Have you recently been in a car accident? If you’re looking for a lawyer for car accidents in Houston, TX, you might be wondering when the right time to call one is.
How Soon Should You Call a Lawyer for Car Accidents After a Crash in Houston, TX?
If you’ve been in a car accident and you’ve sustained an injury, it’s important to call a lawyer. No matter how serious or minor the accident was, having a qualified lawyer on your side will only be beneficial. Even minor accidents could end up seeming much more complicated as you seek a settlement.
But when exactly should you call a lawyer? Bear in mind that it’s never too soon to get in touch with a qualified lawyer. In fact, it should be one of the first things that you do after an accident. Here are a few reasons why you need to make sure you have a lawyer on your side right away.
There Is Disagreement About Who Is at Fault
Sometimes it’s clear who the party at fault for the accident is. Other times, however, it’s not so obvious. You might believe that the other party is firmly at fault, while the other person thinks you’re to blame.
When there is disagreement about who is at fault, this can make the entire legal process much more complicated. If you were not at fault for the accident, then you should not have to pay for damages that aren’t your responsibility. A lawyer will make sure that your side is fairly represented, and that you don’t need to pay when you don’t have to.
Lawyers Will Deal with Insurance Companies
When you get into an accident, even a minor one, and receive injuries from the accident, it’s your right to receive compensation. However, you should also understand that some insurance companies will do whatever they can to keep from having to pay you.
Working with a lawyer means working with someone who understands how these companies work. Your lawyer will know how to negotiate with them and make sure you get the money you need to cover your damages and injuries. Contacting a lawyer before you file your claim will ensure that your rights are respected.
Lawyers Can Help You Gather Evidence
When trying to determine who was at fault for an accident, one of the first things to do is to gather evidence. Much of this evidence you’ll need to gather as soon as the accident takes place. Pictures, video, and statements and contact information from witnesses will prove extremely useful when you present your case.
But because a car accident is a stressful situation to be in, and navigating the legal system is something else entirely, you may not know how to gather all the evidence you need. A lawyer will be able to help you determine what evidence is necessary and ensure it’s gathered properly so you can seek a fair settlement.
Lawyers Will Determine What a Fair Settlement Is
There’s no denying that car accidents are expensive things. There are damages to your vehicle and property that you’ll need to pay for, and if you have injuries that can lead to even more expenses. You’ll have medical bills and missed wages to worry about, which can make the stress pile on.
You should be compensated for all of this. Unfortunately, it can be hard to determine what fair compensation actually looks like. A lawyer will have the experience necessary to tell you what fair settlement is. If the insurance company offers a settlement that’s too low, your lawyer will help you make sure you get more money.
You Might Have Hidden Injuries
After a car accident, you might be injured. Many injuries will make themselves obvious right away. If you’ve broken a bone, for instance, you’re likely to notice that almost immediately.
But some injuries may not show up right after your accident. These hidden injuries can start affecting you later and can be just as serious as the injuries you see immediately after the crash. Whiplash or brain injuries are just a couple of examples of injuries that can show up later. A lawyer will make sure that you are compensated for any injuries that are obvious immediately after the accident, as well as for injuries that might cause you issues later.
They’ll Represent You in Court
In most situations, claims are settled outside of court. Most likely, you and the other party’s insurance agency will be able to come to an agreement with the help of a lawyer, even if it requires a little negotiating to get there. But the reality is that this isn’t always the case. You might end up needing to take your claim to court.
If this happens, you have the right to represent yourself. But that’s probably not a good idea. Your lawyer knows the ins and outs of the law and will make sure your rights are respected and that justice is served. Making sure you call a lawyer immediately after your accident will also ensure that your lawyer has all the information they need to represent you accurately.
What Else Should You Do Immediately After a Crash?
One of the most important things to do after any car accident is to get in touch with a lawyer. But there are a few other things that you will need to make sure you do if you’ve been in an accident.
Check for Injuries
After an accident, make sure that you take the time to look yourself over for injuries. If you have been injured, you should call the paramedics for assistance. If you’ve been seriously injured, it’s important to try not to move and wait for help.
Call the Police
After an accident, even a minor one, the police will need to file a report. In many states, it’s actually legally required that you call the police after any type of crash or collision. Once the police arrive, they will file a report. This report will be necessary if you are seeking a settlement for your injuries and damages.
Gather Your Evidence
A lot of the evidence that you’ll need to give your claim the best shot you should gather immediately after the accident. Take photos and video of the scene. Gather as much evidence as possible.
Even if you think something might not be relevant, you should collect it as evidence. It’s better to not need something that you have than it is to not have something that you need.
Don’t Admit Fault
It might be an instinctive reaction to apologize or admit some form of fault to the other parties after an accident. It’s very important that you not do this since this could affect your ability to get a fair settlement.
Don’t admit any responsibility for the crash, and save all communication with insurance companies and other parties until you’ve spoken to your lawyer.
If you have been in an accident, it’s important to call a lawyer as soon as possible. This will ensure that you are getting the accurate and fair legal representation you need. To book a consultation with our team, call us at Houston Injury Lawyers.
