If you have been involved in a vehicle collision, you may be wondering how to successfully file a car accident case. Fortunately, individuals who suffer harm in an accident caused by another party’s negligence have the right to seek compensation for their losses. However, the legal process can be so complex that many victims choose to forgo their legal rights instead of seeking proper justice for their injuries. Regrettably, this often leads to missed opportunities to restore their well-being.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were nearly 634,000 auto wrecks in 2022. Initiating a claim can vary as each county has its own set of rules governing the process. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with an experienced car accident attorney in Pearland to discuss the options for your injury claim before filing a formal complaint. Filing a car accident case in Pearland involves several steps to ensure a favorable outcome, and obtaining legal assistance can enhance your chances of success.
Contacting the Police in Pearland
The process of filing a car accident case begins with notifying the police about the incident. Immediately after the crash, you may be shaken up, making it physically and emotionally challenging to assess the scene and determine liability independently. Therefore, it is best to call the police to document the accident. Besides being a legal requirement, involving the police enables you to make an informed decision regarding fault.
In cases where both parties are uncertain about who is at fault due to the speed of the accident, the police will investigate the factors leading to the crash and create a final report. Moreover, the police can arrange for emergency response teams, such as ambulances, to attend to injured individuals. It is important to obtain a copy of the final police report, as you will need it when filing a car accident case with your attorney.
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Seeking and Documenting Medical Attention
Many car accident victims feel fine immediately after the crash but later develop pain related to the collision. Failing to seek medical attention when injured after an accident can have a detrimental impact on the success of your case. Furthermore, it may impede your recovery process, potentially leading to additional harm compared to if you had sought immediate medical assistance.
Obtaining medical attention as soon as possible after an accident allows for an evaluation of your physical condition, including injuries that may not be visible to the naked eye. Ultimately, this helps you better understand the extent of harm caused by the accident. It is essential to properly document all medical care expenses and records for future reference, as they form the basis of your car accident case. Your lawyer can review these records and use them when completing the necessary filing paperwork for your vehicle collision case.
Collect Information About Your Car Accident Before Your File
If possible, gather as much information as you can about your car accident. However, if you are unable to do so, ensure that a relative or friend collects the information on your behalf. Gathering information about the crash is crucial for recording important details such as:
- Models of the vehicles involved
- Registration numbers of the cars involved
- Number of individuals involved
- Contact information of the other driver
- Contact information of eyewitnesses
- Positions of the vehicles before, during, and after the crash
- Photos of the scene
Keeping a post-accident journal can be helpful for chronologically documenting everything about your car crash, which will prove extremely useful during the filing process.
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Contacting Your Insurance Company
Once you are prepared, you should contact your insurance company to report the accident. The company’s representative, often the insurance adjuster, will ask you various questions and may request you to complete certain documents. To facilitate the processing of your claims, provide the insurance company with all the information you collected as mentioned earlier. While doing so, remember to keep records of every communication with the insurance adjuster, including their:
- Names
- Phone numbers
- Titles
- Time of communication
- Dates of communication
If you receive a call from the other driver’s insurance company, it is best not to speak with them without an attorney present. Despite their claims of wanting to assist you, they are employees who prioritize the best interests of their insurance company. If you are not hiring an attorney to assist with your claim, you should only engage in negotiations with them once you fully understand the extent of your injuries and your need for future medical care. However, please note that your opportunity for compensation after a car accident expires after two years unless you file a petition with the court.
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Documenting All Expenses Related to Your Car Crash
Regardless of the severity of your injury, you are likely to experience financial losses after an accident. You may need to cover out-of-pocket expenses for property repairs and medical treatment of your injuries. It is equally important to document all expenses related to the crash in case you need to file an auto wreck claim in Pearland. This ensures that all your losses are accounted for in the settlement offered.
Retain a Seasoned Attorney Before Filing a Car Accident Case in Pearland
Obtaining legal representation from an experienced car accident attorney is crucial for protecting your rights. Whether you have sustained severe injuries or not, hiring an injury attorney is the best approach to handle a vehicle collision and comprehend your available options. Filing a car accident case in Pearland does not always imply that the defendant is solely responsible for the crash. What should you do if you bear partial responsibility for your own injuries? These are gray areas where the guidance of an attorney is essential. To retain one of our experienced lawyers for your case, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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