Car Accident Lawyers in Houston Provide Insight Regarding Car Accidents

USA - English

• USA - English

HOUSTON, Sept. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Summer is prime time for road trips. Traveling to a new place can be a wonderful way to get away from it all, but driving in an unfamiliar location, surrounded by other drivers from out of town, can also increase the risk for a car accident. When an accident happens, follow these steps.

Assess and Secure the Scene
Right after an accident, safety and security are the top priorities. Involved parties should assess their own health and then that of others. Witnesses should secure the scene to reduce the risk of additional accidents, offer first aid, and do what they can to care for victims.

Call 911
An involved party or witness should call 911 immediately. If injuries are suspected, request an ambulance. Even minor accidents without injuries must be reported, or insurance companies will likely refuse to pay.

Exchange Information
All drivers and passengers should get the full names, phone numbers, and addresses of everyone involved. Drivers should also exchange contact data for the vehicle owners as well as insurance details. Complete information is required for insurance companies to resolve claims.

Take Notes
Everyone involved or their designated representative should write down what happened, as well as the date, time, lighting conditions, and prevailing weather. Note any previous damage to any of the vehicles and any external factors that may have contributed such as a non-working traffic signal. Describe what each vehicle was doing in the seconds before the crash, such as one car making a left turn and the other proceeding straight ahead. If anyone claims liability, record his or her statement as accurately as possible.

Take Pictures
A representative from each party should photograph all involved vehicles as well as the scene of the accident. Skid marks, stop signs, construction zone barricades, and similar details could provide valuable evidence. Take clear pictures of each involved vehicle's license plate as well.

Get Checked
Anyone with a suspected serious injury should immediately visit the hospital, preferably in an ambulance. Those who do not seem injured should see a doctor within 24 hours. Some injuries take time to manifest symptoms, but insurance companies typically require proof of timely medical care to pay injury claims.

Call the Insurance Company
Each involved party should contact his or her own insurance company no later than the next day. Provide a factual statement that does not veer into offering opinions. Avoid speaking to the other driver's insurer except under the guidance of an attorney, as statements could be used as a reason to deny the claim.

Contact a Lawyer
Unless the accident was very minor with no property damage or injuries, it is always wise to contact a lawyer. Car accidents are governed by complex laws and regulations, and even minor vehicle repairs could prove quite expensive. Insurance companies are motivated to offer quick settlements for less than the full value of the claim, and an experienced car accident lawyer knows how to determine whether the settlement offer is reasonable. Should the case go to trial, it is vital to have representation from a skilled attorney. As car accident attorneys do not collect fees unless they win the case, there is no downside to representation.

About Pines & Goldenzweig, PLLC
Pines & Goldenzweig, PLLC is dedicated to personal injury cases. Areas of particular focus include, but are not limited to:

• Car Accidents
• Truck (18-Wheeler) Accidents
• Commercial Vehicle Accidents
• Slip and Fall
• Dog Bites
• Third Party Work Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

To learn more or schedule a free consultation and case review, call 713-489-4410 (English) or 713-766-0000 (Spanish) or visit the website at http://www.toughinjurylawyers.com. The office is located at 10101 Fondren Road, Suite 550, Houston, Texas 77096.

SOURCE Pines & Goldenzweig, PLLC