Car wrecks are straightforward. You’re commuting home one moment, and the next thing you know, you’re hurt, bewildered, and unsure of what to do. Houston law for accidents is complicated. You don’t need to be a lawyer, though, in order to assist with navigating the process of taking care of you. This step-by-step guide takes you by the hand through car accident injury claims so you’ll know what to do and how to remain in control.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Seek Out Medical Treatment
Your health is first when you’re involved in an accident. Even small injuries need to be examined by a doctor. Whiplash or a head injury may not always show up. Having a doctor’s note will also help you out later down the road on your claim as well. Call 911 if you have to. The officers will take out a report. The report is excellent evidence for your complaint. Do not leave the site of the accident until officers instruct you to leave.
Step 2: Document Evidence at the Scene
Take pictures of the car, road, and injuries. Take pictures of skid marks, signs, and license plates. Obtain the names and phone numbers of witnesses. Document what occurs as it occurs. Document date, time, and weather. All the little things become what did occur. If you’re injured and unable to obtain evidence, have someone you know obtain evidence for you.
Step 3: Report Your Accident to Your Insurance Company
Phone your insurance company at once. State plain facts only. Avoid apologizing. Reply briefly and directly. Your own insurance company can request the police report or pictures. Hand over whatever they request but do not tell them your opinion of the cause of the accident. If a call from the insurance company of another driver arrives, don’t talk about your injuries or receive payment without talking to an attorney.
Step 4: Hire a Houston Car Accident Attorney
Your personal injury lawyer guides you through your entitlement. They deal with the insurance providers as you recover. Most Houston lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That is, they don’t receive payment unless you win an award in your case. Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP – Accident & Injury Attorneys will review your case, get the records, and estimate the worth of your case. An attorney is able to reveal some tricks insurance adjusters play to pay out low sums. An attorney tends to get greater payments on medical expenses, lost wages, and pain.
Step 5: Document All Losses and Expenses
Keep all your receipts and bills for your injury. They are hospital stays, doctor visits, therapy, meds, and car repairs. Also include any lost days off work and lost income. Even small expenses, like parking to attend a doctor or medical devices, are worth recording. This record describes the full extent of the way your injury impacted on your life and economy. It strengthens your case and helps your lawyer to make reasonable arguments for compensation.
Step 6: File the Personal Injury Claim
Your lawyer will bring your case to the insurer of the fault party. Your case is for payment for your damages and injuries. The insurer will have someone come by to investigate. They might require more evidence or make an offer. If the offer is unacceptable, your lawyer will negotiate for a better settlement. In extreme cases, if the two parties cannot come to an agreement, your lawyer will sue in court in Houston.
Step 7: Trial or Settlement
The majority of Houston automobile accidents are settled out of court. A good settlement saves time and worry. Your lawyer will review any offer and advise. If an agreement cannot be negotiated, your case is brought to trial. A judge or jury will rule on whether the other party was at fault and how much you deserve to be paid. Even if you are in court, good evidence and a good attorney will take you that much farther.
Step 8: Be aware of the Statute of Limitations
You generally have two years from the time of the accident to file a personal injury action in Texas. Allowing that to expire will cut your right off to recover. This is why you will have to engage an attorney right after the accident. They will toil for you while you heal.
Step 9: Take Your Time to Recover
Recovery is a slow process of body and mind healing. Listen to the doctor’s advice in the letter. Attend therapy and do not skip a session. Recovery documents support your commitment to recovery and can be used to validate the merit of your claim. If trauma or pain enters your life, inform your doctor. Mental health counseling is also utilized in recovering from an accident.
Step 10: Prevent Future Accidents
When your case is finalized, reflect upon what happened. Learn from the experience. Demonstrate safe driving habits—where your seatbelt, stay vigilant, and do not take your eyes off the road. Houston roads are congested, but smart driving avoids death.
Why Legal Services are Important in Houston
Houston traffic and congested roads add to the potential for the accident to be more severe. Lawyers who understand the courts and laws of those jurisdictions appreciate the manner that Texas law works for your case. Lawyers know judges, courts, and insurance companies locally. Victims receive less than they should when they fail to retain a lawyer. A lawyer keeps you from doing that.
Key Takeaways
- Get yourself treated immediately upon the accident.
- Collect good evidence and witnesses.
- Report the accident but not fault.
- Keep records of all records of the injury and costs.
- Have a good Houston injury attorney deal with your case.
By doing this, you can be significantly helped with your money recovery and healing.
FAQs About Car Crash Injury Claims in Houston
- How long does it take to process a Houston car accident injury claim?
They all resolve within a year or two months. The uncomplicated ones resolve quickly. The tough ones or litigations take time, subject to the evidence and the court schedules.
- Do I need an attorney for a minor car accident?
Delayed injuries are possible even in minor accidents. An attorney will advise you regarding your rights, negotiate with the insurance company, and safeguard you against signing unscrupulous settlements.
- What if the other driver is not insured?
You have a claim under your own uninsured motorist policy, if you have one. Your attorney can also explore other areas of law for recovering damages.
- How do I put a value on my car crash injury claim?
It will be decided upon your medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and suffering. Your lawyer will decide the reasonable value depending on what happened in your case.
- Can I recover damages if I was partially responsible?
Yes. Texas does have a “modified comparative fault” rule. You may recover damages if you are under 51% at fault, but your recovery will be diminished by your percentage of fault.
Final Thoughts
Houston car accident injury claims can seem overwhelming, but when you know what is happening at each and every step of the procedure, the procedure is yours to control. Recover and let the detailed legal issues fall into the hands of a lawyer. Moving promptly, remembering all of the details, and finding out what benefits you are eligible for place you in your strongest situation to have a good amount of money offered.