Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
It is crucial to speak to an attorney as quickly as you can following a car crash. Your Houston lawyer for car accidents can maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies focus on their own financial interests, but an experienced lawyer for car accidents balances the playing field. They can help you avoid pitfalls such as medical bills that are taken out of your settlement check.
What to Do After a Car Crash
If you're hurt or not, it is vital to remain calm when you are at the scene of a car wreck. You should not leave your vehicle unless it is safe. The injured person must be treated by medical professionals right away and police should arrive to make an official report.
Take photos or videos of the scene once you exit your vehicle. This will help your accident attorney in Houston to determine what took place and also prove it to the court. Photograph any relevant information, like the vehicles involved as well as the road conditions.
Exchange information with all the parties involved in the accident. This involves obtaining their name, number, insurance company, and driver's license number. Also, you should inquire about any witnesses present and obtain their names and contact details. If they hold a driver's license, be sure to get the license plate number as well.
You should also write down any information you remember before your memory wane. It might be helpful to record the date and location of the accident, how it occurred, or the reason for the accident. It's also a good idea to take note of the weather conditions as well.
If you are able, it's an ideal idea to take as many pictures of the scene as you can, especially in the event that there are witnesses at the scene. You can use your smartphone to take these photos or, if incapacitated after the accident, ask a person who witnessed the incident to take the pictures for you. Make sure to take photos in close-ups of the damage caused by the car and also distant photos of the scene.
Be sure to take pictures of any skid marks or damaged guardrails in the area. Also, take photos of any visible injuries you have suffered in the accident. Examine yourself and your passengers for any cuts or scrapes. Also, take Reading accident lawsuit of any bruises or other injuries. Be sure to get a copy of your police report. This will be useful in the event that the other driver sues you over the crash.
Contact the police
Houstonians hop into their cars each day and drive. Some people choose to take a walk or ride a bicycle on the streets. Even though they obey the rules of the road, it's just one negligent driver to cause a serious car crash. The consequences can be devastating. In the event of an accident it's crucial to know the steps you need to take right away following an accident to safeguard yourself and your rights.
One of the most important things to do after a crash is to call the authorities and report the accident. This will ensure that a police officer is on the scene and writes a detailed police report, which can be valuable in the event of insurance claims or any legal issues that may arise following the accident.
Witnesses should also be interviewed. It is crucial to gather eyewitness statements immediately, even if some witnesses leave the scene before an officer arrives. This will enable you to follow up with the witnesses and secure their testimony if necessary.
Take photos of the scene, if possible. This is an important step, and can be accomplished using a mobile phone or digital camera. Photos of the skid marks, vehicles and other items will be a valuable source of evidence for your attorney.
Note down the names as well as license plates and insurance details of all the drivers involved. This will help your attorney determine who was responsible for the incident. It will also prove any injuries that you or other drivers may have suffered.
You should always seek medical attention when necessary. Even minor injuries such as whiplash can have a lasting impact on your health. They can also get worse as time passes. A doctor will document any injuries you might have suffered in the accident.
If it's safe, you must move your vehicle off the road after a collision. If you can't move your car, then surround it with reflective signs. This will prevent other drivers from hitting your vehicle in the future. It will also allow you to claim more damages in an injury claim against an uninvolved third party.
Get Medical Attention
If you've been involved in a car accident, it's crucial that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. No matter if you believe your injuries are serious or not, visiting a doctor will help you diagnose and treat any health issues that may be arising due to the collision. A medical examination can also be used as proof of your injuries should you need to file a lawsuit or insurance claim.
In many cases, signs of injury resulting caused by a car accident might not be evident until days, hours, or even weeks after the crash. Stress can cause our bodies to release hormones which mask the pain for a short period of time. What may feel like an unimportant bump or ache in immediate aftermath of a crash could be a chronic condition if it is not treated.
If you visit the doctor following an accident in your car the doctor will conduct a thorough examination and ask you a series of questions about how you feel prior to, during, and after the collision. Be sure to answer the questions honestly so that your doctor can provide the most accurate diagnosis of your injuries.
If your injuries are not life-threatening, you can choose between going to an emergency room in a hospital or to an urgent care center. Both will offer you the medical attention you require and will provide the evidence needed to aid in an insurance claim or legal proceeding.
Some people are hesitant to seek medical attention because they believe that their injuries will disappear on their own or their injuries are caused by something other than the accident. Neglecting to seek medical attention could have adverse consequences for your health as well as your ability to receive compensation for damages.
It's also important to refrain from discussing the incident with anyone, not even the other driver, since everything you say could be used against you in court or in a settlement negotiation. It's important to take pictures of the scene of the collision and any injuries you might have suffered, as as keep copies of your medical bills repair estimates, invoices, receipts, pay stubs, and income statements for any expenses incurred because of the collision.
Contact an attorney
If you've been injured in a crash, or lost a loved one in a fatal crash, an Houston lawyer for car accidents can help. You may be entitled for significant compensation for injuries and medical expenses.
Find an attorney experienced in representing victims of auto accidents, who can assess your case. You can find lawyers through asking your family and friends or searching on the internet, or contacting your local bar association. After you've identified a few candidates to interview you can set up a time for a consultation so that you can discuss your case.
Car accident injuries can be devastating, and it is important to get a lawyer as soon as you can after the accident. A reputable lawyer will assess your case and assist in submitting a claim to the insurance company of the negligent party. They can also represent you in court if necessary.
A Houston car accident attorney who has experience will know what to look out in the police report as well as other evidence. They will also be able to calculate damages, including future medical bills as well as lost income in all forms and the damage to the vehicle and other property. They can negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf and advocate for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are often bad-faith, making low-ball offers and refusing to settle an actual claim. An attorney can be your advocate and adviser and ensure that you're not taken advantage of.
Additionally an attorney can help you get compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. This is often difficult to prove, however an experienced attorney can use an extensive medical evaluation of your injuries and present an argument that is convincing, possibly leading to a larger settlement.
An experienced Houston car accident attorney will provide you with the assistance and peace of mind you require following a crash. Contact the Smith & Hassler law firm to talk to an attorney about your case. They have more than 30 years of experience achieving results for clients and are ready to accept your case.