Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
If you're involved in a vehicle accident, it's important to adhere to certain steps and speak with an attorney as soon as you can. Your Houston lawyer for car accidents can maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies focus on their own financial interests, however an experienced lawyer for car accidents is able to balance the playing field. They can assist you to avoid problems like medical bills which are subtracted from your settlement.
What to do following a Car Crash
It is essential to remain at peace after an accident, whether you are injured or not. You shouldn't drive away from your vehicle unless you are sure it is safe. The injured person must be treated by medical professionals immediately, and police need to arrive to provide an official report.
Photograph or film the scene as you exit your vehicle. This will aid your accident lawyer in houston determine what actually happened and then prove that in court. It's also an excellent idea to capture photos of the vehicles involved and the condition of the road and any other pertinent information.
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. You should also ask them about any witnesses that were present and obtain their names and contact details. If they have an driver's license, make sure to obtain the license plate number, too.
You should also write down any information you remember, before your memory fades. This could include the date and time the crash occurred when, the time and where the accident occurred. It's also a good idea to keep track of the weather conditions too.
If you are able, it's a good idea to get as many photos of the scene as you can, particularly when there are witnesses at the scene. You can use your cell phone to take these pictures or, if disabled after the accident, you can ask a witness to take the pictures for you. Try to take close-up Hampton accident lawsuit of the damage to the cars, and further distant shots of the accident site as the whole.
Be sure to take pictures of any skid marks or damaged guardrails at the scene. It's also a good idea for you to note any visible injuries sustained in the accident, so be certain to check you and your passengers for any scrapes or cuts. If you are able to, take pictures of any injuries or bruises. Also, make sure you obtain a copy of the police report. This will come in handy in the event that another driver sues you over the crash.
Contact the police
Everyday, people across Houston get in their automobiles and drive. Others take to the streets on foot or riding bicycles. Despite obeying the rules of the road, it's just one negligent driver to cause a serious car crash. If this happens, the consequences could be devastating. Therefore, it's important to know what steps to take right away following an accident to protect yourself and your rights.
One of the most important things you can do after an accident is to contact the police and report the accident. This will ensure that a police officer is on the scene and prepares an extensive police report that will be crucial for insurance purposes or any legal issues that could arise following the accident.
Witnesses should also be questioned. While some individuals might leave the scene before a police officer arrives It is crucial to collect eyewitness statements as soon as possible. This will allow you to follow-up with witnesses and obtain their testimony if necessary.
Take pictures of the scene, if possible. This is an important step, and can be done using a mobile phone or digital camera. Your attorney will be able to use photographs of the vehicles, skid marks, as well as other things.
Note the names as well as license plates and insurance details of all the drivers involved. This will assist your lawyer in determining who is responsible for the crash. It will also provide evidence of any injuries you or the other driver might have suffered.
Finally, you should always request medical attention if necessary. Even minor injuries such as whiplash can cause a long-lasting impact on your health. They may also worsen over time. A doctor will note any injuries you may have sustained in the accident.
It is also a good idea to move your vehicle away from the road following a crash if safe to do this. 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, and it will also allow you to claim more damages in an injury claim against an uninvolved third party.
Get Medical Attention
It's important to seek medical attention as soon after a car crash as possible. Regardless of whether you think your injuries are serious or not, visiting a doctor can help diagnose and treat any health issues that might have developed as a result of the crash. In addition an evaluation by a doctor will be used as evidence of your injuries if you need to make an insurance claim or lawsuit.
In many instances, the symptoms of injuries sustained in an accident in the car might not be evident for several days, hours or even weeks following the accident. This is due to the fact that our bodies respond to stress by releasing hormones that cover up pain for a brief period of time. What appears to be an insignificant bump or ache immediate after a crash can turn into a debilitating condition if it is not treated.
You will be asked a series questions by the doctor about your feelings before and after an accident. Be honest with your answers so that the doctor can assess your injuries.
If your injuries aren't life-threatening, you can decide between going to an emergency room in a hospital or to an urgent care facility. Both will provide you the necessary medical care, and will provide documentation of your injuries to support an insurance claim or a legal proceeding.
Some people don't seek medical attention because they believe that injuries will go away by themselves or the injury was caused by something other than an accident. However, neglecting to seek medical attention can have negative consequences for your health and your ability to secure compensation for any damages.
Do not discuss the incident to anyone, not even the other driver. Anything you say could be used against you in court or when negotiating a settlement. It's important to take pictures of the accident scene and any injuries you may have sustained, as well keeping copies of medical bills and repair estimates and receipts, invoices as well as pay stubs and income statements for any expenses incurred because of the collision.
Contact an attorney
A Houston car accident lawyer can help you if you've been injured or lost a loved in a fatal accident. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries, medical costs and other damages.
Find an attorney experienced in representing victims of auto accidents, who can evaluate your case. You can locate an attorney by asking your friends and family and searching online, or by contact your local bar association. Once you have found several candidates, set up an appointment to discuss your case and make a decision.
The injuries from car accidents can be catastrophic, and it is essential to seek a lawyer immediately following the crash. A competent lawyer will analyze your case and assist you in filing a claim against the insurance company of the responsible party. They can also represent you in court, should you need to.
A Houston lawyer who has experience will know what to look for in the police report, as well as other evidence. They will also understand how to calculate your damages that include future medical expenses and all other forms of income loss, as well as damage to your vehicle as well as other property. They will be capable of negotiating with the insurance company for you and push for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are often in bad faith, which could include offering low-ball prices or refusing to settle a valid claim. An attorney can act as your adviser and advocate, ensuring you do not get ripped off.
A lawyer can also help you get compensation for non-economic damages like discomfort and pain. It can be difficult to prove, but an experienced lawyer can make an accurate medical assessment of your injuries and present an argument that is convincing, possibly leading to a higher settlement.
A seasoned Houston lawyer can provide you with the support and peace of mind that you need after a crash. Contact the Smith & Hassler law firm to speak with an attorney about your case. They have more than 30 years of experience in achieving results for their clients and are able to take on your case.