Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston, Texas: Car Accident Legal Steps You Should Take
Every day, Houston car accidents are a real occurrence. Traffic jams, careless driving, and interstate highways create a situation where your chance of an accident increases. If you are involved in a car accident and injured, you need to know the correct legal procedure that you need to take. Taking action in a timely manner will protect your rights and will benefit your case. This article explains what you should do if you become involved in a car accident in Houston, Texas.
Step 1: Receive Medical Assistance Right Away
Your health is most important. Call 911 for severe injury. So-called minor injury can be a symptom of internal injury. Whiplash and concussion symptoms don’t show up for hours. Medical documentation of injury from a medical perspective can also be made in the doctor’s report. Insurance companies deny claims unless there are medical reports. Delayed treatment will ruin your recovery and claim.
Step 2: Report to the Police
Always make the police report the accident. Police officers record information, take statements, and create an official report. The report is an extremely valuable item of evidence in claims. Without it, the other party can deny fault. Your lawyer will require the report in preparation for your case. Never skip this step, no matter how minor damage appears.
Step 3: Document Evidence at the Scene
Document evidence, when possible. Use your cell phone to photograph:
- Car damage
- Skid marks
- Road surface
- Visible injury
Obtain witness information as well. Obtain the license plate and insurance of the other driver. This will help your attorney later when conducting an investigation.
Step 4: Report to Your Insurance Company
Texas law requires liability insurance for drivers. Report the accident to your insurer immediately. Tell straightforward facts but not what happened or who is to blame. Insurance adjusters know how to take your words and turn them against you. Keep it simple. Let a lawyer handle the complex negotiations with the insurer.
Step 5: Speak with a Lawyer in Houston
A Houston car accident lawyer guides you through every legal process. Lawyers know local laws and bargain on your behalf for fair compensation. Lawyers deal with insurance adjusters, get records, and negotiate settlements. The sooner you have a lawyer, the better. Lawyers preserve evidence and observe deadlines. In Texas, most personal injury claims must be filed in two years.
Step 6: Document Your Medical Treatment and Expenses
Collect all medical records and bills. Record physician visits, medication, therapy, and lost work time. Lawyers utilize these records to calculate damages. Future lost earnings and future cost of treatment can be included in your claim as well. Proper records yield the actual impact of your injury.
Step 7: Avoid Social Media
Insurance companies are monitoring claimants online. A single comment or picture can ruin your claim. Avoid posting information regarding the accident, injuries, or recuperation on the internet. Good-intentioned postings will be misused to discredit your claim. Ask relatives and friends not to speak about you pending.
Step 8: Understand the Settlement Process
Most motor vehicle accident claims resolve without going to court. Your attorney secures a fair settlement with the insurance company. If the insurance company continues to deny, your attorney can sue. Settlements may involve compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and property damage. Your attorney will discuss each step before agreeing to a settlement.
Step 9: Prepare for Potential Trial
While most cases do settle, some do go to trial. If so, your attorney will present your case to a Houston jury. Trials are time-consuming but can equate to bigger awards. Good evidence, depositions, and expert testimony strengthen your case. A good lawyer prepares for trial every time.
Step 10: Focus on Recovery
Leave the law to your lawyer. Recovery is your top priority. Car accidents are hurtful both physically and mentally. Attend follow-up visits, follow your doctor’s advice, and sleep well. Recovery involves several months, but taking care really pays. The healthier you recover, the better life becomes later on.
How a Houston Personal Injury Attorney Makes a Difference
Texas law is complex. Insurance firms will try to pay you less than you are entitled to. A Houston lawyer knows courts, judges, and insurance firm methods of operation in Houston. They also know the worth of claims in your area. Victims receive little to nothing if they do not have an attorney. An attorney prevents you from making costly mistakes.
What Damages Can You Recover?
A Houston lawyer can recover the below damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical treatment
- Damage to property
Each case is unique. The amount is determined by facts, injuries, and policy.
Houston Car Crash Statistics
One of Texas’ most populated cities, Houston is filled with wrecks. Thousands of wrecks take place every year, the Texas Department of Transportation reports. They’re largely with serious injuries. All the wrecks are the reason why it is so necessary to know what to do. Anybody can be a victim. Preparing ahead of time will have you responding fast in the case of a crash.
Most Common Errors Committed After an Auto Accident
Victims inadvertently harm their case. Don’t make these errors:
- Leaving the scene too soon
- Admitting fault on the scene
- Waiting for treatment
- Talking excessively to insurers
- Putting the crash on the internet
Each mistake reduces your claim value. Following the book saves your rights.
FAQs: Houston, Texas Auto Car Accident Legal Procedures
- What do I first do after a motor vehicle collision in Houston?
Call 911 for police and medics. Police report and safety first.
- How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?
You generally have two years from the time of the accident. Tarrying will cause your claim to be unpaid.
- Do I need an attorney for a minor accident?
Minor accidents may lead to occult injuries. An attorney will ensure that you are treated fairly.
- What if the other car is not insured?
You can attempt to use your uninsured motorist coverage. An attorney can also pursue other legal avenues.
- Is it expensive to hire a Houston personal injury attorney?
The vast majority work on a contingency fee. They get paid only if you win your recovery.
Last Thoughts
A car accident in Houston can change your life overnight, and everything you do in the immediate aftermath will be the most critical. Get medical care, collect evidence, report the crash, and seek a lawyer all without delay. A reputable Houston personal injury lawyer will fight for your rights, communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, and advocate for your right to full compensation. An attorney will give you the time you need to heal while your case proceeds.
