Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
If you're involved in a vehicle accident, it's crucial to follow certain steps and speak with an attorney as soon as you can. Your Houston lawyer will maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies are more concerned about their own financial interests. A seasoned attorney for car accidents can even the playing field. They can help you avoid costly mistakes such as medical bills that are taken from your settlement.
What to Do After a Car Crash
It is essential to remain at peace after an accident, regardless of whether you are injured or not. Don't get out of your vehicle unless you're sure you are safe to do this. Injured people need to be treated by medical professionals immediately and police should arrive to provide an official report.
Take photos or videos of the scene as you exit your vehicle. This will help your accident lawyer in Houston to determine what took place and then prove it to the court. Take pictures of any relevant information, like the vehicles involved and the road conditions.
Exchange information with all the parties involved in the incident. This includes their name, number of insurance company, as well as driver's license number. You should also ask about any witnesses present and obtain their names and contact details. If they hold a driver's license, be sure to obtain the license plate number as well.
It's an excellent idea to record all the details you can recall before your memory fades. This may include how the crash occurred, what time it was and the location where the accident took place. It's a good idea keep track of the weather conditions as well.
It is a good thing to take as many photos as possible of the scene, particularly in the event that witnesses are present. You can use your smartphone to take these pictures, or if you are incapacitated after the accident, you can ask a witness to do so for you. Try to take close-up shots of the cars' damage and distant shots of the scene.
Make sure to take photos of any skid marks, damaged guardrails or trees in the area. It's also a good idea for you to record any visible injuries that were suffered in the accident, so make sure to check yourself and your passengers for any scrapes or cuts. You can also take pictures of any bruises and other injuries. Finally, be sure to obtain a copy of the police report. This will come in handy later if the other driver sues you over the crash.
Call the Police
Houstonians get in their cars on a daily basis and drive. Some choose to walk or ride a bike on the streets. Despite obeying the rules of the road, it's only one reckless driver to cause a serious car accident. When this happens, the results could be devastating. It's therefore important to know the steps to take after an accident to protect your rights and yourself.
One of the most important things you can do following a collision is to call the authorities and report the crash. This will ensure a police officer is on the scene and create an accurate report that will be invaluable to insurance purposes or legal issues that could arise following the accident.
Witnesses must also be interviewed. While some people might leave the scene prior to when an officer arrives, it's essential to gather eyewitness testimony as soon as possible. This will allow you to follow up with witnesses and get their testimony if necessary.
Take pictures of the scene, if you can. This is a crucial step that can be accomplished using a mobile phone or digital camera. Photos of the skid marks, vehicles, and other objects can be used as evidence for your attorney.
You should also note the names of the drivers involved and their license plate numbers and their insurance information. This will help your attorney determine who is responsible for the incident. It will also provide evidence of any injuries you or other drivers might have suffered.
Always seek medical attention when needed. Even minor injuries, such as whiplash, can have a long-term impact on your health, and can be worsened in time. A doctor will document any injuries that you may have sustained in the accident.
If it is safe, remove your vehicle from the road following a collision. If you're unable to move your car, surround it with reflective signs. This will stop other drivers from crashing into your vehicle in the future and will help you secure more compensation in a personal injury claim against another party.
Seek medical attention
It is crucial to seek medical attention as soon after a car crash as possible. Whatever the severity you think your injuries could be an appointment with a doctor can help you pinpoint any issues that may have arisen because of the incident. In addition, a medical evaluation will be used as evidence of your injuries in the event that you have to make an insurance claim or lawsuit.
In many instances, the symptoms of injuries resulting from the crash of a car may not show up for days, hours, or weeks following the accident. Stress can trigger our bodies to release hormones that cover up the pain for a short period of time. What appears to be an insignificant bump or ache in immediate aftermath of a crash could be a chronic condition if not treated.
You will be asked several questions by the doctor about your feelings prior to and after an accident. Answer honestly so that your doctor can accurately assess the extent of your injuries.
If your injuries aren't life-threatening, you can choose between visiting an emergency room at a hospital or to an urgent care facility. Both will provide you the medical treatment you require, and will provide the evidence needed to help with an insurance claim or legal proceeding.
Some people are reluctant to seek medical attention because they believe that their injuries will heal on their own or that their injuries were caused by something apart from the accident. However, ignoring medical treatment can have adverse consequences for your health and your ability to claim compensation for damages.
Avoid talking about the accident to anyone, even the other driver. What you say could be used against your interests in court or when negotiating the terms of a settlement. Photograph the scene of the accident and any injuries you may have suffered. Keep copies of all medical bills, repair estimates and invoices.
Contact an attorney
If you have been injured in a car crash, or lost a loved one in the event of a fatal crash, the services of a Houston attorney for car accidents can assist. You could be eligible for significant compensation for injuries as well as medical expenses.
Find an attorney with experience in representing victims of auto accidents, who can evaluate your case. You can locate an attorney by asking your friends and family or searching on the internet, or by contact your local bar association. After you have identified a few candidates, schedule a consultation to discuss your case and make a final decision.
Ogden accident attorneys YouTube from a car accident can be devastating. It is important to consult a lawyer as quickly as you can. A reputable lawyer will evaluate your case and assist you make a claim with the insurance company of the party who was negligent. They can also represent your case in court, should you need to.
A knowledgeable Houston car accident lawyer will know what to look for in the police report as well as other evidence. They also know how to calculate the damages you have suffered that include future medical expenses and all other forms of income loss, and 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 often bad-faith offering low-ball prices and refusing to pay for legitimate claims. An attorney can act as your advocate and advisor to ensure that you don't be ripped off.
In addition an attorney can help you obtain non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. This is often difficult to prove, however an experienced lawyer can make an accurate medical assessment of your injuries to present an argument that is convincing, possibly leading to a higher settlement.
A Houston lawyer for car accidents will give you the peace of mind and assistance you require following a crash. If you would like to speak with an attorney regarding your case, contact the Smith & Hassler firm. They have more than 30 years of experience achieving results for clients and are willing to accept your case.