Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
If you're in a car accident, you must follow certain steps and speak with an attorney as soon as you can. Your Houston lawyer for car accidents can maximize the value for your claim.
Insurance companies are more concerned about their own financial interests. A seasoned car accident attorney can balance the playing field. They can assist you to avoid issues like medical bills that are taken from your settlement.
What to do after a Car Crash
It is essential to remain calm after an accident, regardless of whether you are injured or not. It is not advisable to leave your vehicle unless it is safe. The injured person must be treated by medical professionals right away, and police need to arrive to complete an official report.
Take photos or videos of the scene as you exit your vehicle. This will help your accident lawyer in Houston determine the cause of the accident and then prove the facts in court. Photograph any relevant information, including the cars involved and the road conditions.
While you're there, make sure you exchange details with all those involved in the accident. This includes their name, phone number of insurance company, as well as driver's licence number. It is also advisable to inquire about witnesses present and ask for their name and contact information. If they have an driver's license, make sure to obtain the license plate number as well.
It's also a good idea to note down all the details you can recall before your memory begins to fade. You may want note down the date and place of the accident, as well as the manner in which it occurred, or the reason for the accident. It is also important to note the conditions for the weather.
It is recommended to capture as many pictures as possible of the scene, particularly in the event that witnesses are present. You can capture pictures with your cell phone or in the event that you are incapacitated, ask a friend to take the pictures for you. Try to take close-up photos of the cars' damage and also distant photos of the scene.
Take pictures of any skids, damaged guardrails or trees you see. It's also an excellent idea to note any visible injuries suffered in the accident, so make sure to check yourself and your passengers thoroughly for any cuts or scrapes. You can also take pictures of any bruises and other injuries. Be sure to obtain a copy of your police report. This will come in handy in the event that another driver sues you over the collision.
Contact the police
Houstonians get in their cars each day and drive. Some choose to walk or ride a bike on the streets. Despite obeying the rules of the road, it's only one driver who is negligent to cause a serious car crash. The consequences can be devastating. It is therefore crucial to know the steps to take after an accident to safeguard your rights and your own.
One of the most important things you can do following a crash is to call the authorities and report the incident. This will ensure a police officer will be at the scene and write a detailed report which can be extremely valuable to insurance purposes or legal issues that may arise following the crash.
Witnesses must also be interviewed. Although some witnesses might leave the scene prior to when the arrival of a police officer It is essential to collect eyewitness accounts as quickly as possible. This will allow you to follow-up with the witnesses, and secure their testimony in the event of a need.
If you can, capture the scene. YouTube is a crucial step that can be done using an electronic camera or a mobile phone. Your attorney can use pictures of the vehicles and skid marks as well as other things.
Note the names, license plates, and insurance details of all drivers involved. This will help your lawyer determine who was responsible for the incident. In addition it will give evidence of any injuries sustained by other drivers or you.
Always seek medical attention whenever you require it. Even minor injuries like whiplash can have a lasting impact on your health. They can also become worse as time passes. A doctor will record any injuries you may have sustained in the accident.
If it is safe, move your vehicle off the road following a collision. If you're not able to move your vehicle, make sure that you place it in a safe area with reflective signs. Doing so will prevent other drivers from hitting your vehicle in the future. It also will allow you to collect additional damages in a personal injury claim against another person.
Get Medical Attention
If you were involved in a car accident it is imperative to seek medical attention as soon as you can. Whatever the severity you believe your injuries to be an appointment with a doctor can help you pinpoint any health issues that may have developed because of the incident. In addition, a medical evaluation will serve as evidence of your injuries if you ever need to submit an insurance claim or lawsuit.
In many instances, the symptoms of injuries sustained in an accident in the car might not manifest for days, hours or even weeks after the accident. This is due to our bodies reacting to stress by releasing hormones which can disguise pain for a short period of time. What may feel like an unimportant bump or ache in immediate after a crash can be a chronic condition if it is not treated.
If you visit a doctor after an accident in the car medical professional will conduct a thorough exam and ask you several questions about how you feel prior to the, during, and following the accident. Make sure you answer honestly so that the doctor can make the most accurate assessment of your injuries.
If your injuries aren't life-threatening, you can choose between visiting an emergency room in a hospital or to an urgent care center. Both will provide you the medical attention you require and will also provide the evidence needed to support an insurance claim or legal proceeding.
Some people avoid seeking medical attention due to the belief that their injuries will disappear on their own or that the cause of their injuries is something aside from the accident. But, not seeking medical treatment can have adverse consequences for your health and your ability to claim compensation for damages.
It's also essential to refrain from discussing the crash with anyone, including the other driver, since any information you share could be used against you in court or in the settlement negotiations. It's also a good idea to take photos of the scene of the collision and any injuries you may have sustained, as well as keep copies of your medical bills, repair estimates, invoices, receipts pay stubs, pay stubs, and income statements for any expenses that resulted from the accident.
Contact an attorney
A Houston car accident lawyer can assist you if you've been injured or lost a loved in a fatal accident. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries, medical expenses and other damages.
The first step is to find an attorney with experience in representing victims of car accidents and can assess your case. You can find an attorney by asking your family and friends or searching on the internet, or by contact your local bar association. Once you've found some potential candidates, you can schedule a consultation to discuss your case and then make a decision.
The injuries from car accidents can be devastating, so it is crucial to contact a lawyer immediately following the crash. A competent lawyer will analyze your case and assist in filing a claim against the insurance company of the negligent party. They can also represent you in court, should you need to.
A Houston lawyer who has experience will know what to search for in the police report, as well as other evidence. They will also know how to calculate damages, such as future medical bills and lost income in all forms, and damage to the vehicle as well as other property. They will be capable of negotiating with the insurance company for you and fight for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are often bad-faith, making low-ball offers and refusing to pay an actual claim. An attorney can act as your advocate and guide, ensuring that you are not being swindled by.
Additionally an attorney can assist you obtain non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. It can be difficult to prove, but an experienced lawyer can provide a thorough medical assessment of your injuries to present a convincing case, possibly leading to a higher settlement.
An experienced Houston car accident attorney can provide the support and peace of mind that you need after a crash. If you would like to speak with an attorney about your case, call the Smith & Hassler firm. They have more than 30 years of experience achieving results for clients and are prepared to take on your case.