What To Do After A Texas Auto Accident

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Michael E. Pierce

Even when we take every precaution, car accidents are bound to happen. After all, Houston is the fourth largest city in America and is home to millions of people. More cars on our roads and highways mean more potential for accidents. Knowing what to do after a car accident can be of great help in the instance you do get involved in a crash.

While we sincerely hope that you and the people you love don’t find yourself in a serious accident, it’s a good idea to be prepared in case you are. Accidents tend to happen when you least expect them to. You need to prepare now, not later.

The attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek want to help keep Texas drivers safe. We have decades of experience in helping car accident victims obtain damages and financial recovery for their injuries. Get in touch with us today at 832-690-7000 if you or a loved one need assistance with a car accident lawsuit.

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At the Scene of the Car Accident

Texas law requires that drivers involved in accidents stop and remain at the scene. It is a crime to flee the scene of an accident, even if you didn’t cause the accident.
Stay calm. We know it’s a stressful situation, but try to keep your composure so you can think clearly. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Dial 911 and summon emergency help immediately if anyone is injured.
  • Get insurance information from the other drivers involved. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information.
  • Note the time of day, weather conditions, damage to vehicles, and any other information you think is relevant. It’s better to document too much than too little.
  • Cooperate fully with the police, but do not admit fault or discuss the accident in detail. Obtain a copy of the police report.
  • If possible, take photographs of the vehicles involved, especially any damage. Take photographs of your injuries if possible. Don’t worry about taking a perfect photo; the point is to secure evidence from the scene that may be useful in the future.
  • Don’t leave the scene until told to do so by the police. Leaving the scene of an accident before the police arrive can be a crime.

Understandably, you may not be in a position to handle all of these matters right away, especially if you are seriously injured. An experienced auto accident attorney can assist you with these matters in such cases.

Once you’ve left the scene of the car accident, it’s important that you get started on the path to recovery right away. The longer you wait, the harder your accident may be to investigate.

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What to Expect Physically After a Car Accident

Seeking medical attention is a vital part of any car accident claim. If your injuries are serious, you may be taken straight to the hospital from the scene in an ambulance to be treated. If not, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.

Not all car accident injuries are apparent immediately. Certain injuries may take days to surface. For instance, traumatic brain injuries can often take days or even weeks to manifest, and might not show up on a scan or test. The symptoms might only appear as behavioral changes initially. Only a trained physician can accurately diagnose a brain injury.

You might view the car accident as minor and fail to realize that you need medical treatment. The victim may also experience a surge of adrenaline immediately after the accident, which can sometimes mask the pain or symptoms of an injury. There are many injuries that can have delayed symptoms but may lead to life-long medical conditions.

Delayed injury after a car accident include:

  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Neck, back, or shoulder pain (especially after a rear-end accident)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Deep bruising
  • Numbness and tingling in the extremities
  • Vision issues
  • Jaw problems
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Mental health or behavioral changes

Therefore, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident to help identify potential long-term injuries. This will allow you to begin treatment sooner rather than later. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident due to another’s negligence, contact Pierce Skrabanek at 832-690-7000. We are on hand to help you get your life back on track after an accident.

Why You Should Seek Medical Attention Immediately

The point of seeing a doctor is more than getting the medical treatment you need. It means professionally documenting the injuries you suffered due to the crash. This information can prove to be vital when an attorney is working to build your case for compensation.

Failing to see a doctor after a car accident can also seriously affect your ability to successfully pursue a car accident claim. Here are several reasons to get medical attention after any auto collision you’ve been in:

  • Waiting without treatment can cause an injury to develop into something far worse
  • An injury might not respond as well to later treatment
  • The injury may be questioned — the other party may try to point to a pre-existing condition if no diagnosis is made right away
  • You could suffer additional injuries — for instance, a slip and fall may result if your balance was compromised

Not only are your health and well-being at stake, but seeking medical attention early will help build the foundation for any upcoming legal action.

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Notify Your Insurance Company

You will need to report the accident to your insurance company. However, be sure to provide them only with the basics of the accident. Do not speculate and do not admit fault. Give no statement to an insurance company until you have spoken with an attorney. Insurance companies may try to use your own words against you to justify giving you less money than you actually deserve.

This is because insurance companies aren’t on your side. They are not looking out for your best interests, they are looking out for their bottom line. The sad fact is that the less they pay you, the more money they make.

This is why it’s necessary to hire an attorney. When you hire an attorney, your attorney deals with insurance companies on your behalf. It is your attorney’s job to advocate for you at every step of the way. At Pierce Skrabanek, we don’t let greedy insurance companies take advantage of our clients. Your best interests come first.

Houston Auto Accident Liability

Liability is a key part of any car accident lawsuit or insurance claim. Insurance companies want to know who was at fault for the accident before they commit to paying out money.

Texas is a “fault” state when it comes to car accident liability. This means that drivers and their insurers are responsible for bearing the expenses when the driver is responsible for the accident.

Texas requires that motorists carry insurance minimums of:

  • $30,000 bodily injury per person
  • $60,000 bodily injury per accident if two or more people are hurt
  • $25,000 for property damage

Determining liability is not always cut and dry. Proving that another driver was responsible may require an attorney investigation. When Pierce Skrabanek handles a car accident case, we’re always prepared to bring in experts to strengthen your case. We know how to investigate car accidents.

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“My experience with Mr. Skrabanek was honestly far better than all expectations that we had. He took care of us like we were family, making sure me and my wife always felt like a priority and walked us through all of the concerns that we had. If you are looking for a professional who truly cares for his clients you can stop the search. You won’t be disappointed.”

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“Mike and his team helped me settle an injury claim case. I was informed and helped through every step and they were always professional and very responsive. I really enjoyed working with them.”

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“My attorney, Michael, did an amazing job with my case. He’s a straight shooter and has a vast knowledge of the law combined with an extensive amount of experience, making him a fantastic attorney. I fully recommend this firm.

Thank you Pierce Skrabenek!”

Gabriela C.

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“Paul Skrabanek of the law firm Pierce Skrabanek was very professional and went above & beyond in handling my daughter's case. Very dedicated, worked diligently, and got justice for my family. If I could give a higher rating than 5 stars I would. Thank you and your firm for such tenacity.”

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“These guys are awesome, they were very informative from the beginning to end, working with them was super smooth, and I had all questions answered thoroughly. The whole team at this firm works to help in every way they can. They were able to get me the compensation I deserved and exceeded my expectations. If you’re ever in need of a stellar team to stand behind you and work for you, these guys are the ones you would want in your corner.

Thank you very much Paul and thank your team for me.”

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“Working with Paul Skrabanek was a very positive experience. He helped me understand the legal process as someone who has never been a part of a lawsuit, and was able to get me settled quickly and painlessly! Loved working with Pierce Skrabanek law firm!”

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Michael Pierce and his team, especially Krystle, were very professional, always available (even on weekends), and very knowledgeable. We appreciate their hard work on our case and the time they took to explain every detail as our case progressed. Mike is a phenomenal attorney and we highly recommend them for your legal needs.”

Beverly C.

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“I found Mr. Skrabanek to be very trustworthy, creditable, and genuinely concerned about my well-being while I was going through this very difficult process. He showed constant concern for me being completely satisfied before making any final decisions.”

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“Fantastic team of attorneys and staff dedicated to their clients. Michael Pierce is an outstanding trial attorney for personal injury cases.”

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Contact a Houston Car Accident Attorney

When innocent people are hurt in car accidents in Houston and elsewhere in Texas, the lawyers at Pierce Skrabanek are there for them. Our job as personal injury attorneys is to fight to get our clients the fullest compensation possible for their suffering so that they can get what they need to move on in life.

There is no cost and no obligation to speak with an attorney about your case. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident in Houston, please call us today at 832-690-7000. We have extensive experience handling car accident cases and dealing with insurance companies and their adjusters. Our team is on hand to help you obtain the highest recovery amount you are entitled to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get an attorney after a car accident?

Yes — even the most seemingly straightforward car accident lawsuits can involve complex laws and legal concepts. It is in your best interest to hire an attorney as soon as you can so they can assist with important tasks. These tasks include gathering and preserving evidence, recording witness statements, and obtaining records and forms.

When should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Houston?

You should hire a qualified car accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Any delays can affect your ability to claim the full amount of damages you are owed. In addition, there may be several steps you need to take that require the guidance and assistance of a lawyer. This is especially true if you are still in recovery and need help gathering evidence, documents, statements, and other important items for your case.

What is a fair settlement after a car accident?

This depends on each individual case. There is no average settlement amount, as each car accident lawsuit will involve many different factors and elements. Ideally speaking, the verdict or settlement amount should cover expenses and costs like medical bills and hospital costs, lost wages and loss of future income, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.

How long after a car accident can you sue?

In Texas, the law gives a window of 2 years to bring a car accident claim. If you wait too long, you may lose your chance for compensation entirely. That’s why it’s important to secure a car accident attorney right away once your medical needs are tended to. Contact Pierce Skrabanek at 832-583-1862 for assistance with your claim.

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We know how tough things can get after an injury. That’s why we make your struggles our fight. With over three decades of combined experience, we’ve been the reliable allies our clients need, tackling financial hardships, physical pain, and major life changes. Our track record of successful verdicts and settlements speaks to our team’s passion and dedication to helping clients get the support and justice they need.

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