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 quickly as possible. Your Houston car accident attorney can maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies prioritize their own financial interests, however an experienced lawyer for car accidents can help you balance the odds. They can help you avoid issues like medical bills which are subtracted from your settlement.
What should you do following an accident with a car
It is crucial to remain calm in the aftermath of an accident, whether you're injured or not. It is not advisable to leave your vehicle unless it is safe. The injured person must be treated by medical professionals as soon as possible and the police must arrive to provide an official report.
Take photos or videos of the scene as you exit your vehicle. This can aid your accident lawyer in Houston determine what actually happened and prove the facts in court. Photograph any relevant details, such as the vehicles involved as well as the road conditions.
While you're there, make sure you exchange information with everyone involved in the accident. This means getting their name, phone number, insurance company, and driver's license number. You should also ask them about any witnesses that were present, and get their names and contact numbers. 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 may include how the crash occurred, what time it was and the location of the crash. You should also take note of the weather conditions.
It is a good thing to take as many photos as you can of the scene, particularly in the event that witnesses are present. You can use your mobile phone to capture these photos or, if incapacitated after the accident, you can ask a witness to take the pictures 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 skid marks, damaged guardrails or trees at the scene. Also, take photos of any visible injuries sustained during the accident. Examine yourself and your passengers for any cuts or scrapes. You can also take photos of any bruises or other injuries. Make sure to obtain an official copy of the police report. This can be helpful later if the other driver sues you over the collision.
Contact the police
Houstonians hop into their cars each day and drive. Others travel around on foot or riding bikes. While they are following the rules of the road, it only takes one negligent driver to cause a serious car crash. The consequences can be devastating. It is therefore crucial to know the steps to take after an accident in order to ensure your rights and protect yourself.
One of the most important things to do after an accident is to contact the authorities and report the crash. This will ensure that a police officer visits the scene and creates a detailed police report, which will be valuable in the event of insurance claims or any legal issues that might arise after the crash.
Witnesses should also be questioned. Although some witnesses might leave the scene prior to when a police officer arrives It is crucial to collect eyewitness testimony as soon as possible. This will enable your attorney to follow-up with witnesses and obtain their testimony in the future, if needed.
If possible, photograph the scene. This is a crucial step that is easily accomplished using either a digital camera or a mobile phone. Your attorney can use pictures of the vehicles and skid marks, as well as other objects.
Note the names, license plates, and insurance information of all drivers involved. This will help your lawyer determine who was responsible for the accident. Additionally it will give evidence of any injuries that were sustained by you or any other driver.
Finally, you should always seek medical attention when needed. Even minor injuries, like whiplash could have a lasting impact on your health, and can be worsened as time passes. A doctor will note any injuries you may have sustained in the accident.
It's also a good idea to move your vehicle away from the road following a collision if it's safe to do so. If you are unable to move your vehicle, you should surround it with reflective signs. www.youtube.com will stop other drivers from crashing into your vehicle in the near future. It will help you secure additional damages in a personal injury lawsuit against a third party.
Seek medical attention
It's 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 a doctor can help determine and treat any ailments that could have developed as a result of the crash. Furthermore, a medical evaluation will be used as evidence of your injuries in the event that you have to make an insurance claim or lawsuit.
In many instances, the symptoms of injuries from a car crash may not manifest for hours, days or even weeks after the accident. Stress can cause our bodies to release hormones that cover up pain for a brief period of time. What may feel like an insignificant bump or ache immediate after a crash can be a chronic condition if not treated.
When you go to see a doctor after a car accident, the medical professional will conduct a thorough exam and ask you several questions about the way you feel prior to, during, and after the accident. Make sure you answer honestly so that the doctor can make the most accurate diagnosis of your injuries.
If your injuries don't pose a life-threatening threat, you can choose between an emergency room in the hospital or an urgent care facility. Both will provide necessary medical care and will provide you with evidence of your injuries to support an insurance claim or legal proceeding although the latter could be more affordable.
Some people do not seek medical attention due to the belief that injuries will go away by themselves, or the injury was caused by something other than an accident. In the absence of seeking medical attention, it can have negative consequences for your health as well as your ability to get compensation for damages.
Avoid discussing the incident to anyone, including the other driver. Anything you say could be used against you in court or in negotiations for a settlement. Photograph the site of the accident as well as any injuries you might have sustained. Keep copies of all your medical bills, repair estimates, and invoices.
Contact an attorney
A Houston car accident lawyer can help you if you have been injured or lost a loved in a fatal accident. You may be entitled for significant compensation for injuries as well as medical expenses.
Find an attorney with experience in representing victims of auto accidents who can evaluate your case. Attorneys can be found by asking family and friends or searching on the internet, or contacting your local bar association. After you've identified a few candidates to interview, set up a consultation so that you can discuss your case.
The injuries from car accidents can be catastrophic, and it is crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as you can after the crash. A reputable lawyer will assess your case and assist in submitting a claim against the insurance company of the negligent party. They can also represent you in court, if needed.
A Houston lawyer who is experienced will know what to look in the police report, as well as other evidence. They also know how to calculate damages, like future medical expenses as well as lost income in any form, and damage to the vehicle as well as other property. They can negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf and push for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are often in bad faith offering low-ball prices and refusing to pay for a valid claim. An attorney can act as your advocate and adviser to ensure that you don't get taken advantage of.
A lawyer can also help you get compensation for non-economic damages like discomfort and pain. This is often difficult to prove, but an experienced attorney can use an accurate medical assessment of your injuries to present a convincing case, possibly leading to a bigger settlement.
A Houston car accident lawyer will give you peace of mind and help you need following a collision. If you would like to speak with an attorney about 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.