Houston Car Accident Lawyers
The impact of a car crash, though it may last only a moment, can unfold into enduring hardships, affecting weeks, months, or even a lifetime. The aftermath of such an accident often brings catastrophic injuries, leading to a cascade of unforeseen medical expenses, healthcare costs, and lost income – burdens that you and your family might find overwhelming. This is where your Houston car accident lawyers step in to assist. With their support, you can navigate the complex legal landscape post-accident, ensuring you receive the compensation necessary to cover these unexpected challenges and focus on your recovery.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Gathering information right at the accident scene is crucial for ensuring adequate compensation following a traffic collision. When possible, collect details like the vehicle make, model, and registration number from all drivers involved. It’s also vital to obtain their license details and insurance information, along with names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
If witnesses are present, their information can be invaluable. Their testimonies can significantly aid your car accident lawyer in piecing together the incident. Additionally, capturing photos of the accident from various angles using your phone can be a powerful tool in documenting the scene. This visual evidence can play a pivotal role during the investigation and claims process.
Remember:
- Cooperate with EMTs and police
- Contact your insurance company
- Do not suggest you are at fault
After being involved in a car crash, your next step should be to schedule a visit with your doctor. Even if emergency medical technicians at the scene didn’t find any immediate concerns, it’s crucial to rule out any hidden injuries like head or neck trauma, which can sometimes remain undetected initially. Remember, symptoms for some car accident injuries can take days or even weeks to manifest.
Should you find yourself dealing with a serious injury, it’s wise to consult with a car accident lawyer before agreeing to any insurance settlement. Often, the compensation offered by insurance companies may not fully cover your needs, and legal action could be necessary to secure the complete compensation you are entitled to. Remember, your well-being and financial security are paramount, and a professional legal opinion can be invaluable in these situations.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Far too many collisions are caused by reckless driving habits. These may include:
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while intoxicated
- Speeding/erratic driving
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to adhere to the basic rules of the road
While all of these behaviors are extremely dangerous, driving while intoxicated poses a very large risk to U.S. drivers. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that approximately one in every five Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime.
Marijuana and Car Accidents
The increase in fatal car accidents involving drivers who test positive for cannabinoids has been significant, especially in states where marijuana has been legalized. It’s crucial to understand that marijuana can impair driving skills, and it’s illegal to operate a vehicle under its influence. In the unfortunate event that you’re injured in a car crash, regardless of its cause, having expert legal counsel is vital to protect your rights. Our skilled and empathetic Houston car accident lawyers at Daly & Black, P.C. are ready to diligently work on your case, ensuring you receive the comprehensive legal support you need.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is often thought of as cellphone use, but only a small percentage of the distracted driving accidents involve that particular device. Other causes of distraction that can result in serious or fatal injury include:
- Personal grooming
- Eating and drinking
- Adjusting the radio
- Reading a map or using GPS
- Looking at billboards
- Turning to talk to passengers
The rise of onboard electronics in vehicles, while intended to reduce distractions, has ironically posed a greater threat. Despite the introduction of hands-free devices aimed at safer driving, reports from the American Automobile Association (AAA) suggest that these technologies might actually heighten the risk of accidents, sometimes even more than traditional cellphone use.
If you’ve been injured by a driver distracted by such devices, you are entitled to seek accountability for your injuries. Our team of experienced Houston car accident lawyers at Daly & Black, P.C. is ready to explore your options with you, ensuring that those responsible for your suffering are held accountable.
Common Car Accident Injuries
No two car accident-related injuries are identical. Some injuries are minor and heal within a few days or weeks. Other injuries are more severe and may result in extensive medical care and treatment, permanent disabilities, and even death.
Although no two situations are exactly the same, car accidents often result in common injuries, such as:
- Fractured and broken bones
- Neck and back injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Brain injury
- Death
Although these types of injury are common, their impact on each individual is unique. No two people experience injury the same way, so no single approach to legal representation will work. Our auto accident lawyers offer personalized representation that meets the exact needs of the victim and his or her family.
When to Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer
While minor injuries from car accidents are often completely covered by insurance, it’s crucial to remember that initial appearances can be deceiving. An injury that seems minor initially, such as a spinal cord injury, may reveal its true severity days or even weeks later. Consider a scenario where a seemingly minor finger injury turns out to significantly hinder your work, threatening your job and future earnings. In such cases, consulting our proficient Houston car accident lawyers promptly is vital. A case review with our experienced team is both free and without obligation, offering you a clear understanding of your legal options.
Selecting the best lawyers for car accidents involves choosing a team with the experience, background, and determination to meticulously investigate your accident, pinpoint all responsible parties, and tenaciously defend your rights. Our lawyers at Daly & Black, P.C. take the time to listen and grasp the nuances of each unique situation. This personalized approach allows us to provide straightforward answers to complex questions and to comprehend the full impact of the accident on your life, both now and in the future. This understanding is key to addressing the most pressing question for many car accident victims: “How much is my claim worth?”
Personal Counsel
Our Houston car accident lawyers specialize in providing personal counsel to individuals embroiled in personal injury lawsuits. Often in such cases, the defendant’s insurance company may appoint an attorney to handle the claim. It’s important to recognize that these attorneys are employed by the insurance company and may prioritize the company’s interests over those of the individual they represent.
As your personal counsel, our lawyers are dedicated to advocating on your behalf. We focus on safeguarding your rights, ensuring that legal proceedings are conducted fairly, and striving for the most favorable outcome in your case.
Choosing to hire personal counsel can be a crucial step in protecting your assets and securing your future, especially if you’re facing allegations of negligence. Our team is committed to offering you the expert legal support you need during these challenging times.
Compensation Following a Car Accident Injury
Compensation following a car accident will need to take into account all of the economic and noneconomic consequences of your crash. These may include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Current and projected lost wages
- Property damage
- Home modifications
- Changes to lifestyle
- Changes to ability
- Physical pain
- Emotional duress
When pursuing compensation for a car accident injury, understanding the entire extent of your injury is crucial. This is why collaborating with a Houston car accident lawyer who is committed to comprehending your unique situation is vital. Such an attorney will not only take the time to truly understand the impact of your injury but will also be dedicated to doing all that’s possible to assist you in achieving justice. Their genuine interest in your case can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
How Much Does a Car accident Lawyer Cost?
Fees for your legal representation will be based on a number of factors, primarily tied to the amount of compensation you are awarded. We work on a contingency basis, which means we don’t get paid until you do. If we do not win your case, there is no fee for our representation. Call Daly & Black P.C., today if you have any questions.