Your Guide to Getting the Compensation You Deserve
Car accidents can be traumatic and life-changing experiences. You may suffer from injuries, lost wages, and even mental anguish. During this challenging time, having a trusted and experienced car accident lawyer on your side is essential to help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about hiring a car accident lawyer and how they can help you in your time of need.
What is a Car Accident Lawyer?
A car accident lawyer is a legal professional specializing in representing individuals involved in car accidents. They help their clients navigate the complex legal system and negotiate with insurance companies to get the compensation they deserve for their injuries and damages.
When Should You Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer?
If you have been involved in a car accident and have suffered injuries or damages, hiring a car accident lawyer is essential as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to gather evidence and build a strong case. Here are some situations where hiring a car accident lawyer is recommended:
- You have suffered severe injuries that require medical attention
- Another driver's negligence caused the accident
- The insurance company is delaying or denying your claim
- You are not sure how to navigate the legal process
What Can a Car Accident Lawyer Do for You?
A car accident lawyer can provide a wide range of services to help you get the compensation you deserve after a car accident. Here are some of the things a car accident lawyer can do for you:
- Investigate the accident: Your lawyer can investigate the accident and gather evidence to build a strong case. This may include reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing medical records.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Your lawyer can negotiate to ensure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.
- Represent you in court: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can represent you to fight for your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
- Advise you on legal matters: Your lawyer can advise you on legal issues related to your case and help you make informed decisions throughout the legal process.
How to Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right car accident lawyer is crucial to the success of your case. Here are some things to consider when choosing a car accident lawyer:
- Experience: Look for a lawyer with experience handling car accident cases like yours. Ask for references and check online reviews to understand their track record.
- Communication: Choose a lawyer who communicates clearly and regularly with you throughout the legal process. You want someone who will keep you informed and answer your questions promptly.
- Fees: Ensure you understand how the lawyer charges for their services. Some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. Others may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee.
- Personality: Choose a lawyer whom you feel comfortable working with. You want someone compassionate, understanding, and trustworthy to fight for your rights.
If you have been involved in a car accident, hiring a car accident lawyer is essential to help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve. They have the experience and expertise to build a strong case and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. When choosing a car accident lawyer, look for someone who is experienced, communicates well, and whom you feel comfortable working with. With the right car accident lawyer, you can focus on healing and moving forward after a car accident.
Common Causes of a Car Crash
Car Crashes can occur in a variety of ways with varying degrees of damage. Fortunately, States and national entities such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recurrently collect and analyze car crash data that can inform drivers' behavior and shape public policy decisions. The following are some of the most common causes of car crashes:
- Driver Inattention/Distraction (e.g. sending texts, doing make-up)
- Fatigue/Drowsiness
- Alcohol/Drug Impairment
- Speeding
- Faulty Maneuver
Were You Involved in an Auto Accident?
Our team of experienced Houston personal injury attorneys has shown that they can be trusted with even the most complex of cases and maintain a 100% client recovery rate. We continue to demonstrate our dedication to the success of our clients.
If you or someone you care about was injured in a car accident in Houston, TX, or the surrounding area, time is of the essence. Schedule your FREE case consultation today and let our legal team help you on your road to recovery
Additionally, each state has its own laws regarding mandatory reporting following a car crash. Some states require immediate reporting following all car crashes. Others, such as Texas, require immediate reporting when the car crash results in death, injury, or property damage of more than $1,000. Other states have various lengths of time in which to report a car crash.
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You May Be Able to Get Compensation For...
Even when car accidents occur at low speed, they can result in traumatic injuries and damages. Whiplash alone can leave a person debilitated for numerous weeks, if not longer. Even seemingly minor injuries can develop into serious issues and cost thousands of dollars in medical bills. Whether you have suffered a devastating brain injury or a serious neck or back injury, it is crucial that you take the proper steps to secure a fair outcome for your case. Most importantly, you need to retain an injury attorney who can help you obtain the maximum recovery you deserve.
Depending on your case, the personal injury attorneys at The Cedrick D. Forrest Law Firm will fight to ensure you get compensation for:
- Medical expenses.
- Pain and suffering.
- Lost wages.
- Past and future earning potential.
- Property damage and repair costs.
- Funeral costs for wrongful death.
- Any other damages that apply.
Legal Remedies After an Auto Accident Occurs
Insurance Companies are notorious for delaying, denying, and diminishing car crash claims. In the event that the at-fault driver's insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, you will need a skilled personal injury attorney to file a lawsuit on your behalf.
At law, a tortfeasor is required, to the extent possible, to make you whole again. As such, there are an assortment of legal remedies, known as “damages,” that may be recoverable, including:
- Past Medical Expenses
- Future Medical Expenses
- Past Pain and Suffering
- Future Pain and Suffering
- Past Mental Anguish
- Future Mental Anguish
- Past Physical Impairment
- Future Physical Impairment
- Past Physical Disfigurement
- Future Physical Disfigurement
- Loss of Consortium
- Loss of Earnings
- Lost Earning Capacity
- Property Damage;
- Loss of Use;
- Exemplary Damage
Each of these damage categories has specific legal requirements of proof before you can recover damages. A skilled personal injuries attorney can assist you with maximizing your recovery. Contact a qualified auto accident lawyer at the Cedrick D. Forrest Law Firm today and let us help you recover what you deserve.
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Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis for your personal injury case.
That means that when a case is taken on, we use our own money and resources to fight for clients. We will investigate, go to court, hire experts, and do whatever is necessary to win your case. We will never ask for any money upfront for contingency matters. No money is owed by the client to us if no monetary recovery is made. That is our promise.
The Cedrick D. Forrest Law Firm and Car Accident Lawsuits
The experienced personal injury attorneys at The Cedrick D. Forrest Law Firm can help you build a strong case that establishes negligence and recovers the compensation you need by conducting a thorough investigation of the 18-wheeler trucking company.
It's important that your attorney know where to look to find the evidence that will prove your case and maximize your recovery. After a traumatizing accident, our desire is to remove as much stress from you as possible, which means we will take care of all the investigation, paperwork, phone calls, insurance, and other issues so that you can recover from your injuries.
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The key factor in every personal injury case is negligence. When one or more people are negligent in the way they act, or by not acting at all, serious injury can result. Click the contact button to speak with an available personal injury attorney. It's fast, simple, and the first step to getting maximum compensation. We also offer no-contact video consultations.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
Immediately after a car crash, you may feel confused or disoriented—wondering which steps to take next. Although every circumstance presents unique challenges, the following are some general things that you should do after a car crash:
Stop at the Scene
Many states require that you immediately stop your car at the scene or as close as possible to the car crash scene without obstructing traffic.
Get out of Immediate Harm if Necessary
If any vehicles involved in the 18-wheeler accident present an immediate danger, such as a car fire or explosion, and you are physically able, you should get your body out of harm's way to prevent a more disastrous outcome.
Contact Emergency Response/Report the Car Crash.
After a car accident, you or someone at the scene must contact a local agency responsible for emergency response, if available.
Document Damages.
Human memory is notoriously unreliable over time. The details of an event may escape you. so it is essential to document the scene of the car crash, if possible.
Identify Witnesses/Collect Evidence
The more documentation you have to support your account of events, the stronger your claim. So, it's important, if possible, to gather witness information (name and contact) and/or record a witness's first-person account.
Seek Treatment Immediately
It cannot be overstated how important it is to seek treatment after a car accident. The adrenaline after a crash may mask any injuries, but as early as you begin to experience symptoms (which may be the same evening), you should see a qualified healthcare professional to evaluate your condition.
Do Not Speak with the Other Driver's Insurance Company
Statements made to an insurance company representing the person that hit you, can and will be used against you if your statements hurt your case.
Contact The Cedrick D. Forrest Law Firm
To prevent having to speak with an insurance company and to protect your rights, it is best to contact an attorney immediately following an 18-wheeler accident. An attorney will direct all communications away from you so that any misstatements cannot be used against you in later proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
The cost of hiring a car accident lawyer can vary depending on the lawyer's experience, the complexity of the case, and the fees they charge. Some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case.
Do I need a car accident lawyer?
While it is possible to represent yourself in a car accident case, hiring a car accident lawyer is highly recommended. They have the experience and expertise to navigate the complex legal system and negotiate with insurance companies to get the compensation you deserve.
How long does it take to resolve a car accident case?
The time it takes to resolve a car accident case can vary depending on its complexity and whether it goes to trial. Some cases can be resolved in a few months, while others can take several years.
What if I can't afford a car accident lawyer?
Many car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. If you are unable to afford a lawyer, you may be able to find a pro bono or legal aid organization in your area that can provide free legal services.