Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
It's important that you speak to an attorney as quickly as possible after a car accident. Your Houston car accident lawyer can help maximize the value of 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 costly mistakes like medical bills that come out of your settlement.
What to do after an accident with a car
It is important to stay at peace after an accident, whether you're injured or not. Don't leave your vehicle unless you're sure you are safe to do this. People injured need to be treated by medical professionals immediately and the police must arrive to make an official report.
When you've gotten 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 also prove it to the court. Take pictures of any relevant information, like the vehicles involved and the road conditions.
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 numbers. If they hold an driver's license, make sure to obtain the license plate number too.
It is also important to write down any details you can remember, before your memory fades. This may include how the accident occurred and at what time and the location of the crash. It's a good idea keep track of the weather conditions as well.
It is a good thing to take as many photos as possible of the scene, especially if you have witnesses present. You can use your mobile phone to capture these photos or, if incapacitated after the accident, you can ask a witness to take your picture for you. Make sure to take photos in close-ups of the damage to the cars and also distant photos of the scene.
Take photos of any damaged guardrails, skids or trees you see. You should also take pictures of any visible injuries sustained during the accident. Check yourself and your passengers for any scrapes or cuts. You can also take photos of any bruises and other injuries. Be sure to obtain a copy of your police report. This can be helpful in the event that the other driver sues you for the collision.
Contact the police
Everyday, people in Houston take their automobiles and drive. Others walk around on foot or on bicycles. Even if you follow the rules of the road, one reckless driver could cause an accident that is serious. The consequences can be devastating. In the event of an accident, it's important to know what steps to immediately following an accident to safeguard yourself and your rights.
One of the most important things you can do following a collision is to call the authorities and report the accident. This will ensure that a police official visits the scene and creates a detailed police report, which can be invaluable for insurance purposes or any legal issues that could arise after the crash.
Interviewing witnesses is also important. It is important to get eyewitness accounts immediately, even if people leave the scene before an officer arrives. This will allow your attorney to follow up on the witnesses and obtain their testimony in the future, should it be required.
Take pictures of the scene, if possible. This is an essential step that can be done by using either a digital camera or mobile phone. YouTube will be able to 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, their license plate numbers, as well as their insurance information. This will help your lawyer determine who is responsible for the incident. It will also provide evidence of any injuries that you or other drivers may have suffered.
Always seek medical attention if you need to. Even minor injuries such as whiplash can cause a long-lasting impact on your health. They can also get worse as time passes. A doctor will document any injuries you may have sustained as a result of the accident.
It's also a good idea to remove your vehicle off the road following a collision if it's safe to do this. If you're unable to move your vehicle, you should surround it with reflective signs. This will stop other drivers from hitting your vehicle in the future. It will also allow you to claim more damages in a claim for injury against an uninvolved third party.
Get Medical Attention
It is important to seek medical attention as soon after a car crash as possible. Whatever your opinion is about whether your injuries are serious or not, seeing an expert will help you determine and treat any ailments that could be arising due to the crash. A medical evaluation could also be used as proof of your injuries if you have to make a claim for a lawsuit or an insurance claim.
In many instances, the symptoms of injuries from a car crash may not manifest for hours, days or even weeks after the incident. Stress can trigger our bodies to release hormones that cover up pain for a brief period of time. What may feel like a minor bump or ache immediate after a crash can become a serious condition if left untreated.
If you visit a doctor after an accident in the car the doctor will perform a thorough examination and ask you several questions about how you feel prior to the, during, and following the accident. Make sure to answer honestly so that your doctor can make the most accurate diagnosis of your injuries.
If your injuries do not constitute a threat to your life You can pick between an emergency room in a hospital or an urgent care center. Both will provide you the necessary medical care, and will also provide the evidence needed to help with the insurance claim or legal proceeding.
Some people don't seek medical attention because they believe that their injuries will disappear on their own or the injury was caused by something other than an accident. Not seeking medical attention could be detrimental to your health and your ability to receive compensation for any damages.
Avoid discussing the incident to anyone, including the other driver. Any information you share could be used against you in court or when negotiating a settlement. It's also a good idea to take pictures of the accident scene and any injuries you might have sustained, as well keeping copies of medical bills repair estimates as well as receipts, invoices, pay stubs, and income statements for the expenses caused by the accident.
Contact an attorney
If you have been injured in a car accident, or lost a loved one in an accident that killed them, an Houston lawyer for car accidents can help. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for injuries and medical expenses.
The first step is to find an attorney with experience in representing victims of car accidents. They can analyze your case. You can find an attorney by contacting your family and friends, searching online or contacting your local bar association. Once you've found 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 consult a lawyer as quickly as possible. A competent lawyer will analyze your case and assist in filing a claim against the insurance company of the negligent party. 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 will also know how to calculate the damages you have suffered which include future medical bills and all other forms of income loss, as well as the damage to your vehicle and other property. They can negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf and push for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are usually in bad faith making low-ball offers and refusing to pay for an actual claim. An attorney can be your advocate and advisor, ensuring that you are not a victim of.
In addition, an attorney can help you obtain non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. This can be difficult to prove, but an experienced attorney can use an extensive medical evaluation of your injuries and present an argument that is convincing, possibly leading to a higher settlement.
A Houston car accident lawyer can provide you with peace of mind and help you need following a collision. Contact the Smith & Hassler law firm to talk to an attorney about your case. They have more than 30 years of experience in achieving results for their clients and are prepared to tackle your case.