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 following a car accident. Your Houston lawyer for car accidents will maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies are more concerned with their own financial interests. A seasoned lawyer for car accidents can help balance the playing field. They can help you avoid pitfalls such as medical bills that are taken from your settlement.
What to do after a Car Crash
It is crucial to remain calm in the aftermath of an accident, regardless of whether you're injured or not. Do not get out of your vehicle unless you're sure that you are safe to do this. Medical professionals must treat injured patients immediately, and the police must arrive to file an official report.
Photograph or film the scene as you exit your vehicle. This will assist your accident lawyer in Houston figure out what really happened and show it in court. It's also an excellent idea to take pictures of the vehicles involved, the road's condition and any other pertinent information.
While you're at it exchange details with all those involved in the accident. This includes their name, number, insurance company, and driver's license number. You should also ask them about any witnesses who were present, and get their names and contact details. You should also get the license number if they have an driving license.
It is also important to write down any details you can remember, before your memory fades. It might be helpful to write down the time and place of the accident, as well as the manner in which it happened, or the reason for the accident. It's also a good idea to keep track of the weather conditions too.
If you are able, it's a good idea to get as many photographs of the scene as you can, particularly in the event that there are witnesses present at the scene. You can snap pictures using your cell phone or in the event that you are incapacitated, request a trusted friend to do it for you. Try to take close-up photos of the damage to the cars and more distant ones of the scene of the accident as an entire.
Be sure to take pictures of any skid marks, damaged guardrails or trees on the scene. You should also take pictures of any visible injuries you have suffered during the accident. Check yourself and your passengers for any cuts or scrapes. If you're able to take photos of any bruises or other injuries. Finally, be sure to take an official copy of the police report. This will come in handy in the event that another driver sues you over the accident.
Call the Police
Every day, people throughout Houston get into their cars and drive. Some choose to walk or ride a bike on the streets. Even if you adhere to the rules of the road, one negligent driver can cause an accident that is serious. The repercussions of this could be devastating. It's therefore important to know the steps to take following an accident in order to protect your rights and yourself.
One of the most important things you can do following a crash is to call the authorities and report the incident. This will ensure that a police official visits the scene and creates a detailed police report that will be invaluable in the event of insurance claims or any legal issues that may arise following the accident.
It is also crucial to interview witnesses. It is important to get eyewitness statements immediately, even if witnesses leave the scene before an officer arrives. This will allow you to follow-up with the witnesses, and obtain their testimony if necessary.
Photograph the scene, if possible. This is a crucial step, and can be accomplished using a mobile phone or digital camera. Your attorney can use images of the vehicles and skid marks, as well as other items.
You should also take note of the names of the drivers involved and their license plate numbers and their insurance details. This will help your lawyer determine who was responsible for the incident. Additionally it will give evidence of any injuries that were sustained by you or any other driver.
Finally, you should always seek medical attention if you need it. Even minor injuries, like whiplash can have a long-lasting impact on your health and could get worse as time passes. A doctor will record any injuries that you may have sustained as a result of the accident.
If it's safe, you should also move your vehicle off the road following a collision. If you aren't able to move your vehicle, be sure that you place it in a safe area with reflective signs. Doing so will prevent other drivers from crashing into your vehicle in the future. It also will help you collect more damages in a personal injury case against another person.
Seek medical attention
It is important to seek medical attention as soon after an accident as soon as you can. No matter how serious you believe your injuries to be an appointment with a doctor can help you determine any issues that may have arisen due to the accident. A medical evaluation can also be used to prove your injuries should you have to file a lawsuit or insurance claim.
In many instances, the symptoms of injury from a car crash may not manifest until a few days, hours or even weeks following the crash. This is because our bodies respond to stress by releasing hormones that cover up pain for a brief period of time. What appears to be an insignificant bump or ache 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 perform a thorough examination and ask you an array of questions regarding the way you feel prior to the, during, and following the collision. Make sure to answer honestly so that the doctor can give the most accurate evaluation of your injuries.
If your injuries don't pose a life-threatening threat you can select between an emergency room at a hospital or an urgent care center. Both will provide the medical attention you require and will provide evidence 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 their injuries are caused by something else 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.
It's also important to refrain from discussing the crash with anyone, not even the other driver, as any information you share could be used against you in court or in the settlement negotiations. Take photos of the site of the accident as well as any injuries that you may have sustained. Also, keep copies of all your medical bills, repair estimates and invoices.
Contact an Attorney
A Houston car accident lawyer can help you if you have been injured or lost a loved one in a fatal accident. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages.
Find an attorney with experience in representing victims of auto accidents to examine your case. Attorneys can be found by asking family and friends or searching on the internet, or contacting your local bar association. Once you've found some candidates to interview, set up a consultation so that you can discuss your case.
Injuries resulting from a car accident can be devastating. It is essential to consult an attorney as quickly as you can. YouTube will evaluate your case and assist in filing a claim against the insurance company of the negligent party. They can also represent your case in court, if needed.
A Houston lawyer for car accidents who has experience will know what to search for in the police report, as well as other evidence. They will also understand how to calculate your damages which include future medical bills and all other forms of income loss, and the damage to your vehicle and other property. They will be able negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf, and push for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are often in bad faith making low-ball offers and refusing to settle an actual claim. An attorney can act as your advocate and advisor and ensure that you're not a victim of.
In addition an attorney can assist you recover non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. This is often difficult to prove, but an experienced lawyer can provide an accurate medical assessment of your injuries and present a convincing case, possibly leading to a higher settlement.
A seasoned Houston lawyer for car accidents will provide you with the support and peace of mind that you need after a crash. To speak to an attorney about 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.