Auto accidents don’t just occur. They will leave you injured, nervous, and not knowing what to do next. Medical bills, bodywork costs on your vehicle, and dealing with your insurance company are prone to getting out of control. Educate yourself on your rights and options. A lawyer specializing in Houston personal injury cases will be able to represent you and settle your claim reasonably. This article offers advice on what to do if you are involved in a car accident and how a lawyer can help.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Car Accident
Car accidents are not all about physical injury. They can become financial and legal nightmares. Insurance companies will try to offer you a settlement for less than you are entitled to.
A personal injury attorney can:
- Discuss your case and potential damages
- Negotiate with all the insurance companies for you
- Obtain evidence like police reports, photos, and medical records
- Negotiate settlements for just compensation
- Represent you in court if the trial is lost
Having a Houston personal injury lawyer from the start will increase the possibility of you getting maximum compensation that you are eligible for. They provide you with their comfort because they take you through the legal process.
What to Do After a Houston Car Accident
1. Remain Safe and Get Medical Help
Check yourself and others for injury. Call 911 if you are injured. You even need to have a doctor examine a small injury.
2. Document the Scene
Take pictures of vehicles, roads, traffic lights, and injuries. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses.
3. Report to the Police
Police reports are official records. They substantiate your account and help lawyers and insurance companies decide what happened.
4. Tell Your Insurance Company
Notify your company of the accident. Be truthful and don’t apologize.
5. Get Yourself a Personal Injury Lawyer
Lawyers protect your interests, handle insurance adjusters, and navigate you through the legal process. Early intervention benefits your case.
How a Lawyer Builds Your Case
Lawyers sift through all facts that are applicable:
- Police reports and crash reports
- Medical records and invoices
- Repair or replacement cost
- Witness statements
- Insurance policies
They take into consideration all damages, which may encompass medical bills, lost wages, pain, and emotional suffering. Experienced lawyers know the evidence that works best for your case.
Most Common Mistakes to Avoid Following a Car Crash
- Delayed treatment: This delayed treatment will be covered by insurance.
- Social media comments: What you write on the web will damage your claim.
- Upfront settlements: Insurance shortchanges your damages.
- Talking too much to adjusters: Let your attorney do the negotiating.
- Ignoring attorney advice: Heeding your lawyer leads to better results.
Compensation You Can Expect to Recover
- Medical Expenses – Doctor visits, physical therapy, medication, and medical devices.
- Lost Income – Lost income for time off or injury.
- Property Damage – Repair or replacement value of the vehicle.
- Pain and Suffering – Physical discomfort, emotional distress, and life changes.
- Future Costs – Ongoing care or loss of future ability to earn money due to permanent harm.
Your personal injury lawyer ensures that you recover all damages mandated by Texas law.
Texas Statute of Limitations
Texas personal injury suits need to usually be filed within two years from the time the accident happened. Deadlines will prevent you from ever receiving your money. Getting an attorney upfront ensures deadlines are met and your case is preserved.
Negotiation vs Court
Car accidents resolve in the majority of cases without appearing in court. Attorneys negotiate on behalf of clients to get fair damages. If that cannot be done, your attorney can put it in court. They draft documents, make arguments, and make your case in front of a judge or jury.
Contingency Fees and Fees
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay anything.
Your attorney only receives a percentage of your award if you win. This type of arrangement provides legal service at a lower price so that you can concentrate on recuperating.
More Things to Help You Build Your Case
- Maintain precise records: Record doctor visits, bills, lost work time, and insurance company calls.
- Follow doctor’s instructions: Medical treatment you require serves your purpose.
- Don’t guess: Keep accident reports factual.
- Be organized: Put documents and evidence in one folder so that you can find them easily.
- Ask questions: Your lawyer will explain everything so that you won’t be in the dark.
FAQs
- When must I consult an attorney following a car accident?
Call an attorney right away or shortly. Timely call preserves evidence and is in your best interests.
- Will my case go to trial?
Rarely. The overwhelming majority are resolved without ever seeing the inside of a courtroom. Court is held as the ultimate hammer when there is no equitable settlement.
- Can I resolve my claim by myself without an attorney?
Yes, but your claim will be worth less. A lawyer will ensure that everything that is damaged is paid for and your rights are not trampled.
- I was partially at fault in the accident as well. What can I do?
Texas is a proportional fault state. You may recover diminished damages by your proportionate fault.
- How long will it take to settle a car accident claim?
Depends. A few weeks for minor injuries. Months or longer for complicated injuries or serious ones. Your lawyer can estimate.
Final Advice
A car accident flips life upside down in a moment. From medical bills to lost wages, it can spiral out of control. A Houston attorney guides you through. They fix the legal issues, negotiate fair compensation, and let you recover. Report the accident, get medical care, and consult an experienced Houston car accident lawyer in the shortest time possible. The right attorney guards your rights and gets you back in the driver’s seat with confidence.
