Car accidents are a fact of life in Houston. That’s just part of living in a city with such heavy traffic and congested roadways full of moving vehicles and distracted human beings behind the wheel. You prepare yourself for the worst. So it is very common to feel and experience a “fight or flight” response, or “emotional disturbance” after being in an accident. What you do next is very important. What you do or don’t do after you are in a car accident is very important for your health, your bank account, and your rights. The average, normal person typically does not know what to do after they are in a car accident. They just got in an accident, possibly have injuries sustained at the accident scene, and they don’t know what the best thing to do next is. You will need clear step by step instructions to follow.
This article will put you in motion after your Houston accident. This article provides you information and advice which has been drafted using advice from injury law professionals which is being made available to you, free of charge as professional law expertise advice.
Step 1: Have Yourself and Others Checked for Injuries
Safety is the first step. Take deep breaths and inspect for injuries. Inspect yourself, your passengers, and others. Call 911 immediately if you are injured. Do not move an injured individual unless in immediate danger. Even if it does not appear to be severe, get assistance. Others do not appear until later.
Step 2: Move to Safety
If the vehicles are in motion, drive them onto the road shoulder. This gets you off the road.
If your car will not move, activate the hazard lights. Stay in the car until it is safe to exit.
Step 3: Call the Police
Houston police reports apply. They create an official record of the accident. Tell the officer what happened clearly. Do not guess or apologize. You will soon require this report to submit insurance claims or lawsuits.
Step 4: Gather Evidence
Take pictures using your phone. Document damage to all vehicles, license plates, traffic signs, and skid marks. Also, take pictures of your injuries if possible. If you have witnesses to the crash, get their name and numbers. Witnesses will corroborate your account later.
Step 5: Swap Information
Swap your name, number, driver’s license, tag number, and insurance with the other guy.
Stay calm and do not argue. Keep it simple.
Step 6: Get Medical Attention
Go see a doctor even if you don’t have any apparent injuries. Whiplash and bleeding internally most frequently don’t show up until hours following the accident. Medical records are good record-keeping in the event that you ever need to make a claim.
Step 7: Report Your Claim to Your Insurance Company
Call your insurer. Report the facts. Don’t admit fault or speculate on facts. Just report what happened in everyday language. Your insurer will commence opening up a claims file and will tell you what to do next.
Step 8: Seek the Advice of a Personal Injury Lawyer
A Houston personal injury lawyer deals with automobile accident cases on a daily basis. They know how to deal with insurance companies which are attempting to negotiate at low rates.
Your lawyer can:
- Discuss your case.
- Guard your rights.
- Answer insurance adjuster calls.
- Advising you in the receipt of reasonable funds for your injury.
Why Legal Representation Is Important in Houston Auto Accidents
Texas law is daunting to navigate if you are the victim of an accident. Payment is in the balance if you are the one responsible. If you delay, your right to sue is in the balance. Attorneys are employed by insurance companies. So should you. An attorney knows the Houston traffic code, rules of court, and judges in the jurisdiction. That can prove to be extremely beneficial.
Mistakes People Often Make After a Car Accident
- Leaving the accident scene too quickly.
- Failure to report the accident to the police.
- Refusal of treatment by a medical professional.
- Admitting fault when the accident happened.
- Signing on the dotted line for the insurance company without an attorney.
Don’t be a doofus and jeopardize your health and your case.
Damages You Can Recover Following a Houston Car Accident
If someone else’s negligence caused the wreck, you can recover damages for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income.
- Damages to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Pain and suffering.
- Future medical care.
Every case is different. An attorney can advise you of the potential worth of your case.
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Claim in Texas?
Presently with Texas, the statute of limitation on a personal injury claim is typically two years from the accident date. Hesitating too long may cause you to lose your right to recover money.
When to Hire a Lawyer
You may need to contact an attorney if:
- You are badly hurt.
- You are faulted by the other driver.
- Settlements from insurance appear too low.
- There were several cars involved in the accident.
- A family member was killed in the accident.
Houston Roads Where Car Crashes Happen Frequently
There are some Houston roads with more crashes since they receive heavy traffic and speeding:
- I-45 Gulf Freeway.
- I-10 Katy Freeway.
- U.S. 59 Eastex Freeway.
- Beltway 8.
- Highway 290.
Drivers must be so much more cautious here.
Last Words
Wrecks hurt, anger, and confusion. The right attitude can preserve your health and rights. Be calm. Call the police. Document evidence. Seek medical treatment. Notify your insurer. And speak with a Houston car accident lawyer who will fight for you.
FAQs
1. Do I need to hire an attorney for every car wreck in Houston?
Not always. At times, unless the person is injured and if it’s just minor damages, you may resolve it on your own. If a crucial injury occurs or insurance claims are unreasonable, an attorney safeguards your rights.
2. How expensive is a Houston personal injury attorney?
Most Houston personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee. You pay nothing out of pocket. They receive compensation only if you collect money through a court judgment or settlement.
3. Can I still recover money if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Texas is a modified comparative fault state. When you are less than 51% at fault, you may recover damages. Your recovery is cut proportionally to the degree you are at.
4. If the other driver is uninsured?
When the motorist is uninsured, you might use your own insurance for uninsured motorists. A lawyer will also evaluate if there are alternative means of recovering money.
5. How many weeks or months is it to settle a car accident case in Houston?
It varies depending on the case. Cases settle within weeks. Cases involving serious injury, as complex as they are, take years or months. It can be hastened by an attorney and settled with reasonable settlements.
