Car accidents are simply an unfortunate part of life for American drivers. According to some estimates, a whopping 77% of all drivers in the US are involved in a car crash at some point in their life. In Houston, 1,500 people are seriously injured each year with costs from these accidents costing millions of dollars annually thanks to hospital bills, property damage, lost wages, and expensive long-term care.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a car accident, hiring an experienced and qualified attorney is one of the best things you can do for your recovery. Learn what steps to take directly after a car accident and how a lawyer will help you receive the justice you deserve after a motor vehicle accident.
What to do After a Car Accident in Houston, TX
Make Sure Everyone is Safe
The first, and most important step, after any car accident is to make sure everyone involved is safe. This means putting your car in park, turning off the ignition, and turning on your hazard lights. Stay in your vehicle unless you’re in an area safe from oncoming traffic.
Call for Help if Necessary
Texas law requires anyone involved in a car accident to render “reasonable assistance” for a person injured in the crash. “Reasonable assistance” usually refers to calling emergency services such as the police and an ambulance if needed, giving your name and contact information, and staying on the scene until you are no longer needed.
Document Everything and Collect Evidence
Once everyone is determined to be safe and any necessary care has been given, thoroughly document everything you can about the accident. Take pictures of the scene, damage to all vehicles, traffic conditions, and the weather. Get copies of the police report, medical records relating to the accident, and any repair estimates and bills.
Contact a Lawyer
Start contacting a motor vehicle accident lawyer as soon as you can after the accident. The sooner they can start working on your case, the stronger it will be when it comes time to negotiate.
How a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Helps
Help Determine Who’s at Fault and Calculate Damages
Many factors can determine who is legally at fault for an accident and how much damages they are liable for. Hiring a lawyer for your claim will protect you from efforts by insurance companies to shift blame onto you. Your lawyer’s experience with insurance regulations will help them calculate how much your claim is worth.
Guide You Through the Process
Most Americans don’t have experience with the legal system. Your lawyer will guide you throughout the process by telling you what to expect at each step and explaining your options. While they can’t make your decisions for you, they can advise you on what your options are and the likely outcome of each choice.
Ensure Your Interests Are Always Protected
Insurance companies have one goal: pay as little as possible. Their lawyers will use whatever legal maneuvers and arguments possible to achieve this goal. Hiring a lawyer means you will always have someone on your side to make sure the resolution of your claim is the best possible outcome for you. Without this support, you could end up with a significantly smaller settlement, or see your claim entirely denied.
Hiring a motor vehicle accident attorney after being in a car crash is the most important step you can take to receive the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will investigate your accident and collect the necessary evidence to build the strongest case possible. They will also work to support you throughout the legal process so you never feel abandoned or are caught off guard by the insurance companies.
