Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
If you're in a car accident, it's important to adhere to certain steps and speak with an attorney as fast as possible. Your Houston car accident attorney will 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 pitfalls like medical bills that come out of your settlement.
What to do after a Car Crash
If you are injured or not, it is important to remain calm in the aftermath of a car crash. It is not advisable to leave your vehicle unless it is safe. Medical professionals must treat injured patients immediately and the police should arrive to complete an official report.
Photograph or film the scene as you exit your vehicle. This will aid your accident lawyer in Houston figure out what really happened and prove that in court. It's also recommended to capture photos of the vehicles involved and the condition of the road and any other pertinent information.
Exchange information with all those involved in the collision. This includes getting their names, contact numbers as well as the insurance company's license number. Also, ask Peoria accident lawyer YouTube about any witnesses who were present and obtain their names and contact numbers. Also, you should get the license number if you have an active driving license.
It is also important to write down any information you remember, before your memory fades. This could include the date and time the crash occurred and at what time and the location where the accident took place. It's a good idea to keep track of the weather conditions as well.
It is beneficial to capture as many pictures as possible of the scene, especially in the event that witnesses are present. You can capture pictures with your cell phone or in the event that you are incapacitated, request a trusted friend to help you. Make sure to take pictures in close-ups of the damage to vehicles and farther ones of the accident site as an entire.
Be sure to take pictures of any skid marks or damaged guardrails in the area. It's also a good idea for you to record any visible injuries that were suffered in the accident. Make sure to examine yourself and your passengers for any scrapes or cuts. If you're able take photos of any bruises or other injuries. Be sure to obtain an original copy of your police report. This will be helpful should you be sued by the other driver.
Call the Police
Everyday, people in Houston get in their automobiles and drive. Others travel around on foot or riding a bicycle. Even if you observe the rules of road, one driver's negligence can lead to an accident of a serious nature. The consequences of this can be devastating. It is therefore crucial to know the steps to take after an accident in order to ensure your rights and protect yourself.
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 is on the scene and write an accurate report that will be invaluable to insurance purposes or legal issues that may arise after the crash.
Witnesses should also be questioned. It's important to collect eyewitness statements immediately, even if people leave the scene before an officer arrives. This will allow you to follow-up with the witnesses, and obtain their statements if needed.
Take photos of the scene, if possible. This is a crucial step that can be done by using a mobile phone or digital camera. Your attorney can use pictures of the vehicles and skid marks, as well as other objects.
Note the names, license plates, and insurance details of all drivers involved. This will assist your attorney determine who was responsible for the accident. It will also prove any injuries you or the other driver may have sustained.
You should always seek medical attention if you need to. Even minor injuries like whiplash can cause a long-lasting impact on your health. They can also get worse over time. Seeing a doctor immediately will also document any injuries you sustained in the accident.
If it is safe, you must remove your vehicle from the road after an accident. If you're unable to move your vehicle, be sure that you place it in a safe area with reflective signs. This will help prevent other drivers from hitting you vehicle in the future. It will also help you get more damages in an injury claim against a third party.
Seek medical attention
If you've been involved in a car accident it is essential to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. No matter how serious you believe your injuries to be an appointment with a doctor can help you determine any health issues that may have developed because of the accident. Additionally an evaluation by a doctor can be used as proof of your injuries if you ever need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
In many instances, the symptoms of injury from a car crash may not be evident until a few days, hours or even weeks after the accident. Stress can trigger our bodies to release hormones which mask the pain for a short period of time. What may feel like a minor bump or ache in the immediate aftermath of a crash could be a chronic condition if left untreated.
If you visit an ophthalmologist following a car accident medical professional will conduct a thorough exam and ask you several questions about how you feel prior to and after the crash. Make sure you answer honestly so that your doctor can provide the most accurate assessment of your injuries.
If your injuries do not present a risk to your life, you can choose between an emergency room in an urgent care center. Both will offer you the medical attention you require and will provide documentation of your injuries to support an insurance claim or legal proceeding.
Some people aren't seeking medical attention because they think that injuries will go away by themselves or the injury was caused by something other than an accident. However, ignoring medical attention could have detrimental consequences for your health as well as your ability to secure compensation for the damages you suffered.
Avoid talking about the accident to anyone, including the other driver. Any information you share could be used against you in court or in negotiations for the terms of a settlement. It's important to take photographs of the accident scene 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 expenses caused by the collision.
Contact an attorney
If you've been injured in a car crash or lost a loved one in an accident that killed them, a Houston lawyer for car accidents can assist. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for injuries and medical expenses.
Find an attorney with experience in representing victims of auto accidents to evaluate your case. You can find attorneys by asking family and friends as well as searching on the internet or contacting the local bar association. Once you have found some potential candidates, you can schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and then make a decision.
Car accident injuries can be devastating, so it is important to get a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. A reputable lawyer will evaluate your case and help you make a claim with the insurance company of the responsible party. They can also represent your case in court, if required.
A seasoned Houston car accident lawyer will know what to look for in the police report as well as other evidence. They will also know how to calculate damages, including future medical bills as well as lost income in all forms, and the damage to the vehicle as well as other property. They can 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 settle an actual claim. An attorney can serve as your advocate and advisor in ensuring that you do not get taken advantage of.
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 provide a thorough medical assessment of your injuries to present a compelling case, potentially leading to a bigger settlement.
A Houston lawyer for car accidents will give you the peace of mind and help you need following a collision. Contact the Smith & Hassler law firm to speak with an attorney about your case. They have over 30 years of experience in achieving results for their clients and are ready to tackle your case.