Houston Injury Lawyer: Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Crash

Car Accidents Do Happen. Don’t Lose Your Case Because of One Mistake

After a Houston car accident, what you do is very important. Most accident victims lose their right to full compensation because of simple mistakes that are made. If you know what you need to do it can protect your rights and lay the foundation for a solid personal injury claim. An experienced Houston car accident lawyer can walk you through it, but it helps to know what the most common mistakes the victims of accidents make after the accident has occurred. Let us dissect them.

1. Leaving the Accident Scene Too Rapidly

Never leave the scene of a collision until the officers coming to the scene arrive, not even in a minor collision. The law in Texas requires you to stay at the scene if anyone is injured or killed or if there is any property damage. You may be charged with hit and run and your insurance claim denied if you leave before the arrival of the officers. Always wait for the officers to make the necessary report. This report will be evidence that will be much needed by your attorney. While waiting for the report, get statements from the witnesses and pictures of the scene, the vehicles and the condition of the road.

2. Apologizing Without Knowing the Facts

Emotions are running high following a car accident. You might apologize and feel remorseful. Don’t. Those three little words “I’m sorry” can sound like an admission of liability—even though the other guy was in the wrong. Let investigators and insurance adjusters determine fault from fact. Your Houston personal injury attorney will handle the insurance company’s communication and keep your legal words out of the wrong mouth.

3. Delaying Medical Treatment

A lot of victims do not seek medical attention immediately after an accident because they feel “all right.” That is a mistake. Certain injuries, such as whiplash, internal injuries or head injury, do not indicate symptoms immediately. It is important to get medical assistance immediately even if the injuries seem to be small ones. A medical record will help to co-relate your health with the accident. Without the record the insurance companies might try to argue that the injuries were not related or that they were slight. You owe it to yourself to do this for your health. Follow the doctor’s treatment and go to all appointments.

4. Negotiating with Adjusters for Insurance in the Absence of an Attorney

Insurance companies are nice, but they don’t pay out. Adjusters will sometimes call early following the accident to request statements or to settle early. Do not negotiate with them without consulting an attorney. When you settle, you won’t be permitted to attempt to recover more money down the line. Your injury attorney will inform you about how much your case is worth and is permitted to negotiate a complete recovery—medical costs, lost wages, pain, and future treatment.  Houston insurance negotiations are difficult. The wrong sentence loses you thousands. Always let your attorney do so. 

5. Social Media Post About the Accident

This is one of the biggest recent mistakes. Putting up pictures, comments, or status about your crash can hurt your case. Insurers troll Facebook and other networks for information to discredit victims. The “feeling better” status update or happy selfie can be used to build the impression that you don’t actually get hurt. Even innocent-looking photos can be misinterpreted. Log off until your case is settled. Let your lawyer do the negotiating instead.

Why It Is Worth Hiring a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer

You have stress, medical bills, and insurance pressure from a car accident. A personal injury lawyer keeps you from doing something stupid and saving your rights. They gather proof, interview witnesses, complete all the paperwork, and fight for fair compensation. Attorneys are also there to help if the driver at fault will not accept blame or the insurance company is not in a hurry to pay. Insurance laws and regulations in Houston may become complex. Your attorney is familiar with the Houston courts, judges, and process. That experience may serve a huge role in your recovery and in your future financial stability.

Steps to Take After a Houston Car Crash

Take these critical steps right after a crash to protect yourself:

1. Check for injuries. Call 911 if someone is hurt.
2. Move out of harm’s way. Move out of traffic if possible.
3. Call the police. Get a police-crash report in writing.
4. Gather information. Get names, phone numbers, and insurance information.
5. Take photos of the scene. Take pictures of damage to vehicles, road signs, and road surfaces.
6. Get to a doctor. Even if you’re fine, get an examination.
7. Call an attorney. Before speaking with insurers, speak with a Houston personal injury attorney.

These simple-to-do tasks maintain evidence and make your case on day one.

What Can You Get in Compensation Following an Auto Accident?

A vehicle accident might leave you with substantial financial loss. With a good case legally, you can recover:

• Medical costs of treatment, rehab, and medications.
• Lost income if you cannot work.
• Pain and suffering for physical and emotional pain.
• Property damage for repairing or replacing your vehicle.
• Future expense for ongoing care or disability.

Your lawyer calculates the amount of your damages. They make sure that you get less than you would settle for.

Avoid These Other Mistakes

Besides the first five, here are a few more to avoid:

• Missing follow-up doctor visits. It looks like you’re not hurt badly.
• Ignoring deadlines. Texas has a time frame for when you can file a claim.
• Failing to keep records. Save all the bills, pictures, and documents.
• Dependence on oral agreements. Get everything in writing.
• Trying to do it yourself. Having an attorney makes your case stronger.

Even smart people make these mistakes after an accident. Don’t let them ruin your chance at fair recovery.

When to Hire a Lawyer

Get a Houston personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Early legal counsel entails:

• Evidence is maintained.
• You do not make mistakes that damage your case.
• Insurance companies can’t manipulate you.
• Deadlines are met on time.

The sooner, the better for your case.

FAQs About Car Accidents and Personal Injury Lawyers in Houston

1. How soon do I have to hire a car accident lawyer?

Call an attorney once you have made a trip to the doctor. The earlier you get legal advice, the earlier new evidence may be obtained and insurance traps avoided.

 

2. What if the other driver is not insured?

Your attorney can make a claim from your uninsured motorist coverage. He can also sue the driver himself.

 

3. How long do I have to file a personal injury in Texas?

The two-year limitation law for car accident personal injuries is effective in Texas. Waiting longer might take away your right to obtain damages.

 

4. Must I pay upfront to retain an attorney?

Most Houston personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. You owe nothing if they do not win your case.

 

5. If I partly caused the accident?

Texas is “modified comparative negligence.” You can recover even if you were less than 51% at fault, but your award would be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Final Thoughts

Miscalculations made after the accident can destroy a case before it has even begun. Be careful, get to the hospital, and talk to Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP – Accident & Injury Attorneys sooner instead of later so that your case gets back on track and takes care of your recovery.  

 

Do not sacrifice your fair settlement for a petty mistake. Take a deep breath, defend your rights, and work on recuperating; your attorney will take care of the rest.