Huntsville accident lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
If you're involved in a car accident, it's important to follow certain steps and speak with an attorney as fast as possible. Your Houston lawyer can maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies are focused on their own financial interests, but an experienced attorney for car crashes is able to balance the playing field. They can help you avoid traps like medical expenses that come from your settlement.
What should you do following an accident with a car
It is crucial to remain calm after an accident, whether you're injured or not. You shouldn't leave your vehicle unless it is safe. The injured person must be treated by medical professionals right away, and police need to arrive to make an official report.
Take pictures or videos of the scene as you exit your vehicle. This can assist your accident lawyer in Houston determine what actually happened and prove the facts in court. Take photos of any relevant information, including the vehicles involved as well as the road conditions.
While you're at it exchange details with all those involved in the accident. This involves obtaining their name, phone number, insurance company and driver's license number. You should also ask about any witnesses present and obtain their names and contact information. If they hold a driver's license, be sure to obtain the license plate number as well.
VIDEO It's recommended to write down all of the details you are able to remember before your memory begins to fade. This could include the date and time the crash happened and at what time and the location of the crash. It's a good idea to keep track of the weather conditions as well.
If you can, it's a good idea to get as many photos of the scene as you can, especially in the event that there are witnesses present at the scene. You can use your smartphone to capture these photos, or if you are disabled after the accident, ask a witness to take your picture for you. Try to take close-up shots of the damage to the cars as well as distant shots of the scene.
Make sure to take photos of any skid marks, damaged guardrails or trees in the area. You should also take pictures of any visible injuries you have suffered during the accident. Examine yourself and your passengers for any scrapes or cuts. If you are able, also photograph any injuries or bruises. Be sure to get an original copy of your police report. This is important in the event that you are sued by the other driver.
Call the Police
Houstonians sit in their cars each day and drive. Some people choose to walk or ride a bike on the streets. Even if you follow the rules of road, one reckless driver could cause an accident that is serious. When this happens, the consequences could be devastating. It's therefore important to know the steps to take following an accident in order to protect your rights and yourself.
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 official visits the scene and writes an accurate police report, which will be valuable for insurance purposes or any legal issues that may arise after the crash.
It is also crucial to interview witnesses. It is important to get eyewitness statements immediately, even if some people leave the scene prior to an officer arrives. This will enable your attorney to follow up on the witnesses and obtain their testimony in the event of a need.
Take photos of the scene, if possible. This is a crucial step that can be accomplished with an electronic camera or mobile phone. Pictures of the vehicles, skid marks and other items will provide valuable evidence for your attorney.
It is also important to note the names of the drivers involved as well as their license plate numbers and their insurance information. Doing this will assist your lawyer in determining who is responsible for the crash. In addition it will give evidence of any injuries that were suffered 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 over time. A doctor will record any injuries you might have sustained in the accident.
It is recommended to move your vehicle off the road after a crash if it's safe to do this. If you aren't able to move your vehicle, make sure to surround it with reflective signs. This will stop other drivers from crashing into your vehicle in the future. It can also help you collect more damages in an injury claim against an uninvolved third party.
Seek medical attention
It's important to seek medical attention as soon following the event of a car crash as soon as is possible. Regardless of whether you think your injuries are serious or not, visiting a doctor will help you determine and treat any ailments that may develop due to the crash. A medical examination could also serve to prove your injuries should you are required to make a claim for a lawsuit or an insurance claim.
In many instances, the signs of injury resulting from a car crash may not manifest until days, hours or even weeks following the accident. Stress can trigger our bodies to release hormones that cover up the pain for a short period of time. What feels like an unimportant bump or ache in the immediate aftermath of a crash could be a chronic condition if it is not treated.
When you go to see a doctor after an accident in the car, the medical professional will perform a thorough examination and ask you an array of questions regarding how you feel prior to the, during, and following the accident. Answer honestly so that your doctor can evaluate your injuries.
If your injuries aren't life-threatening, you can choose between visiting a hospital emergency room or an urgent care center. Both will provide the medical attention you require and will also provide evidence of your injuries to help with an insurance claim or legal proceeding.
Some people are hesitant to seek medical attention due to the belief that their injuries will go away on their own or that the cause of their injuries is something aside from the accident. However, neglecting to seek medical attention could have detrimental consequences for your health as well as your ability to claim compensation for any damages.
Do not discuss the incident to anyone, including the other driver. Any information you share could be used against you in court or in negotiations for the terms of a settlement. It's also a good idea to take photos of the scene of the accident and any injuries you might have sustained, as well keeping copies of medical bills repair estimates, invoices, receipts, pay stubs, and income statements for expenses incurred because of the crash.
Contact an attorney
If you have been injured in a crash or lost a loved one in an accident that killed them, a Houston car accident attorney can help. You may be entitled for substantial compensation for injuries and medical expenses.
The first step is to locate an attorney with experience in representing victims of car accidents and who can assess your case. You can find an attorney through asking your family and friends, searching online or contacting your local bar association. Once you have found some potential candidates, you can schedule a consultation to discuss your case and make a final decision.
The injuries from car accidents can be devastating, so it is essential to seek an attorney as soon as possible after 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, if required.
A seasoned Houston car accident lawyer will know what to look for in the police report as well as other evidence. They will also understand how to calculate the damages you have suffered which include future medical bills, all 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 on behalf of you and advocate for fair compensation.
Insurance companies can act in bad faith, which could include low-ball offers or refusing to settle a valid claim. An attorney can be your advocate and adviser, ensuring you do not be ripped off.
A lawyer can also assist you to obtain non-economic damages, such as pain and discomfort. It can be difficult to prove this, however an experienced lawyer can make use of a medical examination to present a compelling argument that could lead to a larger settlement.
An experienced Houston lawyer can provide you with the support and peace of mind you require following a crash. To speak with an attorney about your case, call the Smith & Hassler firm. They have over 30 years of experience achieving results for their clients and are ready to tackle your case.