Springdale 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 soon as possible. Your Houston lawyer for car accidents will maximize the value of your claim.
Insurance companies are more concerned with their own financial interests. An experienced lawyer for car accidents can help balance the playing field. They can help you avoid costly mistakes like medical bills that come from your settlement.
What to do after a Car Crash
If you're hurt or not, it is vital to remain calm when you are at the scene of a car wreck. It is not advisable to leave your vehicle unless it is safe. People injured need to be treated by medical professionals right away, and police need to arrive to make an official report.
Take photos or videos of the scene after you leave your vehicle. This will help your accident attorney in Houston determine what transpired and then prove that to the court. It's also an excellent idea to take photos of the vehicles involved as well as the condition of the road and any other relevant details.
Exchange information with all those involved in the collision. This includes getting their name, number as well as the insurance company's license number. It is also advisable to inquire about any witnesses who were present and obtain their names and contact details. If they hold a driver's license, be sure to obtain the license plate number too.
You should also write down any information you remember before your memory wane. You may want to record the date and place of the accident, as well as the manner in which it occurred, or the reason for the accident. You should also note the conditions for the weather.
It is a good thing to capture as many pictures as possible of the scene, especially if you have witnesses present. You can use your cell phone to take these photos, or if you are incapacitated after the accident, ask a person who witnessed the incident to take your picture for you. Try to take close-up photos of the damage to cars, and further distant shots of the scene of the accident as a whole.
Make sure to take photos of any skid marks or damaged guardrails at the scene. You should also take pictures of any visible injuries you have suffered in the accident. Examine yourself and your passengers for cuts or scrapes. You can also take photos of any bruises or other injuries. Make sure you get a copy of your police report. This will be useful in the event that the other driver sues you for the crash.
Call the Police
Houstonians hop into their cars on a daily basis and drive. Others travel around on foot or bikes. While they are following the rules of the road, it's just one reckless driver to cause a serious car accident. The consequences can be devastating. It is therefore crucial to know the steps to take following an accident in order to protect your rights and yourself.
One of the most important things you can do following a collision is to call the authorities and report the crash. This will ensure a police officer is on the scene and write an extensive report that can be extremely valuable to insurance purposes or legal issues that may arise after the crash.
Witnesses must also be interviewed. While some individuals might leave the scene prior to when an officer arrives It is crucial to collect eyewitness testimony as soon as you can. This will enable you to follow-up with the witnesses, and secure their statements if needed.
Take pictures of the scene, if possible. This is a crucial step that can be done with either a digital camera or mobile phone. Pictures of the skid marks, vehicles and other things can be used as evidence for your attorney.
You should also note the names of the drivers involved as well as their license plate numbers and their insurance details. Doing this will help your lawyer determine who is responsible for the accident. In addition, it will provide evidence of any injuries that were suffered by you or any other driver.
Finally, you should always request medical attention if necessary. Even minor injuries such as whiplash can have a long-lasting impact on your health. They can also get worse as time passes. Seeing a doctor immediately will also record any injuries that you sustained during the accident.
If it's safe, you must remove your vehicle from the road following an accident. If you're unable to move your vehicle, make sure you surround it with reflective signs. Doing so will prevent other drivers from hitting your vehicle in the future. It also will help you secure more damages in a personal injury case against another person.
Get Medical Attention
If you've been in a car crash it is imperative to get medical attention as soon as possible. No matter if you believe your injuries are serious or not, seeing a doctor will help you diagnose and treat any health issues that could have developed due to the collision. A medical evaluation could also be used as evidence of your injuries should you have to file a lawsuit or insurance claim.
In many cases, symptoms of injuries from a car crash may not show up for hours, days or even weeks after the incident. 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 may seem like an insignificant bump in the aftermath of a car accident could turn into a serious disease.
When you go to see a doctor after a car accident, the medical professional will conduct a thorough examination and ask you an array of questions regarding how you feel before and after the accident. Answer honestly so your doctor can assess your injuries.
If your injuries do not constitute a threat to your life You can pick between an emergency room at a hospital or an urgent care facility. Both can provide you with medical attention that is required and provide documentation of your injuries for an insurance claim or legal proceeding, though the latter option could be more affordable.
Some people don't seek medical attention because they think that their injuries will heal by themselves or that the injury was caused by something other than an accident. In the absence of seeking medical attention, it could be detrimental to your health as well as your ability to get compensation for the damages you suffered.
Do not discuss the incident to anyone, not even the other driver. What you say could be used against your interests in court or when negotiating a settlement. It's also a good idea to take photos of the accident scene and any injuries you may have sustained, as well as keep copies of your medical bills, repair estimates as well as receipts, invoices, pay stubs, and income statements for the expenses caused by the crash.
Contact an attorney
A Houston car accident lawyer can help if you've suffered injuries or lost a loved one in an accident that killed someone. You may be entitled for significant 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. Attorneys can be found by asking friends and family or searching on the internet, or contacting your local bar association. Once you've found several candidates, set up a consultation to discuss your situation and then make a decision.
The injuries from car accidents can be devastating, so it is essential to seek an attorney immediately following the crash. A good lawyer will assess your case and assist you to make a claim with the insurance company of the responsible party. They can also represent you in court, if needed.
A knowledgeable Houston car accident lawyer will know what to look for in the police report and other evidence. They will also know how to calculate the damages you have suffered which include future medical bills as well as all types of lost income, and damage to your vehicle as well as other property. They will be able to negotiate with the insurance company for you and push for fair compensation.
Insurance companies can act in bad faith, which can include low-ball offers or refusing to pay a valid claim. An attorney can serve as your adviser and advocate in ensuring that you do not get ripped off.
In addition an attorney can help you obtain non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. This can be difficult to prove, but an experienced lawyer can make an extensive medical evaluation of your injuries and make a convincing case, possibly leading to a bigger settlement.
A Houston car accident lawyer can provide you with the peace of mind and assistance you require following a collision. Contact the Smith & Hassler law firm to discuss your case. They have more than 30 years of experience achieving results for their clients and are prepared to tackle your case.