CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN HOUSTON
Seek Justice After a Houston Auto Accident with Our Experienced Attorneys
Car accidents can happen in a matter of seconds, potentially altering the course of a person’s life. Even in cases where an accident results in relatively minor injuries, the trauma of having endured the experience can persist. If you were involved in a car accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another driver, you have a right to pursue fair and just compensation.
At Webster Vicknair MacLeod, our Houston car accident lawyers have over 120 years of combined legal experience and a proven track record of success in handling even the most difficult cases.
For award-winning representation, call our firm at (713) 396-5197 or schedule your free consultation today. Advocating for clients across the U.S.
Contact a Houston Car Accident Attorney Promptly
Having an experienced Houston car accident lawyer on your side can help ensure that the claims process goes a lot smoother and can even speak to the insurance adjuster on your behalf. At Webster Vicknair MacLeod, we believe you should take this time to focus on your recovery while we handle the details of your case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Unfortunately, most car accidents involve human error and driver negligence. Below are some of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents on roadways across the country:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding
- Traffic violations
- Vehicle defects
If driver negligence factored into the accident that caused your injuries, you might be entitled to recovering compensation, which could cover the following types of damages, to name a few:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Missed time from work and lost wages
- Property damage
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Many people are unsure whether seeking legal representation is really necessary after a car accident. After all, you can just contact the insurance company yourself, can't you?
While it is true that it is not a requirement to seek the advice of an attorney after a car accident, it is highly advisable that you do. Personal injury claims can be complex, particularly in cases where liability is being contested or where very serious injury or death occurred. Liability may be shared among multiple parties that you may not even have considered. Claims must be filed within a certain time limit, and experts may be needed in order to prove how and why a car accident occurred.
Also keep in mind that insurance companies are not in business to give injured people maximum payouts. It is not at all uncommon for insurance settlement offers to be inadequate for the actual amount of damages the victim has suffered. It is also not uncommon for claims to be denied completely. A car accident attorney has the experience and resources to thoroughly investigate each case, accurately calculate damages, and seek the maximum compensation possible for his or her client. In short, working with an attorney may result in a higher payout.
Essential Steps to Follow After a Houston Car Accident
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 2.44 million individuals were injured in traffic accidents across the country in 2015. Given the frequency with which these accidents occur, it is crucial for everyone to know what to do in the aftermath to ensure you do not jeopardize your chances of obtaining compensation in a personal injury claim.
If you are ever involved in a motor vehicle accident, keep the following steps in mind:
- Remain at the scene: Never leave the scene of an accident or you risk facing hit-and-run charges, which can pack some severe criminal penalties. Only leave when it is appropriate to do so.
- Assess the damage: Your primary concern should be your safety and the safety of those around you. However, once you have made sure everyone is okay and not in need of any emergency medical assistance, you can begin to assess the damage to your vehicle. Just keep in mind that even though you might not require emergency medical assistance, does not mean you will not need any at all. Always make it a priority to visit the doctor as soon as possible after an accident.
- Contact the police: No matter how minor the accident was, you still need to contact the police. Once they arrive at the scene, they will begin to create a police report, which both your insurance company and the insurance company of the at-fault party will require.
- Watch what you say: It might seem like a kind gesture to apologize, but this can actually be misconstrued as an admittance of guilt.
- Exchange information: It is imperative that you exchange information with the at-fault driver (or drivers, if more than one car is involved in the accident). Obtain his or her name, phone number, address, insurance information, driver’s license number, license plate, the make and model of the vehicle, and the names and contact information of any passengers involved. If there are witnesses at the scene, collect their contact information as well.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Car Accidents
A car accident can cause a vast range of injuries on just about any part of the body. That said, some injuries are much more common than others, such as:
- Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most frequently sustained injuries in car accidents. Oftentimes, accident victims do not immediately experience its symptoms, so it is particularly vital for you to seek medical attention if you believe you hit your head during the accident/ Additionally, facial or jaw fractures and dental injuries might also be sustained.
- Neck and back injuries: Some of the most common soft tissue injuries are related to the neck and back, including whiplash, strained muscles, and disc injuries. More severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage, can also occur, resulting in partial or full paralysis.
- Abdominal injuries: This includes hip fractures and injuries to the abdominal organs, including the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
- Leg, knee, and foot injuries: Other soft tissue injuries one might sustain in a car accident include meniscus tears and sprained or strained toes, feet, or ankles. It is not common for any of these body parts to break or fracture.
- Catastrophic injuries: Unlike most other injuries from which an accident victim is usually able to recover, catastrophic injuries generally have lifelong effects and require ongoing medical assistance, treatment, and physical therapy.
Furthermore, some of these injuries do not immediately produce symptoms. In fact, it is not uncommon for symptoms to appear days, weeks, sometimes even months later. That is why it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor might be able to detect an injury you are not yet experiencing the effects of, which could make a big difference in the time it takes for you to recover. Visiting a doctor will also help you build the foundation you need for your car accident claim, providing proof that you were, in fact, injured in the accident.