Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
It is essential to talk to an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident. Your Houston lawyer for car accidents can help maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies are more concerned about their own financial interests. An experienced attorney for car accidents can even the playing field. They can help you avoid pitfalls such as medical bills that are taken from your settlement.
What to Do After a Car Crash
If you are injured or not, it is important to remain calm at the scene of a car crash. It is not advisable to leave your vehicle unless it is safe. Medical professionals must treat injured people immediately and the police must arrive to complete an official report.
Once you're out of your vehicle, try to capture photos or videos of the scene. This can help your accident lawyer in Houston figure out what really happened and show the facts in court. It's also an excellent idea to take pictures of the vehicles involved and the road's condition and any other pertinent information.
Exchange information with all those involved in the accident. This includes their name, phone number of insurance company, as well as driver's license number. It is also advisable to inquire about witnesses present and obtain their names and contact details. If they hold an driver's license, make sure to obtain the license plate number as well.
You should also record any details you can remember, before your memory wane. This could include the date and time the crash occurred and at what time and where the accident occurred. It's a good idea take note of the weather conditions too.
It is recommended to capture as many pictures as possible of the scene, especially if you have witnesses present. You can snap pictures using your cellphone or in the event that you are incapacitated, have a friend do it for you. Try to take close-up shots of the damage to the cars and also distant photos of the scene.
Take pictures of any skids, damaged guardrails or trees that you spot. You should also take pictures of any visible injuries sustained during the accident. Be sure to check yourself and your passengers for scrapes or cuts. You can also take pictures of any bruises and other injuries. Be sure to get a copy of your police report. This will come in handy later if the other driver sues you for the collision.
Contact the police
Houstonians get in their cars every day and drive. Some prefer to take a walk or ride a bicycle on the streets. Even if you observe the rules of the road one negligent driver can cause an accident of a serious nature. If this happens, the results can be devastating. It's crucial to be aware of the steps to take following an accident to ensure your rights and protect yourself.
One of the most important things to do following a crash is to call the authorities and report the accident. This will ensure that a police officer will be at the scene and write an extensive report that will be invaluable to insurance purposes or legal issues that might arise after the accident.
Witnesses should also be interviewed. While some individuals may leave the scene before an officer arrives It is essential to collect eyewitness accounts as quickly as possible. This will allow you to follow up with witnesses and secure their statements if needed.
If you can, capture the scene. This is an important step, and is possible by using a mobile phone or digital camera. Photos of the skid marks, vehicles, and other objects will provide valuable evidence for your attorney.
You should also take note of the names of the drivers involved and their license plate numbers, and their insurance information. Doing this will assist your lawyer in determining who is responsible for the crash. Additionally it will give evidence of any injuries that were sustained by you or any other driver.
Finally, you should always seek medical attention if you need it. Even minor injuries such as whiplash can have a long-lasting impact on your health. They can also become worse as time passes. A doctor will document any injuries that you may have suffered in the accident.
It's recommended to move your vehicle off the road following a collision if it's safe to do so. If you're unable to move your vehicle, be sure to surround it with reflective signs. This will stop other drivers from hitting you vehicle in the future. It can also help you collect more compensation in an injury claim against a third party.
Get Medical Attention
It is important to seek medical attention as soon following a car crash as possible. Whatever your opinion is about whether your injuries are serious or not, visiting a doctor will help you determine and treat any ailments that might develop due to the collision. Additionally, a medical evaluation will be used as evidence of your injuries in the event that you need to submit an insurance claim or lawsuit.
In many instances, the effects of injuries resulting from a car crash may not manifest until days, hours, or even weeks after the collision. Stress can cause our bodies to release hormones that mask discomfort for a short period of time. If not treated, what may seem like a minor bump in aftermath of a car crash could turn into a serious condition.
You will be asked a series questions by the doctor about your feelings prior to, during and after an accident. Be honest with your answers so that the doctor can assess your injuries.
If your injuries do not present a risk to your life, you can choose between an emergency room at a hospital or an urgent care facility. Both can provide you with necessary medical care and will provide you with the evidence of your injuries for an legal or insurance claim, though the latter option could be more affordable.
Some people are reluctant to seek medical attention due to the belief that their injuries will disappear on their own or that their injuries were caused by something other than the accident. However, neglecting to seek medical attention can have negative 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, not even the other driver, since anything you say can be used against you in court or during negotiations for settlement. It's also a good idea to take photos of the scene of the collision and any injuries you may have sustained, as well as keep copies of your medical bills, repair estimates, invoices, receipts as well as pay stubs and income statements for any expenses caused by the collision.
Contact an attorney
If you've been injured in a car accident, or lost a loved one in a fatal crash, a Houston lawyer for car accidents can assist. You could be entitled to significant compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
The first step is to locate an attorney who is experienced in representing victims of car accidents. They can evaluate your case. You can find an attorney through asking family and friends, searching online or calling your local bar association. Once you've found some potential candidates, you can schedule a consultation to discuss your case and then make a decision.
The injuries from car accidents can be devastating, so it is important to get an attorney as soon as you can after the accident. A good lawyer will evaluate your case and assist in filing a claim against the insurance company of the negligent party. They can also represent you in court if needed.
A Houston car accident attorney who has experience will know what to look in the police report, as well as other evidence. They also be able to calculate damages, including future medical bills and lost income in any form, and damage to the vehicle and other property. They will be able negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf, and push for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are often bad-faith offering low-ball prices and refusing to pay for legitimate claims. You Tube can serve as your advocate and adviser and ensure that you're not taken advantage of.
A lawyer can also assist you to recover noneconomic damages such as pain and discomfort. This is often 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 bigger settlement.
A Houston car accident lawyer can give you assurance and support you require 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 achieving results for clients and are prepared to take on your case.