Car accidents are overwhelming. It leaves a person in pain and suffering for the injuries sustained. There’s also loss or destruction of property. And let’s not forget about the non-economic damage, such as emotional distress and mental anguish.
If you are in this unfortunate situation in Missouri City, Houston, seeking a car accident lawyer would be your best recourse. With competent and experienced legal representation, you can protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
But before you engage a Houston car accident lawyer, you’ll need to navigate a series of steps to help you reach an informed decision.
One crucial step is looking into a lawyer’s expertise and experience in cases involving car accident cases.
Personal injury law is a broad field. It covers medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, construction accidents, etc.
So, when looking for effective legal representation, you need a Houston car accident lawyer specializing in this field. Someone who is quite familiar with Texas car accident laws and car accident lawsuits.
With his expertise in car accidents and personal injuries, he can competently advocate for your best interests.
An experienced car accident lawyer in Missouri City can navigate the complex legal system and provide invaluable legal guidance. His legal representation can significantly increase your chances of obtaining rightful compensation.
In addition, a car accident attorney can help you get in touch with the insurance company.
This article will outline the key steps before hiring a Missouri City, Houston, car accident lawyer. From assessing the severity of your injuries or property damage to evaluating the legal options available.
By taking these proactive measures, you’re setting yourself up for robust legal action and improving your chances of securing a successful outcome.
Assess the Severity of the Car Accident
In this step, you need to evaluate the extent of your injuries and property damage that resulted from the motor vehicle accident.
Seeking Medical Attention Should Be Your Priority
Your priority is your health and well-being. So, the first order of business is to seek immediate medical attention.
Don’t be quick to dismiss your injuries as minor. Car accident injuries are nothing to play around with. Even if you don’t feel pain or discomfort, you need a doctor to evaluate and document them properly.
It is not uncommon for symptoms to appear weeks or months after a car accident. Take TBI (traumatic brain injury), for instance. Headaches and fatigue may be immediately evident. However, cognitive symptoms may only become predominant weeks or months later.
Get Hold of the Records
You will also need the medical records when you claim compensation against the party at fault. So be sure to keep them as evidence for a future case. These records include your medical bills and other treatment costs.
So when you decide to see a Houston car accident lawyer, you already have these documents on hand to support your claim for damages.
In addition to physical injuries, you must assess the extent of property damage. Take pictures, obtain relevant documentation, and keep receipts and invoices. These records will be valuable when you file a claim for damages.
Seek a Proper Estimation of Your Injuries
Ascertaining the severity of your injuries is crucial in determining the compensation you may claim.
Severe injuries mean costly medical expenses, longer recovery periods, and lost wages. On the other hand, substantial property damage can mean higher repair costs. All these things can significantly impact your financial well-being.
By assessing the extent of your injuries and property damage, you will better estimate the value of your claim.
A Houston car accident lawyer can help you with these things. He can give you a good idea of how much to seek in court should you decide to pursue your case.
Importance of Seeking Prompt Medical Attention
Make it your top priority to find a doctor after a car accident, regardless of the severity of your injuries. Even minor injuries, which appear as nothing serious, can worsen into serious problems if left untreated.
Prompt treatment can minimize the risk of complications and promote faster recovery. It also allows early detection of injuries that may not be immediately apparent; these include soft tissue damage or internal injuries, which may have delayed symptoms.
Why It’s Important to Document Your Injuries
Comprehensive medical documentation will help you build a solid case. The court would want a detailed account of your injuries. The best way to present this is to put everything on paper.
Keep medical bills, treatment plans, hospital records, and prescriptions. You and your car accident lawyer will need this in court or in presenting your claim to your insurance provider.
Gather Evidence from the Scene of the Accident
Collecting photos, videos, and relevant information from the accident scene is vital to building your case. There may be cameras in the area that capture the accident. You can start with that by requesting copies of these videos.
Secure photos of the accident taken from various angles. Get pictures that capture the positions of the vehicles, road conditions, and traffic signs. Also, secure detailed visual records of the damage to your car.
Speak with the Witnesses to the Accident
It would help your case if you get in touch with these witnesses. Try to speak with them and ask if they can provide an official statement pursuant to a law enforcement investigation. Their testimony can corroborate your version of events.
Remember to request a copy of the police report. This is an official account of what happened, which can be used as evidence.
It would greatly help you and your car accident lawyer in asserting your claim for damages.
Preserving Evidence Is Crucial to Your Case
Consider these steps when preserving the evidence you gathered.
1. Safely store all relevant documents
Medical bills, car repair estimates, and receipts for treatment expenses comprehensively account for the accident’s impact on your health, well-being, property, and finances. Surrender these records to your Houston car accident lawyer for proper documentation in preparation for filing a case in court.
2. Keep a journal
Ideally, your journal should contain a detailed account of what you went through after the accident.
Write down your injuries, pain levels, prescribed treatment, and challenges you faced during the entire ordeal. Don’t forget to jot down your medical bills and other treatment records.
Include the extent of the damage on your vehicle. Was it a total car wreck or just a minor fender bender? You will need this during your consultation with your car accident lawyer.
Notify the Insurance Company
Do you have insurance?
It is important to get in touch with your provider so you can start with your insurance claims process. Be sure to begin this since it may take some time before you will receive its proceeds.
Contact the insurance company as soon as possible. Please provide them with a detailed account of the accident, including the particulars such as the accident’s date, time, and location and the extent of your injury or damage.
You must also familiarize yourself with the terms of your insurance policy. Understanding your rights and obligations under the contract is vital to make your insurance company claims process smoother.
If you believe your rights under the insurance policy have been violated, you can raise this concern with your Houston car accident lawyer.
Research Potential Missouri City, Houston, Car Accident Lawyers
Finding qualified car accident attorneys in Missouri City is relatively easy. You can get in touch with a competent and experienced car accident lawyer who will take on your case in many ways.
1. Seek referrals from friends and family
They probably were involved as a car accident victim and engaged a Houston car accident lawyer in the past. Their recommendations can provide valuable insight into who can be a great fit for you.
2. Check online directories for Houston car accident attorneys
You can find online lists of Houston car accident lawyers specializing in motor vehicle accidents and personal injury in Missouri City. These directories often contain comprehensive profiles detailing the credentials, experience, and client reviews.
3. Contact the local bar association
This organization can also provide you with relevant details about the lawyers that handle cases on car accidents in the area.
Schedule Your Consultation with a Houston Car Accident Lawyer
Once you have a short list of Houston car accident lawyers you’re interested in engaging for your case, your next step is to book an appointment.
Initial consultations are crucial in evaluating their expertise and seeing if they fit your case.
Prepare a list of questions to ask these Houston car accident lawyers. Inquire about their experience handling cases involving car accidents.
Assess their communication and listening skills. Can they effectively communicate and explain legal concepts that apply to your case? Do they give you ample opportunity to speak about your case, too?
Evaluate their approach. Are they genuinely interested in helping you out? Do they demonstrate empathy and commitment to advocating for your best interests?
Conducting initial consultations can help you decide who to engage for your legal problem. You can determine who is the most suitable by asking them questions that look into their experience and expertise.
Discuss Legal Fees and Payment Structure
Most Houston car accident attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means you only pay them if they win your case. Other lawyers, however, prefer that you pay an upfront fee before they start on your case.
You may also need to clarify what other costs or additional expenses to expect so you can prepare for them.
Make an Informed Decision
Got a long list of Houston car accident attorneys to choose from?
Consider these factors before finalizing your choice of a car accident lawyer.
- Experience and expertise
- Reputation and client testimonials
- Availability
- Communication skills
- Fee Structure and affordability
Once you’ve selected a Missouri City car accident lawyer, it’s time to seal the deal. But before you sign any document, kindly review the retainer agreement that outlines the terms of your engagement.
Keep all lines of communication between you and your lawyer, be it through text messaging, phone calls, or emails. Promptly respond to requests for information, documents, or updates.
Lastly, trust the process. Your car accident lawyer has the expertise and experience on this matter. Follow his guidance as he works to pursue the best outcome for you.
Looking for an Experience Houston Car Accident Attorney
For client-focused legal representation in car accident cases, get in touch with O’Hara Law Firm.
Our experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the complex personal injury
trial law and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us at 281-919-2073. We’re here for you.