Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
If you're involved in a car accident, it's crucial to take certain steps and talk with an attorney as fast as possible. Your Houston lawyer for car accidents can maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies prioritize their own financial interests, but an experienced attorney for car crashes is able to balance the playing field. They can help you avoid traps like medical expenses that come out of your settlement check.
What to do after the car crashes
It is crucial to remain at peace after an accident, whether you're injured or not. Don't leave your vehicle until you are certain you are safe to do so. Medical professionals must treat injured patients immediately, and the police must arrive to file a formal report.
Once you're out of your car, try to take pictures or video of the scene. This will assist your accident attorney in Houston to determine what took place and also prove it to the court. It's also recommended to take photos of the cars involved and the condition of the road and any other relevant information.
Exchange information with all the parties involved in the accident. This includes getting their name, phone number as well as the insurance company's license number. It is also advisable to inquire about any witnesses present and ask for their name and contact details. If they hold a driver's license, be sure to obtain the license plate number as well.
You should also write down any details you can remember, before your memory fades. This may include how the crash happened when, the time and the location where the accident took place. Pasadena 's a good idea note the weather conditions, as well.
If you are able, it's an ideal idea to take as many photos of the scene as you can, especially if there are any witnesses present at the scene. You can use your smartphone to capture these photos or, if disabled following the accident, you can ask a witness to take your picture for you. Try to take close-up shots of the damage to the cars and distant shots of the scene.
Photograph any damaged guardrails, skids, or trees that you spot. Also, take photos of any visible injuries you have suffered during the accident. Examine yourself and your passengers for cuts or scrapes. You can also take pictures of any bruises and other injuries. Be sure to obtain an original copy of your police report. This will come in handy in the event that another driver sues you over the crash.
Contact the police
Houstonians sit in their cars each day and drive. Others travel around on foot or riding bicycles. Even if you observe the rules of the road, one driver's negligence can lead to a serious accident. The repercussions of this could be devastating. As a result it is crucial to know what steps you should take immediately after an accident to protect yourself and your rights.
Among the most important things you can do following a crash is to call the police and report the accident. This will ensure a police officer is on the scene and create a detailed report which can be extremely valuable to insurance purposes or legal issues that might arise after the accident.
Witnesses should also be interviewed. It is crucial to gather eyewitness testimony immediately, even if people leave the scene before an officer arrives. This will allow your lawyer to follow-up with witnesses and secure their testimony in the future, if needed.
If you can, capture the scene. This is a crucial step, and can be accomplished with a smartphone or digital camera. Your attorney can use pictures of the vehicles and skid marks as well as other items.
It is also important to note the names of the drivers involved as well as their license plate numbers and their insurance information. This will assist your attorney determine who was at fault for the accident. Additionally it will give evidence of any injuries that were caused by other drivers or you.
Always seek medical attention whenever you require it. Even minor injuries, like whiplash, can have a long-term impact on your health and may get worse over time. A visit to a doctor as soon as possible will also record any injuries you suffered in the accident.
It's recommended to move your vehicle from the roadway after a crash if it's safe to do this. If you aren't able to move your vehicle, make sure you surround it with reflective signs. This will prevent other drivers from hitting your vehicle in the future, and it will also help you get more compensation in a lawsuit for injury against the other party.
Get Medical Attention
It's important to seek medical attention as soon after a car crash as possible. Whatever the severity you believe your injuries to be, a visit to the doctor can help you pinpoint any issues that may have arisen because of the accident. A medical evaluation can also be used as proof of your injuries if you have to make a claim for a lawsuit or an insurance claim.
In many cases, the symptoms of injury from a car accident may not be evident until days, hours or even 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. What appears to be an unimportant bump or ache in immediate aftermath of a crash may become a serious condition if left untreated.
You will be asked a series of questions by your doctor regarding your feelings before and after an accident. Make sure you answer honestly so that your doctor can provide the most accurate assessment of your injuries.
If your injuries don't constitute a threat to your life you can select between an emergency room at a hospital or an urgent care center. Both will offer you the necessary medical care, and will also provide documentation of your injuries to help with an insurance claim or a legal proceeding.
Some people don't seek medical attention because they believe that injuries will heal on their own or the injury was caused by something other than an accident. However, ignoring medical attention could have detrimental consequences for your health and your ability to obtain compensation for the damages you suffered.
Avoid talking about the accident to anyone, even the other driver. Anything you say could be used against you in court or when negotiating a settlement. It's also a good idea to take photos of the accident scene and any injuries you have sustained, as well keeping copies of medical bills and repair estimates as well as receipts, invoices pay stubs, pay stubs, and income statements for expenses incurred because of the collision.
Contact an attorney
A Houston car accident lawyer can help if you have been injured or lost a loved in a fatal accident. You could be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries, medical expenses and other damages.
The first step is to find an attorney who is experienced in representing victims of car accidents and who can evaluate your case. You can find an attorney through asking family and friends and searching online, or by calling your local bar association. Once you have found several candidates, set up a consultation to discuss your case and make a decision.
Car accident injuries can be devastating, so it is important to get a lawyer as soon as you can after the crash. A good lawyer will evaluate your case and assist you in filing a claim against the insurance company of the negligent party. They can also represent you in court if needed.
A Houston lawyer for car accidents who is experienced knows what to look out in the police report as well as other evidence. They also be able to calculate damages including future medical bills as well as lost income in all forms and damage to the vehicle and other property. They will be capable of negotiating with the insurance company for you and push for fair compensation.
Insurance companies often 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 advisor and ensure that you're not being swindled by.
Additionally an attorney can help you recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. It isn't easy to prove this, however an experienced lawyer can utilize a medical evaluation to present a compelling argument that could lead to a higher settlement.
A Houston lawyer for car accidents can provide you with the peace of mind and help you need following a collision. If you would like to speak with an attorney regarding your case, call the Smith & Hassler firm. They have more than 30 years of experience in achieving results for their clients and are ready to accept your case.