14 Misconceptions Common To Accident Lawyer In Houston
Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
It's important that you speak to an attorney as soon as you can following a car crash. Your Houston car accident attorney 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 that are deducted from your settlement.
What to Do After a Car Crash
It is essential to remain at peace after an accident, whether you're injured or not. Don't get out of your vehicle unless you are sure that it is safe to do so. Medical professionals must treat injured patients immediately, and the police must arrive to complete an official report.
Once you're out of your car, try to capture photos or videos of the scene. This will help your accident attorney in houston determine what happened and prove that to the court. Take pictures of any relevant information, including the vehicles involved as well as the road conditions.
Exchange information with all the parties involved in the collision. This involves obtaining their names, contact numbers, insurance company and driver's license number. You should also ask about any witnesses present and get their name and contact details. If www.youtube.com have an driver's license, make sure to obtain the license plate number as well.
You should also record any details you can remember, before your memory wane. You might want to write down the time and location of the accident, how it occurred, or what caused the accident. It's a good idea to take note of the weather conditions too.
It is recommended to take as many photos as possible of the scene, especially when there are witnesses. You can use your smartphone to take these pictures, or if you are disabled following the accident, you can ask a witness to do so for you. Try to take close-up shots of the damage to the cars as well as distant shots of the scene.
Take pictures of any damaged guardrails, skids or trees you see. It's also recommended to note any visible injuries suffered in the accident, so be sure to examine yourself and your passengers for any cuts or scrapes. You can also take pictures of any bruises and other injuries. Make sure to get a copy of the police report. This will be helpful if you are sued by the other driver.
Call the Police
Houstonians get in their cars each day and drive. Some prefer to take a walk or ride a bicycle on the streets. Even if you adhere to the rules of road, one negligent driver can cause an accident of a serious nature. The consequences can be devastating. As a result it is crucial to know what steps to take right away following an accident to ensure your safety and your rights.
One of the most important actions you can do following a crash is to call the police and report the accident. This will ensure that a police officer is on the scene and write a detailed report which will be invaluable to insurance purposes or legal issues that might arise following the accident.
Witnesses should also be interviewed. While some people may leave the scene before a police officer arrives It is crucial to collect eyewitness statements as soon as you can. This will allow your attorney to follow up with the witnesses and secure their testimony in the future, in the event of a need.
Photograph the scene, if you can. This is a crucial step that can be accomplished with a smartphone or digital camera. Photographs of the vehicles, skid marks and other things will provide valuable evidence for your attorney.
It is also important to note the names of the drivers involved as well as their license plate numbers, as well as their insurance details. Doing this will help your lawyer determine who is at fault for the crash. It will also provide evidence of any injuries you or other drivers may have sustained.
Finally, you should always request medical attention if necessary. Even minor injuries, such as whiplash can have a long-lasting impact on your health. They may also worsen as time passes. A doctor will note any injuries you might have sustained in the accident.
It is also a good idea to remove your vehicle off the road following a crash if safe to do so. If you can't move your car, surround it with reflective signs. Doing so will prevent other drivers from crashing into your vehicle in the near future. It will help you collect more compensation in a personal injury lawsuit against another person.
Get Medical Attention
If you've been in a car accident it is imperative to seek medical attention as quickly as you can. No matter if you believe your injuries are serious or not, visiting an expert will help you determine and treat any ailments that might be arising due to the collision. Medical evaluations could also be used as evidence of your injuries should you are required to file a lawsuit or insurance claim.
In many cases, signs of injury resulting from a car accident may not manifest until a few days, hours, or even weeks after the collision. This is because our bodies respond to stress by releasing hormones that can mask pain for a short period of time. If left untreated what might appear to be a minor bump in aftermath of a car crash can turn into a chronic condition.
You will be asked a series questions by the doctor about your feelings prior to, during and after an accident. Make sure you answer honestly so that your doctor can provide the most accurate evaluation of your injuries.
If your injuries are not life-threatening, you can decide between going to an emergency room in a hospital or to an urgent care facility. Both of them can provide medical attention that is required and provide the evidence of your injuries for an insurance claim or legal proceeding, though the latter option may be less costly.
Some people are hesitant to seek medical attention due to the belief that their injuries will disappear on their own or their injuries are caused by something else aside from the accident. In the absence of seeking medical attention, it could be detrimental to your health as well as your ability to claim compensation for the damages you suffered.
It's also essential to refrain from talking about the accident with anyone, including the other driver, since anything you say can be used against you in court or in a settlement negotiation. Take photos of the accident site and any injuries 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 if you've been injured or lost a loved one in a fatal accident. You could be entitled to significant compensation for medical costs and other damages.
Find an attorney who has experience in representing victims of auto accidents who can evaluate your case. You can find lawyers by asking friends and family as well as searching on the internet or by contacting your local bar association. Once you have found a few candidates, schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and make a final decision.
Car accident injuries can be catastrophic, and it is important to get a lawyer as soon as you can after the accident. A good lawyer will assess your case and assist you submit a claim to the insurance company of the party who was negligent. They can also represent you in court if necessary.
An experienced Houston car accident lawyer will know what to look for in the police report and other evidence. They also know how to calculate damages such as future medical bills and lost income in all forms, and the damage to the vehicle and other property. They will be capable of negotiating with the insurance company on behalf of you and fight for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are often bad-faith making low-ball offers and refusing to pay legitimate claims. An attorney can serve as your advocate and adviser to ensure that you are not taken advantage of.
Additionally, an attorney can help you recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. It can be difficult to prove, however an experienced attorney can use an accurate medical assessment of your injuries and make a compelling case, potentially leading to a higher settlement.
A Houston lawyer for car accidents will give you the assurance and support you require following a crash. If you would like to speak with an attorney about your case, contact the Smith & Hassler firm. They have over 30 years of experience achieving results for their clients and are ready to tackle your case.