Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Can Maximize the Value of Your Claim
It is crucial to speak to an attorney as quickly as possible after a car accident. Your Houston car accident lawyer can maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies are more focused on their own financial interests. A seasoned car accident attorney can balance the playing field. They can help you avoid issues like medical bills which are subtracted from your settlement.
What should you do following the car crashes
Whether you are hurt or not, it's important to remain calm in the aftermath of a car wreck. Don't get out of your vehicle unless you're sure it is safe to do so. People injured need to be treated by medical professionals immediately and the police must arrive to make an official report.
Take pictures or videos of the scene once you exit your vehicle. This will help your accident attorney in houston determine what happened and prove that to the court. It's also a good idea to take photos of the vehicles involved, the road's condition and any other pertinent information.
Exchange information with all the parties involved in the incident. This includes their name, phone number the insurance company, their name, and driver's licence number. Also, ask them about any witnesses that were present and get their names and contact numbers. If they have a driver's license, be sure to obtain the license plate number too.
It's also a good idea to write down all of the information you can remember before your memory fades. This could include details of how the crash occurred and at what time and the location of the crash. You should also take note of the weather conditions.
If possible, it is a good idea to get as many photos of the scene as you can, especially when there are witnesses at the scene. You can snap pictures using your cellphone or, if you're incapacitated, request a trusted friend to take the pictures for you. Try to take close-up shots of the damage caused by the car and also distant photos of the scene.
Photograph any damaged guardrails, skids or trees that you spot. Also, take photos of any visible injuries that you may have sustained during the accident. Check yourself and your passengers for cuts or scrapes. If you're able to, take pictures of any bruises or other injuries. Finally, be sure to take an official copy of the police report. This will be helpful should you be sued by the other driver.
Call the Police
Houstonians hop into their cars each day and drive. Some people choose to walk or ride a bike on the streets. Even if you observe the rules of road, one driver's negligence can lead to a serious accident. The consequences can be devastating. Therefore it's crucial to know what steps to take immediately after an accident to ensure your safety and your rights.
One of the most important things to do after a collision is to call the authorities and report the accident. This will ensure that a police officer will be at the scene and make a detailed report which will be valuable for insurance purposes or legal issues that might arise following the crash.
Witnesses should also be interviewed. Lawton accident attorneys YouTube to collect eyewitness statements immediately, even if some people leave the scene before an officer arrives. This will enable you to follow up with the witnesses and obtain their testimony in the event of a need.
If you can, take a picture of the scene. This is an essential step that can be done using either a digital camera or mobile phone. Your attorney can make use of photographs of the vehicles, skid marks as well as other items.
It is also important to note the names of the drivers involved, their license plate numbers, and their insurance details. This will help your attorney determine who was at fault for the accident. In addition it will provide evidence of any injuries suffered by you or any other driver.
In the end, it is important to seek medical attention when needed. Even minor injuries, such as whiplash, can have a long-term impact on your health and could get worse as time passes. Seeing a doctor immediately will also record any injuries you sustained in the accident.
It is recommended to remove your vehicle off 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. This will stop other drivers from crashing into your vehicle in the future, and it can also help you collect more compensation in an injury claim against a third party.
Seek medical attention
It's important to seek medical attention as soon after an accident as soon as you can. No matter how serious you think your injuries could be visiting a doctor can help you determine any conditions that have developed due to the incident. In addition, a medical evaluation can be used as proof of your injuries should you ever need to submit an insurance claim or lawsuit.
In many cases, the signs of injuries sustained in a car crash may not be evident for several days, hours, or weeks following the accident. This is because our bodies respond to stress by releasing hormones which can disguise pain for a short period of time. If left untreated what might appear to be a minor bump in aftermath of a car accident could turn into a serious illness.
If you visit the doctor following an accident in the car medical professional will perform a thorough examination and ask you a series of questions about how you feel before and after the collision. Be honest with your answers so that the doctor can accurately assess the extent of your injuries.
If your injuries don't pose a life-threatening threat you can select between an emergency room at a hospital or an urgent care center. Both can provide you with medical attention that is required and provide you with documentation of your injuries for an insurance claim or legal proceeding however the latter could be more affordable.
Some people avoid seeking medical attention because they believe that their injuries will disappear on their own or the cause of their injuries is something aside from the accident. But, not seeking medical attention could have detrimental consequences for your health and your ability to claim compensation for damages.
Avoid talking about the accident to anyone, including the other driver. Any information you share could be used against you in court or when negotiating the terms of a settlement. It's also a good idea to take photos of the scene of the collision and any injuries you may have suffered, as keeping copies of medical bills, repair estimates, invoices, receipts pay stubs, pay stubs, and income statements for expenses that resulted from the collision.
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 to significant compensation for injuries as well as medical expenses.
The first step is to locate an attorney who is experienced in representing victims of car accidents and who can analyze your case. Attorneys can be found by asking family and friends as well as searching on the internet or contacting the local bar association. Once you've found a few candidates to interview you can set up a time for a consultation so that you can discuss your case.
The injuries from car accidents can be catastrophic, and it is important to get an attorney as soon as possible after the crash. A good lawyer will evaluate your case and assist in filing a claim against the insurance company of the negligent party. They can also represent your case in court, if required.
A knowledgeable Houston car accident lawyer will know what to look for in the police report and other evidence. They also know how to calculate the damages you have suffered that include future medical expenses, all forms of income loss, as well as the damage to your vehicle and other property. They will be in a position to negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of you and advocate for fair compensation.
Insurance companies are usually in bad faith, making low-ball offers and refusing to settle a valid claim. An attorney can serve as your advocate and adviser in ensuring that you do not get ripped off.
In addition an attorney can help you obtain non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. It isn't always easy to prove this, however an experienced attorney can utilize a medical evaluation to argue convincingly, which could lead to a higher settlement.
An experienced Houston car accident attorney can provide you with the help and peace of mind you need after a crash. To speak with an attorney about your case, contact the Smith & Hassler firm. They have more than 30 years of experience achieving results for their clients and are prepared to tackle your case.