Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
It's important that you speak to an attorney as soon possible after a car accident. Your Houston lawyer for car accidents can maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies are focused on their own financial interests, but an experienced car crash attorney balances the playing field. They can help you avoid pitfalls like medical bills that come out of your settlement check.
What to do after the car crashes
It is essential to remain calm in the aftermath of an accident, whether you're injured or not. You should not leave your vehicle unless it is safe. Medical experts must treat injured persons immediately and the police should arrive to file a formal report.
After you've left your car, try to capture photos or videos of the scene. This will help your accident attorney in Houston determine what transpired and prove it to the court. It's also a good idea to capture photos of the vehicles involved, the road's condition and any other relevant details.
Exchange information with all those involved in the incident. This includes their name, phone number the insurance company, their name, and driver's license number. It is also advisable to inquire about witnesses present and ask for their name and contact details. You should also obtain the license number if they hold a driving license.
It's an excellent idea to record all the details you can recall before your memory begins to fade. You Tube could include details of how the accident occurred and at what time and where the accident occurred. It's a good idea to note the weather conditions, as well.
It is beneficial to capture as many photographs as possible of the scene, especially when there are witnesses. You can snap pictures using your cellphone or, if you're incapacitated, have a friend take the pictures for you. Try to take close-up photos of the damage to cars and more distant ones of the scene of the accident as the whole.
Take pictures of any skid marks, damaged guardrails or trees at the scene. Also, take photos of any visible injuries sustained during the accident. Check yourself and your passengers for scrapes or cuts. If you're able to take photos of any injuries or bruises. Also, make sure you get an official copy of the police report. This is important if you are sued by the other driver.
Contact the police
Houstonians hop into their cars every day and drive. Others walk around on foot or bikes. Despite obeying the rules of the road, it only takes one reckless driver to cause a serious car crash. The consequences of this can be devastating. It is therefore crucial to know the steps to take following an accident to protect your rights and yourself.
One of the most important actions you can do following a crash is to call the police and report the incident. This will ensure a police officer will visit the scene and make an extensive report that will be valuable for insurance purposes or legal issues that could arise following the crash.
Witnesses must also be interviewed. It is important to get eyewitness accounts immediately, even if some witnesses leave the scene before an officer arrives. This will allow you to follow up with the witnesses and secure their testimony if necessary.
Photograph the scene, if possible. This is an important step that can be done by using a mobile phone or digital camera. Photos of the vehicles, skid marks and other items can be used as evidence for your attorney.
Note down the names of the license plates, names, and insurance information of all the drivers involved. Doing this will help your lawyer determine who is at fault for the crash. It will also provide evidence of any injuries that you or other drivers may have sustained.
You should always seek medical attention if you need to. Even minor injuries, such as whiplash can have a long-lasting impact on your health, and can become worse in time. A doctor will note any injuries you might have suffered in the accident.
If it's safe, you should also move your vehicle off the road after an accident. If you're unable to move your vehicle, be sure to surround it with reflective signs. This will help prevent other drivers from hitting your vehicle in the future, and it will also help you get more damages in a lawsuit for injury against the other party.
Get Medical Attention
If you've been in a car accident it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. No matter how serious you think your injuries could be, a visit to the doctor can help you pinpoint any issues that may have arisen as a result of the incident. Furthermore an evaluation by a doctor will serve as evidence of your injuries should you ever need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
In many instances, the symptoms of injuries resulting from an accident in the car might not show up for hours, days or even weeks following the accident. This is because our bodies respond to stress by releasing hormones which can mask pain for a short period of time. If left untreated what might appear to be a minor bump in the aftermath of a car accident could turn into a serious condition.
You will be asked a series questions by your doctor regarding your feelings before and after an accident. Make sure to answer honestly so that the doctor can provide the most accurate evaluation of your injuries.
If your injuries don't present a risk to your life, you can choose between an emergency room at the hospital or an urgent care facility. Both will provide the medical treatment you require and provide the evidence of your injuries for an legal or insurance claim although the latter may be less costly.
Some people are hesitant to seek medical attention due to the belief that their injuries will disappear by themselves or that their injuries are caused by something aside from the accident. But, not seeking medical treatment can have adverse consequences for your health as well as your ability to claim compensation for any damages.
It's also essential to refrain from discussing the incident with anyone, not even the other driver, as any information you share could be used against you in court or during negotiations for 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
If you have been injured in a crash or lost a loved one in the event of a fatal crash, an Houston lawyer for car accidents can help. You could be entitled to substantial compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
Find an attorney who has experience in representing victims of auto accidents, who can evaluate your case. You can locate an attorney by asking family and friends or searching on the internet, or by contact your local bar association. Once you have found several candidates, set up a consultation to discuss your case and make a decision.
Injuries resulting from a car accident can be devastating. It is essential to speak with an attorney as quickly as you can. A good lawyer will assess your case and assist you to make a claim with the negligent party's insurance company. They can also represent you in court, if needed.
A Houston car accident attorney who has experience will know what to look for in the police report as well as other evidence. They will also know how to calculate your damages that include future medical expenses as well as all types of income loss, as well as the damage to your vehicle and other property. They will be able negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf and advocate for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are usually in bad faith making low-ball offers and refusing to settle an actual claim. An attorney can be your advocate and advisor, ensuring that you are not taken advantage of.
Additionally an attorney can assist you get compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. It isn't easy to prove this, but an attorney with experience can make use of a medical examination to make a convincing argument, which could lead to a larger settlement.
An experienced Houston lawyer will provide you with the assistance and peace of mind that you require following a crash. Contact the Smith & Hassler law firm to discuss your case. They have more than 30 years of experience getting results for clients and are prepared to take on your case.