a lawsuit for injury against an uninvolved third party.
Get Medical Attention
It is crucial to seek medical attention as soon after a car crash as possible. Whatever the severity you believe your injuries to be visiting a doctor can help you identify any issues that may have arisen due to the accident. Medical evaluations could also serve as evidence of your injuries if you are required to submit a lawsuit or a claim.
In many instances, the symptoms of injuries resulting from the crash of a car may not be evident for several days, hours, or weeks after the accident. This is due to the fact that our bodies respond to stress by releasing hormones that can disguise pain for a short period of time. If untreated even a minor bump in aftermath of a car accident can turn into a chronic illness.
When you go to see a doctor after an accident in your car medical professional will perform a thorough examination and ask you several questions about how you feel before, during, and after the collision. Be sure to answer the questions honestly so that the doctor can provide the most accurate evaluation of your injuries.
If your injuries don't pose a life-threatening threat you can select between an emergency room in an urgent care center. Both will provide the medical treatment you require, and provide the evidence needed to support the insurance claim or legal proceeding.
Some people aren't seeking medical attention due to the belief that their injuries will go away on their own or the injury was caused by something other than an accident. However, ignoring medical attention could have detrimental consequences for your health as well as your ability to obtain compensation for the damages you suffered.
Avoid discussing the incident to anyone, including the other driver. Any information you share could be used against your interests in court or when negotiating a settlement. Photograph the accident site and 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 assist you if you have been injured or lost a loved in a fatal accident. You could be eligible for significant compensation for injuries and medical expenses.
Find an attorney who has experience in representing victims of auto accidents to examine your case. You can locate an attorney through asking your friends and family, searching online or contacting your local bar association. Once you've found a few candidates to interview and set up a meeting to discuss your case.
The injuries from car accidents can be devastating, so it is crucial to contact an attorney as soon as you can after the crash. A good lawyer can evaluate your case and help you file a claim with the negligent party's insurance company. They can also represent you in court, if needed.
A Houston car accident attorney with experience knows what to look for in the police report as well as other evidence. They also be able to calculate damages including future medical bills and lost income in any form, and damages to the vehicle and other property. They can negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf, and push for fair compensation.
Insurance companies can act in bad faith, and this could include offering low-ball prices or refusing to pay for a legitimate claim. An attorney can act as your adviser and advocate in ensuring that you do not get ripped off.
A lawyer can also help you get compensation for non-economic damages like pain and discomfort. It can be difficult to prove, but an experienced lawyer can make an accurate medical assessment of your injuries and make a convincing case, possibly leading to a higher settlement.
A seasoned Houston car accident attorney can provide the help and peace of mind that you need after a crash. To speak to an attorney regarding your case, contact the Smith & Hassler firm. They have over 30 years of experience in achieving results for their clients and are prepared to take on your case.