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 quickly as possible. Your Houston lawyer can maximize the value for your claim.
Insurance companies are more concerned with their own financial interests. A seasoned attorney for car accidents can even the playing field. They can help you to avoid issues such as medical bills which are subtracted from your settlement.
What to do following a Car Crash
It is important to stay at peace after an accident, regardless of whether you're injured or not. Do not get out of your vehicle unless you are certain you are safe to do so. Medical professionals must treat injured patients immediately and the police must arrive to file an official report.
Take photos or videos of the scene once you exit your vehicle. This will assist your accident attorney in Houston determine what transpired and prove it to the court. It's also recommended to take pictures of the vehicles involved and the condition of the road and any other pertinent information.
While you're at it make sure you exchange details with all those involved in the accident. This includes their name, address, phone number the insurance company, their name, and driver's licence number. You should also ask them about any witnesses that were present, and get their names and contact information. If they have an driver's license, make sure to get the license plate number too.
It is also important to write down any information you remember before your memory deteriorates. This could include details of how the crash occurred and at what time and the location where the accident took place. You should also take note of the conditions for the weather.
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 at the scene. You can capture pictures with your cell phone or if you're incapacitated ask a friend to help you. Try to get close-up shots of the damage to the cars, and further distant shots of the accident site as the whole.
Photograph any skids, damaged guardrails, or trees that you see. It's also a good idea for you to record any visible injuries that were sustained in the accident, so make sure to examine yourself and your passengers for any cuts or scrapes. You can also take photos of any bruises or other injuries. Also, make sure you obtain an official copy of the police report. This will be useful later if the other driver sues you over the collision.
Call the Police
Houstonians sit in their cars on a daily basis and drive. Others take to the streets on foot or on bikes. Even though they obey the rules of the road, it's just one driver who is negligent to cause a serious car accident. The consequences can be devastating. In the event of an accident it's crucial to know what steps you should take right away following an accident to ensure your safety and your rights.
Among the most important things you can do after an accident is to call the police and report the crash. This will ensure that a police officer is on the scene and creates an accurate police report, which will be valuable in the event of insurance claims or any legal issues that might arise following the accident.
Witnesses must also be interviewed. It is crucial to gather eyewitness testimony immediately, even if people leave the scene before an officer arrives. This will enable you to follow-up with the witnesses and get their testimony if necessary.
Take pictures of the scene, if possible. This is an important step that can be accomplished using a mobile phone or digital camera. check this site out 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, their license plate numbers, and their insurance information. This will assist your attorney determine who is responsible for the incident. It will also prove any injuries you or the other driver may have sustained.
Finally, you should always request medical attention if necessary. Even minor injuries, like whiplash could have a lasting impact on your health and could become worse over time. A doctor will note any injuries you may have sustained as a result of the accident.
If it's safe, move your vehicle off the road after an accident. 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. It will also help you get more compensation in a lawsuit for injury against a third party.
Get Medical Attention
If you were involved in a car crash it is essential 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 determine any health issues that may have developed due to the accident. Medical evaluations could also be used as proof of your injuries in the event that you have to file a lawsuit or insurance claim.
In many cases, symptoms of injuries from an accident in the car might not be evident for several days, hours, or weeks following the accident. This is because our bodies respond to stress by releasing hormones that cover up pain for a brief period of time. What feels like an insignificant bump or ache immediate aftermath of a crash could become a serious condition if left untreated.
You will be asked a series of questions by your doctor regarding your feelings prior to, during and after an accident. Answer honestly so your doctor can assess your injuries.
If your injuries are not life-threatening, you can decide between going to a hospital emergency room or to an urgent care facility. Both can provide you with the medical treatment you require and provide evidence of your injuries to support an insurance claim or legal proceeding, though the latter option may be less costly.
Some people don't seek medical attention because they think that injuries will go away by themselves, or that the injury was caused by something other than an accident. Not seeking medical attention can have negative consequences for your health and your ability to get compensation for any damages.
It's also important to refrain from talking about the accident with anyone, even the other driver, because everything you say could be used against you in court or in a settlement negotiation. Photograph the scene of the accident and any injuries you might have suffered. Keep copies of all your medical bills, repair estimates, and invoices.
Contact an attorney
If you have been injured in a car accident, or lost a loved one in the event of a fatal crash, an Houston attorney for car accidents can assist. You may be entitled substantial compensation for medical expenses, and other damages.
The first step is to locate an attorney who has experience in representing victims of car accidents and who can analyze your case. You can locate an attorney through asking family and friends or searching on the internet, or by contacting your local bar association. After you have identified several candidates, set up a consultation to discuss your situation and make a final decision.
The consequences of a car crash can be devastating. It is crucial to speak with an attorney as quickly as you can. A good lawyer can evaluate your case and help you make a claim with the insurance company of the responsible party. They can also represent you in court if necessary.
A Houston car accident attorney who has experience knows what to look out for in the police report and other evidence. They also know how to calculate damages, such as future medical bills, lost income in any form, and the damage to the vehicle and other property. They will be in a position to negotiate with the insurance company for you and fight for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are often in bad faith, and this could include low-ball offers or refusing to pay a valid claim. An attorney can serve as your advocate and guide, ensuring that you are not taken advantage of.
In addition an attorney can assist you get compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. It isn't always easy to prove this, however an experienced lawyer can use a medical assessment to make a convincing argument that could result in a larger settlement.
A Houston lawyer for car accidents will give you peace of mind and assistance you require following a collision. To speak with a lawyer 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.