In a recent year, there were nearly 34,000 car accidents in the United States. While a car accident is quite literally a daily occurrence in most places, it doesn’t mean that you’re always prepared or know how to respond.
Houston is one of the biggest and fastest-growing cities in the United States. This means there are plenty of cars on the road each day. Knowing how to work out a car accident case can help you recoup the damages that you need.
These tips will assist you when you’re trying to hire a car accidents lawyer in Houston, Texas that can work out the details of your case with you.
Consider the Cause
First, unpack the cause of your car accident so that you’re able to begin gathering evidence and setting up your case. Knowing how the accident occurred will help when it comes to liability issues and proving fault.
Consider the details of how every part of the accident played out and keep a log so that you remember. Make note of things like how fast you were traveling and an approximation of how fast the other driver was traveling. Account for things like illegal turns and lane changes, and whatever weather conditions are present.
Research some of the most dangerous intersections in Houston so that you can gather some crash reports and other information. Your car accident case is all about proving what you are able, to receive payment for your court judgment or an out-of-court settlement.
Look for the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
Do your due diligence in finding a car accident attorney so that you’re able to work out the most important details of your case. These professionals create strategies that will help you, whether you’re pursuing the case or defending yourself from another party’s accusations.
Having the assistance of a lawyer is the difference between getting your much-needed payout and potentially falling into debt. Here are some points that you should consider when you’re interested in hiring a lawyer:
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer With Experience
A personal injury attorney should have all of the experience that you need to win your case. Before you choose a car accident lawyer, find out about where they attended law school and how many years it has been since they passed the bar exam and began practicing.
Make certain that your lawyer is versed in the area of law that you most need help with. In the realm of car accidents, this could include any number of specialties and disciplines, including:
- Rideshare accident law
- Truck accident cases
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) law
- Worker’s compensation law
- Wrongful death litigation
There are several types of injuries that car accident attorneys might also focus on when handling your case. Many personal injury lawyers specialize in matters like lower back pain, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Gauge their experience and make sure that their background matches their helpfulness and professional advice on your case.
Seek Referrals and Recommendations
Don’t just take your lawyer’s word for it find out how other people regard them. The best way to do this is by getting referrals from trusted people you know who have had to bounce back from a car accident of any kind.
Ask them about their case, the lawyers they hired for the case, and the outcome they received. Add these attorneys to your shortlist so that you can feel confident about their ability to represent you. Many law firms will also keep an archive of references that they can present anytime that you’re in the market for help.
Rather than just taking their referrals at face value, reach out to as many as you can and ask them the same questions that you would ask the people in your recommendation group.
The best car accident lawyer will also come with professionally vetted references and recommendations. Study the law firm in the State Bar of Texas so that you can find out about their ethics and any violations that they’ve had. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as well to find out their grade and whether it has remained consistent over the years.
Ask About Their Prices
The price is something that you need to get clarity on if you’re going to hire a lawyer. Unlike some types of litigation, such as criminal law or family law, you don’t pay money upfront when hiring a personal injury lawyer.
They charge you a percentage of your end result, called a contingency fee, in order to secure their services. This is beneficial to you since it means no upfront monetary investment, while still getting full access to the lawyer’s experience, time, and resources. These lawyers generally charge about 30% or so for their contingency fee, which is a reasonable amount when you consider the typical size of a payout and the level of service that they offer.
Book a Consultation for Your Case
You won’t feel comfortable working with a law firm until you book a consultation with them. It’s during the consultation that you’ll be able to ask for the attorney’s opinion on your case, in addition to advice on how you should proceed.
They will be available to field any preliminary questions that you have about their rate, the working agreement that you’re forming, and any legal questions they can answer for you. The consultation is free and is a necessity to scratch off the list before hiring the representation that you need.
Check Out Their Certifications
Make sure to also find out what achievements the lawyer has enjoyed throughout their career. They might have ranked among the top personal injury law firms in Houston for certain years, or received accolades from their peers or from organizations within the community.
The more highly regarded your lawyer comes, the more peace of mind you will have hiring them in your case.
Account for Your Damages
Your biggest obligation is to make sure that your injuries and damages are properly accounted for. A single car accident can easily accumulate five figures in costs or more.
Here are some of the main damages that you’ll need to consider:
Medical Injuries and Recovery
Medical damages are easily some of the most costly parts of your case. This is because your medical care can quickly add up, regardless of how much health insurance coverage you have.
Many bankruptcy cases are the result of high medical bills that a person can’t keep up with. These bills come one after the other when you’re constantly taking doctor visits, getting procedures done, or attending medical specialist referrals.
Mental Health Damages and Emotional Suffering
Consider the mental aspect of your case as well. A car accident creates significant damage that can put you in emotional turmoil and require months to years of therapy and other services.
Pain and suffering are sometimes more difficult to prove, which is why you need the help of a lawyer who can use expert witnesses and other forms of evidence.
Property Damages After a Vehicle Wreck
When your vehicle is badly damaged in a wreck, you typically have the choice to either repair it or replace it. Both can rack up expensive costs, and you’ll quickly need to get an independent insurance adjuster to let you know whether your car is a total loss or able to be fixed.
Keep copies of any inspections and cost estimates, and factor in the cost of a new vehicle if yours is a total loss.
Lost Income and Long-Term Care
Car accidents can also cause significant injuries to the point that you miss time from work. This lost income can be recouped in court so that you don’t have to worry about how you’ll pay your bills and take care of yourself.
The injuries might also cause disabilities that require long-term care and rehabilitation. Knowing the extent of your injuries, monetary and medical, for the long term, will help you take the steps to recoup all damages in full.
Consult With a Car Accidents Lawyer in Houston, Texas
These tips will help you out when you’re looking for the help of a car accident lawyer in Houston, Texas. Now that you understand more about this area of law, you need to take the next steps by hiring a team of pros that can represent your interests.
O’Hara Law Firm can assist you when you’re looking for legal help. When you’re ready to move forward, contact us online or by calling (281)919-2073.