Unfortunately, there are numerous ways that you could end up in a car accident. Being out on the road is a huge risk, considering that there were nearly 4.8 million people who were severely injured in car crashes in 2020. If you are ever in that situation, it’s in your best interest to contact a car accidents lawyer.
With that said, check out the content below to learn about the different types of car accidents, and the reasons why you should hire a car accident lawyer in Houston, Texas.
Rear-end Collision
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents. They happen when a vehicle’s front end crashes into another vehicle’s back, usually due to negligence or inattention.
The force from the impact can cause whiplash and other serious injuries. Drivers should always be aware of their surroundings and leave plenty of room between their automobiles and other vehicles on the road.
Head-on Collision
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents. They occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions hit each other head-on. These car accidents usually result in serious injuries or fatalities.
It is important for drivers to stay alert and aware of their surroundings, especially if they are in a high-speed environment. Increased speed significantly increases the likelihood of a head-on collision.
Side Impact Collision
Also known as “T-bone” collisions, side impact collisions occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle. These car accidents usually happen at intersections when a driver fails to yield the right of way.
The force of the impact can cause serious injuries, such as broken bones and head trauma. Drivers must always be aware of their surroundings and take extra precaution when turning at an intersection.
Roll-over Collision
Roll-over collisions are some of the most dangerous car accidents. They typically occur when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof due to a high-speed impact with another object.
These types of crashes can cause serious injuries, such as head trauma and broken bones. It is vital that drivers stay aware of their surroundings and drive within the speed limit at all times.
Multi-vehicle Collision
Often referred to as “chain reaction collisions”, multi-vehicle collisions occur when two or more vehicles crash into one another. These car accidents usually happen on highways and interstates, where traffic is high and speeds are often fast.
The force of the impact can cause serious injuries or fatalities, depending on the speed and size of the vehicles involved. Drivers should always be alert and aware of their surroundings in order to avert or lessen the severity of a multi-vehicle collision.
Steps to Take After Getting in a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, there are certain steps that you should take to ensure your safety and well-being. Here are a few of them:
Safety First
First, make sure that everyone involved is safe and unharmed. If anyone needs medical attention, call 911 immediately. If the accident was minor, move vehicles out of traffic, so they do not cause an obstruction.
Document the Accident
Once everyone is safe, take pictures of the scene and exchange information with any other drivers involved. Make sure to get their name, contact information, license plate number, insurance policy information, and vehicle make/model.
Speak to the Police
Once the police arrive, be sure to give them as many details as possible. It is important to be honest and accurate when giving your account of the accident. Their investigation into the crash will help to determine who was at fault.
If there were illegal substances involved, they’ll also be able to figure out if the other driver was under the influence, which could help you win your car accident case.
Get Medical Attention
If you were injured in the accident, be sure to get prompt medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to document them and get the necessary treatment. This will help you when filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the other driver for damages.
Also, going to the hospital is another form of documentation. When you receive medical care immediately after a car accident, it can help establish a strong connection between the crash and your injuries.
Contact a Car Accidents Lawyer
After an auto accident, your best bet is to hire a car accident lawyer. A reputable attorney can help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation. An experienced lawyer can help you recover the compensation you need to cover medical expenses and more.
Why Hiring a Car Accident Attorney Is Important
After an auto collision, it’s in your best interest to hire a car accident lawyer. Here’s why:
Legal Advice
A qualified attorney can provide you with legal advice to help you win your case. Filing a car accident lawsuit is complicated, so it’s important to have an expert on your side who knows the ins and outs of the law.
Negotiate a Settlement
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, a lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. They’ll make sure that you get a fair settlement and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages.
File a Lawsuit
If all else fails, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the other driver. They’ll be able to handle all of the paperwork and legal paperwork that’s involved, so you won’t have to worry about it.
Peace of Mind
By hiring a car accident attorney, you can rest assured that your rights will be protected and that you’ll have the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve.
Having a qualified legal professional on your side can make the whole process much easier and give you the peace of mind that you need during this difficult time.
Faster Turnaround
When you hire a car accidents lawyer, they can work to get you a settlement quickly, so you can move on with your life. They’ll also be able to guide you through the entire process and make sure that the case runs smoother.
What to Expect During the Car Accident Claim Process
The car accident claim process looks different for everyone. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
Gathering Evidence
Your attorney will collect the evidence needed to prove your case, including photos from the scene, police reports, witness statements, and more. This evidence is vital for proving who was at fault and getting you a fair settlement.
Negotiations
Once they have all the relevant evidence, your attorney will begin negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf. They’ll take into account things like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering when fighting for a just settlement.
Filing a Lawsuit
If negotiations don’t work out, your lawyer may advise you to file a lawsuit. They’ll be able to represent you in court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Finalizing a Settlement
Once an agreement is reached between both parties, your lawyer will make sure that all of the paperwork is signed and that everything is finalized. Keep in mind that finalizing a settlement could take some time. Hiring a lawyer will help to expedite things, but it’s important to be patient throughout the process.
How Much Will I Receive for My Settlement?
There isn’t a definite answer to this question since each case is different. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on various factors such as the severity of your injuries, any lost wages, medical expenses, and more. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to help you get the most out of your settlement.
During the evidence-gathering phase, they’ll get a feel for how strong your case is and how much they should request from the insurance company. Be aware that many insurance companies will try to lowball you, so it’s important to have a lawyer who won’t accept anything less than what you deserve.
The Best Car Accident Lawyer in Houston, Texas
If you’re looking for a car accidents lawyer in Houston, Texas, consider O’Hara Law Firm. We have years of experience in helping accident victims after automobile crashes and semi-truck accidents. Our incredible team can help you get your life back on track after a devastating event.
To learn more about how we can help you, call 281-919-2073 or contact us online!