Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
If you're involved in a vehicle accident, it's important to follow certain steps and speak with an attorney as fast as you can. Your Houston car accident lawyer can maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies are more concerned with their own financial interests. An experienced attorney for car accidents can even the playing field. They can help you avoid traps such as medical bills that are taken from your settlement.
What should you do following a car crash
It is important to stay calm in the aftermath of an accident, whether you are injured or not. Do not get out of your vehicle until you are sure it is safe to do so. Medical experts must treat injured persons immediately and the police should arrive to complete an official report.
Photograph or film the scene as you exit your vehicle. This can help your accident lawyer in Houston figure out what really happened and prove that in court. Photograph any relevant information, including the cars involved and the road conditions.
While you're at it, make sure you exchange information with everyone involved in the crash. This includes their name, number the insurance company, their name, and driver's licence number. It is also advisable to inquire about any witnesses present and get their name and contact details. If they hold a driver's license, be sure to get the license plate number, too.
It is also important to write down any information you remember before your memory wane. You may want to write down the time and place of the accident, as well as the manner in which it occurred, and what caused the accident. You should also take note of the weather conditions.
If you can, it's recommended to take as many photos of the scene as you can, especially in the event that there are witnesses at the scene. You can take pictures with your cell phone or in the event that you are incapacitated, ask a friend to take the pictures for you. Try to take close-up shots of the cars' damage and distant shots of the scene.
Photograph any skids, damaged guardrails or trees that you spot. You should also take pictures of any visible injuries you have suffered during the accident. Check yourself and your passengers for cuts or scrapes. Also, take photos of any bruises or other injuries. Make sure you get a copy of your police report. This will be helpful should you be sued by the other driver.
Call the Police
Everyday, people in Houston take their cars and drive. Some prefer to walk or ride a bike on the streets. Despite obeying the rules of the road, it's only one negligent driver to cause a serious car crash. The consequences of this can be devastating. As a result, it's important to know what steps you should 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 crash. This will ensure that a police officer visits the scene and prepares a detailed police report, which will be valuable in the event of insurance claims or any legal issues that might arise after the crash.
The process of interviewing witnesses is equally important. It is crucial to gather eyewitness testimony immediately, even if people leave the scene prior to an officer arrives. Lincoln accident lawsuits will allow you to follow up with the witnesses and get their testimony if necessary.
Photograph the scene, if you can. This is a crucial step that is possible with a smartphone or digital camera. Photographs of the skid marks, vehicles, and other objects will be a valuable source of evidence for your attorney.
Note the names of the license plates, names, and insurance information of all the motorists involved. This will assist your attorney determine who was responsible for the incident. In addition it will give evidence of any injuries that were suffered by you or any other driver.
Always seek medical attention whenever you require it. Even minor injuries, such as whiplash can have a long-lasting impact on your health and may get worse in time. A visit to a doctor as soon as possible will also record any injuries you suffered in the accident.
If it's safe, you should also remove your vehicle from the road after an accident. If you can't move your vehicle, you should surround it with reflective signs. Doing so will prevent other drivers from crashing into your vehicle in the future and will help you secure more damages in a personal injury lawsuit against another person.
Seek medical attention
It's important to seek medical attention as soon after an accident as soon as you can. Whatever your opinion is about whether your injuries are serious or not, visiting an expert will help you identify and treat any conditions that could develop in the aftermath of the crash. Medical evaluations could also serve to prove your injuries if you need to submit a lawsuit or a claim.
In many instances, the effects of injuries resulting caused by a car accident might not show up until days, hours or even weeks after the collision. This is due to the fact that our bodies respond to stress by releasing hormones that mask pain for a short period of time. What feels like a minor bump or ache in immediate aftermath of a crash may become a serious condition if it is not treated.
You will be asked a series of questions by the doctor about your feelings before, during and after an accident. Be sure to answer the questions honestly so that your doctor can make the most accurate evaluation of your injuries.
If your injuries aren't life-threatening, you may choose between visiting a hospital emergency room or an urgent care center. Both of them can provide necessary medical care and will provide documentation of your injuries for an insurance claim or legal proceeding although the latter may be less costly.
Some people aren't seeking medical attention because they believe that injuries will go away on their own, or the injury was caused by something other than an accident. Neglecting to seek medical attention could have adverse consequences for your health as well as your ability to get compensation for any damages.
Avoid talking about the accident to anyone, even the other driver. Any information you share could be used against your interests in court or when negotiating the terms of a settlement. It's also a good idea to take pictures of the scene of the accident and any injuries you may have suffered, as well keeping copies of your medical bills repair estimates, invoices, receipts pay stubs, pay stubs, and income statements for expenses incurred because of the accident.
Contact an attorney
A Houston car accident lawyer can help if you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident that killed someone. You may be entitled for substantial compensation for injuries and medical expenses.
The first step is to locate an attorney who has experience in representing victims of car accidents and who can analyze your case. You can find an attorney through asking your family and friends and searching online, or by contacting your local bar association. After you've identified a few candidates to interview you can set up a time for a consultation to discuss your case.
The consequences of a car crash can be devastating. It is important to speak with a lawyer as quickly as you can. A good lawyer can evaluate your case and assist you make a claim with the negligent party's insurance company. They can also represent your case in court, if needed.
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 damages, such as future medical bills, lost income in all forms and the damage to the vehicle and other property. They will be able to negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf, and push for fair compensation.
Insurance companies can act in bad faith, which can include offering low-ball prices or refusing to pay a valid claim. An attorney can act as your advocate and guide to ensure that you are not a victim of.
In addition, an attorney can help you obtain non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. This is often difficult to prove, but an experienced lawyer can make an extensive medical evaluation of your injuries and make an argument that is convincing, possibly leading to a larger settlement.
A seasoned Houston car accident attorney can provide you with the support and peace of mind that you need after a crash. To speak to an attorney about your case, contact the Smith & Hassler firm. They have more than 30 years of experience achieving results for their clients and are able to take on your case.