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 lawyer for car accidents 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 traps like medical bills that come from your settlement.
What to do after a car crash
It is essential to remain calm after an accident, whether you are 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 police should arrive to complete an official report.
Once you're out of your vehicle, you should take pictures or video of the scene. This can aid your accident lawyer in houston figure out what really happened and prove that in court. It's also an excellent idea to take pictures of the vehicles involved and the condition of the road and any other relevant information.
While you're there, share details with all those involved in the accident. This includes their name, number of insurance company, as well as driver's license number. It is also advisable to inquire about any witnesses present and get their name and contact details. If they have an driver's license, make sure to get the license plate number, too.
It's recommended to note down all the details you can recall before your memory begins to fade. You might want note down the date and place of the accident, how it occurred, and what caused the accident. It's also a good idea to take note of the weather conditions as well.
It is a good thing to take as many photos as possible of the scene, particularly if you have witnesses present. You can use your cell phone to take these pictures, or if you are disabled following the accident, ask a witness to take your picture for you. Make sure to take pictures in close-ups of the damage to cars and more distant ones of the accident scene as the whole.
Take pictures of any damaged guardrails, skids or trees that you spot. It's also a good idea for you to note any visible injuries sustained in the accident. Make certain to check you and your passengers thoroughly for any scrapes or cuts. You can also take photos of any bruises or other injuries. Be sure to obtain an original copy of your police report. This will come in handy in the event that another driver sues you for the crash.
Contact the Police
Houstonians sit in their cars every day and drive. Others take to the streets on foot or on bikes. Even if you observe the rules of road, one driver's negligence can lead to a serious accident. The consequences of this can be devastating. In the event of an accident, it's important to know the steps you need to take immediately after an accident to safeguard yourself and your rights.
One of the most important things to do following a collision is to call the authorities and report the crash. This will ensure that a police officer is on the scene and writes an extensive police report, which can be invaluable in the event of insurance claims or any legal issues that may arise after the crash.
Witnesses must also be interviewed. It's important to collect eyewitness statements immediately, even if some people leave the scene before an officer arrives. This will allow you to follow-up with witnesses and secure their statements if needed.
Take photos of the scene, if possible. This is an important step, and is possible with a smartphone or digital camera. Your attorney can use photographs of the vehicles, skid marks, as well as other things.
Note the names, license plates, and insurance information of all drivers involved. This will help your lawyer determine who is at fault for the crash. In addition it will give evidence of any injuries sustained by you or other drivers.
Always seek medical attention when needed. Even minor injuries, like whiplash, can have a long-term impact on your health and may get worse as time passes. A visit to a doctor as soon as possible will also document any injuries you suffered in the accident.
If it is safe, you should also remove your vehicle from the road following a collision. If you can't move your car, surround it with reflective signs. This will stop other drivers from hitting you vehicle in the future, and it can also help you collect more damages in an injury claim against a third party.
Seek medical attention
It is important to seek medical attention as soon after a car crash as possible. No matter if you believe 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 to prove your injuries should you have to file a lawsuit or insurance claim.
In Omaha accident attorneys , the signs of injury resulting caused by a car accident might not be evident until a few days, hours or even weeks after the crash. This is due to our bodies reacting to stress by releasing hormones that can cover up pain for a brief period of time. If not treated what might appear to be a minor bump in aftermath of a car accident could turn into a serious illness.
You will be asked several questions by your doctor regarding your feelings prior to and after an accident. Be honest with your answers so that the doctor can assess your injuries.
If your injuries don't present a risk to your life you can select between an emergency room at the hospital or an urgent care center. Both will provide you the medical treatment you require, and will also provide evidence of your injuries to aid in an insurance claim or legal proceeding.
Some people are reluctant to seek medical attention because they believe that their injuries will heal on their own or their injuries were caused by something else other than the accident. Neglecting to seek medical attention could have adverse consequences for your health and your ability to get compensation for damages.
It's also important to refrain from discussing the incident with anyone, not even the other driver, because anything you say can be used against you in court or in the settlement negotiations. Photograph the scene of the accident and any injuries you may have suffered. Also, keep copies of all your medical bills, repair estimates, and invoices.
Contact an attorney
If you've been injured in a car accident, or lost a loved one in a fatal crash, the services of a Houston lawyer for car accidents can assist. You may be entitled for significant compensation for injuries and medical costs.
Find an attorney with experience in representing victims of auto accidents to assess your case. You can locate an attorney through asking your friends and family, searching online or contacting your local bar association. After you have identified several candidates, set up an appointment to discuss your case and make a decision.
Injuries resulting from a car accident can be devastating. It is essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. A reputable lawyer will evaluate your case and assist you file a claim with the insurance company of the responsible party. They can also represent you in court, if needed.
A Houston lawyer who is experienced knows what to look for in the police report, as well as other evidence. They also know how to calculate damages, such as future medical bills and lost income in all forms and damage to the vehicle and other property. They will be in a position to negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of you 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 act as your advocate and advisor in ensuring that you do not get ripped off.
A lawyer can also help you recover noneconomic damages such as discomfort and pain. It isn't easy to prove this, however an experienced lawyer can use a medical assessment to present a compelling argument, which could lead to a larger settlement.
An experienced Houston car accident attorney will provide you with the assistance and peace of mind 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 their clients and are ready to accept your case.