Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
It's important that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident. Your Houston car accident attorney can maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies focus on their own financial interests, however an experienced attorney for car crashes can help you balance the odds. They can help you avoid costly mistakes like medical bills that come out of your settlement check.
What to do after a Car Crash
It is essential to remain calm after an accident, whether you're injured or not. Don't leave your vehicle until you are sure it is safe to do this. Medical professionals must treat injured people immediately and the police should arrive to file an official report.
Once you're out of your car, try to capture photos or videos of the scene. This can help your accident lawyer in Houston determine what actually happened and show that in court. It's also an excellent idea to capture photos of the vehicles involved as well as the road's condition and any other relevant details.
Exchange information with all those involved in the collision. This involves obtaining their name, number as well as the insurance company's license number. Also, ask them about any witnesses that were present and get their names and contact details. If they have an driver's license, make sure to obtain the license plate number as well.
It is also important to write down any information you remember, before your memory wane. You might want to write down the time and location of the accident, how it occurred, or the reason for the accident. It's a good idea to take note of the weather conditions as well.
It is recommended to capture as many pictures as you can of the scene, especially when there are witnesses. You can snap pictures using your cellphone or if you're incapacitated request a trusted friend to help you. Make sure to take photos in close-ups of the damage to the cars and also distant photos of the scene.
Be their explanation to take pictures of any skid marks, damaged guardrails or trees at the scene. It's also recommended to record any visible injuries that were sustained in the accident, so make sure to check yourself and your passengers thoroughly for any scrapes or cuts. Also, take photos of any bruises or other injuries. Make sure you get the police report. This will be helpful if you are sued by the other driver.
Call the Police
Every day, people throughout Houston get into their automobiles and drive. Some choose to walk or ride a bike on the streets. Even though they obey the rules of the road, it's just one negligent driver to cause a serious car accident. When this happens, the results could be devastating. Therefore, it's important 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 an accident is to contact the authorities and report the accident. This will ensure a police officer will visit the scene and write an extensive report that can be extremely valuable to insurance purposes or legal issues that may arise after the crash.
Interviewing witnesses is also important. While some individuals might leave the scene before an officer arrives It is essential to collect eyewitness testimony as soon as you can. This will enable you to follow-up with the witnesses and get their testimony if necessary.
Take photos of the scene, if you can. This is a crucial step that is easily accomplished using either a digital camera or a mobile phone. Pictures of the skid marks, vehicles and other items can be used as evidence for your attorney.
You should also take note of the names of the drivers involved as well as their license plate numbers and their insurance details. This will assist your lawyer in determining who was at fault for the crash. In addition it will give evidence of any injuries sustained by you or any other driver.
In the end, it is important to seek medical attention if you need it. Even minor injuries, like whiplash could have a lasting impact on your health, and can get worse over time. A doctor will record any injuries that you may have sustained in the accident.
It is recommended to move your vehicle from the roadway following a crash if safe to do this. If you are unable to move your car, then surround it with reflective signs. This 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 a third party.
Get Medical Attention
If you were involved in a car crash, it's crucial that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. No matter how serious you believe your injuries to be an appointment with a doctor can help you identify any health issues that may have developed due to the incident. Medical evaluations could also serve to prove your injuries if you need to make a claim for a lawsuit or an insurance claim.
In many cases, symptoms of injuries sustained in an accident in the car might not manifest for hours, days or even weeks after the accident. This is due to our bodies reacting to stress by releasing hormones that cover up pain for a brief period of time. If not treated, what may seem like an insignificant bump in the aftermath of a car crash can become a debilitating illness.
You will be asked a series of questions by a doctor about your feelings before and after an accident. Make sure to answer honestly so that your doctor can provide the most accurate diagnosis of your injuries.
If your injuries aren't life-threatening, you can decide between going to an emergency room at a hospital or to an urgent care facility. Both will provide the medical attention you require and provide evidence of your injuries to aid in an insurance claim or legal proceeding.
Some people avoid seeking medical attention due to the belief that their injuries will heal by themselves or that the cause of their injuries is something else aside from the accident. Neglecting to seek medical attention could be detrimental to your health and your ability to get compensation for the damages you suffered.
Do not discuss the incident to anyone, not even the other driver. Any information you share could be used against your interests in court or when negotiating an agreement. It's also a good idea to take pictures of the scene of the collision and any injuries you have suffered, as well keeping copies of medical bills repair estimates as well as receipts, invoices as well as pay stubs and income statements for expenses caused by the collision.
Contact an Attorney
If you've been injured in a car crash, or lost a loved one in a fatal crash, an Houston car accident attorney can help. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for injuries and medical costs.
The first step is to locate an attorney with experience in representing victims of car accidents. They can evaluate your case. You can find lawyers through asking your family and friends, searching online, or contacting the 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, and it is crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the crash. A good lawyer will evaluate your case and assist you in filing a claim against the insurance company of the negligent party. They can also represent you in court, if required.
An experienced Houston car accident lawyer will know what to look for in the police report as well as other evidence. They will also understand how to calculate the damages you have suffered that include future medical expenses as well as all types of lost income, and damage to your vehicle as well as other property. They will be able negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf, and push for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are often bad-faith making low-ball offers and refusing to pay an actual claim. An attorney can serve as your advocate and guide to ensure that you are not being swindled by.
In addition an attorney can help you get compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. This can be difficult to prove, however an experienced lawyer can make a thorough medical assessment of your injuries and make a convincing case, possibly leading to a larger settlement.
A seasoned Houston car accident attorney will provide you with the support and peace of mind you require following a crash. To speak to a lawyer about your case, contact the Smith & Hassler firm. They have more than 30 years of experience getting results for clients and are prepared to take on your case.