Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
If you're in a car accident, it's important to follow certain steps and speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Your Houston lawyer can maximize the value for your claim.
Insurance companies are more concerned about their own financial interests. A seasoned car accident attorney can balance the playing field. They can help you avoid pitfalls like medical expenses that come from your settlement.
What should you do following an accident with a car
Whether you are hurt or not, it's important to remain calm in the aftermath of a car accident. Don't get out of your vehicle unless you are certain you are safe to do so. People injured need to be treated by medical professionals immediately and police should arrive to complete an official report.
Photograph or film the scene as you exit your vehicle. This will assist your accident lawyer in Houston figure out what really happened and show it in court. It's also a good idea to take pictures of the cars involved as well as the road's condition and any other relevant information.
Exchange information with everyone involved in the collision. This includes getting their names, contact numbers, insurance company and driver's license number. It is also advisable to inquire about any witnesses that were present and get their names and contact information. If they hold an driver's license, make sure to get the license plate number too.
You should also write down any details you can remember, before your memory wane. This could include the date and time the accident occurred, what time it was and where the accident occurred. You should also take note of the conditions for the weather.
If you can, it's recommended to take as many photos of the scene as you can, especially when there are witnesses on the scene. You can take pictures with your mobile phone or if you're incapacitated have a friend take the pictures for you. Try to get close-up shots of the damage to the cars, and further distant shots of the accident scene as an entire.
Be sure to take pictures of any skid marks or damaged guardrails at the scene. It's also a good idea for you to note any visible injuries caused by the accident, so make certain to check you and your passengers thoroughly for any scrapes or cuts. If you're able to, also photograph any injuries or bruises. Make sure you get an original copy of your police report. This will be helpful in the event that you are sued by the other driver.
Contact the Police
Every day, people throughout Houston take their automobiles and drive. Some prefer to walk or ride a bike on the streets. Even if you adhere to the rules of road, one negligent driver can cause a serious accident. The repercussions of this 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 that a police officer is on the scene and writes an accurate police report, which will be invaluable for insurance purposes or any legal issues that may arise after the crash.
Witnesses must also be interviewed. It is crucial to gather eyewitness statements immediately, even if some people leave the scene before an officer arrives. This will allow your lawyer to follow-up with witnesses and get their testimony in the future, if needed.
Photograph the scene, if possible. This is a vital step, and is possible by using a mobile phone or digital camera. Pictures of the skid marks, vehicles and other things will be a valuable source of evidence for your attorney.
You should also note the names of the drivers involved, their license plate numbers, as well as their insurance details. Santa Barbara accident lawyer You Tube will help your lawyer determine who was at fault 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, such as whiplash, can have a long-term impact on your health and may be worsened as time passes. A visit to a doctor as soon as possible will also document any injuries that you sustained during the accident.
It's recommended to remove your vehicle off the road following a crash if safe to do so. If you're not able to move your vehicle, be sure that you place it in a safe area with reflective signs. Doing so will prevent other drivers from hitting your vehicle in the near future. It will allow you to collect more damages in a personal injury case against another party.
Get Medical Attention
If you've been in a car crash it is imperative to seek medical attention as soon as you can. No matter how serious you think your injuries could be, a visit to the doctor can help you identify any health issues that may have developed as a result of the incident. Additionally an evaluation by a doctor will serve as evidence of your injuries in the event that you ever need to make an insurance claim or lawsuit.
In many cases, symptoms of injuries resulting from a car crash may not be evident for several days, hours, or weeks after the accident. This is because our bodies respond to stress by releasing hormones which can disguise pain for a short period of time. If untreated, what may seem like a minor bump in aftermath of a car crash could turn into a serious condition.
If you visit a doctor after a car accident, the medical professional will conduct a thorough examination and ask you a series of questions about how you feel before, during, and after the collision. Make sure to answer honestly so that your doctor can provide the most accurate diagnosis of your injuries.
If your injuries aren't life-threatening, you may choose between visiting a hospital emergency room or to an urgent care facility. Both will provide medical attention that is required and provide you with evidence of your injuries to support an legal or insurance claim however the latter might be less expensive.
Some people do not seek medical attention because they think that injuries will heal on their own or that the injury was caused by something other than an accident. But, not seeking medical attention could have detrimental consequences for your health as well as your ability to secure compensation for damages.
It's also essential to refrain from discussing the crash with anyone, even the other driver, as everything you say could be used against you in court or in negotiations for settlement. Take photos of the site of the accident as well as any injuries you might have suffered. Also, keep copies of all medical bills, repair estimates and invoices.
Contact an attorney
A Houston car accident lawyer can help you if you've suffered injuries or lost a loved one in the event of a fatal crash. You may be entitled to significant compensation for medical costs and other damages.
The first step is to find an attorney who has experience in representing victims of car accidents and who can assess your case. You can locate an attorney by contacting your family and friends or searching on the internet, or by contact your local bar association. After you've identified several candidates to talk to and set up a meeting to discuss your case.
Car accident injuries can be catastrophic, and it is essential to seek a lawyer as soon as you can after the crash. 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 you in court if necessary.
A knowledgeable Houston car accident lawyer will know what to look for in the police report and other evidence. They will also be able to calculate damages, such as future medical bills as well as lost income in all forms, and damage to the vehicle as well as other property. They will be in a position to negotiate with the insurance company for you and fight for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are often in bad faith offering low-ball prices and refusing to pay for legitimate claims. An attorney can serve as your advocate and advisor, ensuring you do not get ripped off.
A lawyer can also assist you to obtain non-economic damages, such as pain and discomfort. It isn't easy to prove this, however an experienced attorney can use a medical assessment to make a convincing argument that could lead to an increase in settlement.
A Houston car accident lawyer can give you the peace of mind and help you require following a crash. Contact the Smith & Hassler law firm to speak with an attorney about your case. They have more than 30 years of experience achieving results for clients and are ready to accept your case.