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 car accident lawyer can help maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies focus on their own financial interests, however an experienced car crash attorney balances the playing field. They can help you to avoid issues such as medical bills which are subtracted from your settlement.
What to do following a Car Crash
It is essential to remain calm in the aftermath of an accident, regardless of whether you're injured or not. You should not drive away from your vehicle unless you are sure it is safe. The injured person must be treated by medical professionals right away and the police must arrive to make an official report.
Take pictures or videos of the scene after you leave your vehicle. This will help your accident lawyer in houston determine what happened and then prove it to the court. It's also an excellent idea to capture photos of the cars involved and the condition of the road and any other relevant details.
While YouTube , exchange information with everyone involved in the crash. This includes getting their names, contact numbers, insurance company, and driver's license number. Also, you should inquire about witnesses present and ask for their name and contact details. If they hold an driver's license, make sure to obtain the license plate number, too.
It's an excellent idea to note down all the information you can remember before your memory fades. This could include details of how the accident occurred, what time it was and where the accident occurred. It is also important to note the weather conditions.
It is a good thing to capture as many photographs as possible of the scene, particularly in the event that witnesses are present. You can capture pictures with your cellphone or if you're incapacitated have a friend take the pictures for you. Make sure to take pictures in close-ups of the damage to the vehicles and farther ones of the accident site as a whole.
Be sure to take pictures of any skid marks, damaged guardrails or trees at the scene. It's also a good idea for you to record any visible injuries that were caused by the accident, so be sure to check yourself and your passengers for any cuts or scrapes. You can also take photos of any bruises or other injuries. Be sure to get an original copy of your police report. This will come in handy later if the other driver sues you for the collision.
Contact the police
Everyday, people in Houston get in their cars and drive. Others walk around on foot or on bikes. Despite obeying the rules of the road, it's just one driver who is negligent to cause a serious car accident. When this happens, the repercussions can be devastating. In the event of an accident it is crucial to know what steps to take immediately after an accident to ensure your safety and your rights.
One of the most important things you can do following an accident is to contact the authorities and report the incident. This will ensure that a police official visits the scene and prepares an accurate police report, which can be crucial in the event of insurance claims or any legal issues that might arise following the crash.
Witnesses should also be interviewed. It's important to collect eyewitness accounts immediately, even if witnesses leave the scene before an officer arrives. This will enable you to follow up with witnesses and obtain their statements if needed.
Take photos of the scene, if you can. This is a crucial step that can be accomplished by using an electronic camera or a mobile phone. Your lawyer can make use of images of the vehicles and skid marks as well as other items.
Note down the names, license plates, and insurance information of all the motorists involved. This will help your lawyer determine who was responsible for the incident. It will also prove any injuries you or other drivers might have suffered.
Always seek medical attention when necessary. Even minor injuries, like whiplash can have a long-lasting impact on your health and could be worsened as time passes. A doctor will document any injuries you might have suffered in the accident.
If it is safe, you must move your vehicle off the road following a collision. If you can't move your car, 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 case against another person.
Get Medical Attention
If you've been in a car crash it is imperative to get medical attention as soon as you can. No matter how serious you believe your injuries to be an appointment with a doctor can help you determine any issues that may have arisen as a result of the incident. Furthermore, a medical evaluation will be used as evidence of your injuries in the event that you have to submit an insurance claim or lawsuit.
In many cases, effects of injuries resulting caused by a car accident might not manifest until hours, days, or even weeks after the collision. This is due to our bodies reacting to stress by releasing hormones that mask pain for a short period of time. If not treated even a minor bump in aftermath of a car crash can turn into a chronic condition.
When you go to see a doctor after a car accident the doctor will conduct a thorough examination and ask you an array of questions regarding how you feel before and after the accident. Make sure to answer honestly so that your doctor can provide 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 at a hospital or an urgent care facility. Both will provide medical attention that is required and provide evidence of your injuries to support an insurance claim or legal proceeding however the latter might be less expensive.
Some people are hesitant to seek medical attention because they believe that their injuries will disappear on their own or that their injuries were caused by something else aside from the accident. Not seeking medical attention can have negative consequences for your health as well as your ability to receive compensation for damages.
Do not discuss the incident to anyone, even the other driver. What you say could be used against you in court or in negotiations for the terms of a settlement. Take photos of the scene of the accident and any injuries you may 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 been injured or lost a loved one in the event of a fatal crash. You may be entitled for significant compensation for injuries as well as medical costs.
Find an attorney experienced in representing victims of auto accidents, who can assess your case. You can find an attorney by asking your family and friends and searching online, or by calling your local bar association. Once you've found a few candidates, schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and make a decision.
The injuries from car accidents can be devastating, so it is crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as you can after the accident. A good lawyer will evaluate your case and assist you in submitting a claim against the insurance company of the negligent party. 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 and other evidence. They will also know how to calculate damages like future medical expenses as well as lost income in all forms, 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, making low-ball offers and refusing to pay for legitimate claims. An attorney can act as your adviser and advocate in ensuring that you do not get ripped off.
In addition, an attorney can help you obtain non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. It can be difficult to prove this, but an attorney with experience can utilize a medical evaluation to argue convincingly, which could lead to an increase in settlement.
A seasoned Houston car accident attorney can provide you with the help and peace of mind that you require following a collision. Contact the Smith & Hassler law firm to speak with an attorney about your case. They have more than 30 years of experience getting results for clients and are willing to accept your case.