Categories
Car Accidents

Procedures to Follow in Houston after a Vehicle Accident

Car accidents are a familiar occurrence on the roads of Houston, Texas. Based on the Texas Department of Transportation’s data, there were 65,248 motor vehicle crashes in Houston in 2018.

If you find yourself involved in a car accident in Houston, it’s essential to take the right steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.

No matter who is at fault, getting into a car accident can be scary and traumatizing. After the dust has settled and everyone is safe, it is important to take the necessary actions to ensure that all legal and financial issues are taken care of.

vehicle accident

Steps to take after getting into a car accident in Houston:

Step 1: Check for Injuries

Checking for injuries is the most crucial step to take after a car accident. It’s important to remember that some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so it’s essential to be vigilant and thorough in your assessment.

Here are some tips to help you check for injuries after a car accident:

● Assess Yourself

Take a moment to assess yourself for injuries. Check for any pain, discomfort, or unusual sensations. If you feel fine, it’s still a good idea to seek medical attention to ensure that there are no underlying injuries.

● Assess Passengers

Check on any passengers in your vehicle and assess them for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately and seek medical attention.

● Move to a Safe Location

If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from oncoming traffic. This will help to prevent any further accidents or injuries.

● Call 911

If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately and seek medical attention. Even if no one is injured, it’s a good idea to call the police and report the accident.

The police will document the accident and file a police report, which can be helpful when filing a claim with your insurance company.

Step 2: Call the Police

If there are no injuries, call the Houston Police Department to report the accident. It’s essential to have an official police report of the accident, as it will help with insurance claims and legal proceedings.

When the police arrive, provide them with your driver’s license, registration, and insurance information. If you’re unable to provide your documentation, don’t worry, you can provide it later.

Step 3: Exchange Information with the Other Driver

Exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident, including their name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, and license plate number.

It’s encouraged to gather as much information as possible to ensure that you can file an insurance claim and protect your legal rights.

Step 4: Document the Accident Scene

Documenting the accident scene is crucial after a car accident. It can help you to establish liability and prove fault, which is essential when dealing with insurance companies and legal proceedings.

Below are some tips to help you document the accident scene:

● Take Photos of the Scene

Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle. Be sure to take photos from multiple angles and distances. If there are any skid marks or debris on the road, take photos of those as well.

● Take Photos of Injuries

If you or any passengers have suffered injuries, take photos of those as well. This includes any cuts, bruises, or other visible injuries. These photos can help to document your injuries and prove that they were a result of the accident.

● Take Notes

Take notes about what happened leading up to the accident. Write down the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the weather and road conditions. Also, write down the names and contact information of any witnesses.

Step 5: Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not show up immediately, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Some injuries may not show up until a few days after the accident. Seeking medical attention will also help document your injuries for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Step 6: Contact Your Insurance Company

Reach out to your insurance company right away to report the accident. Provide them with all the information you’ve gathered, including the police report and photos of the accident scene.

Your insurance company will instruct you on the claims process and help you understand your coverage.

Step 7: Consult with an Attorney

An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights after a car accident. They can explain the legal process and guide you through the claims process.

They can also advise you on your options and help you make wise decisions about your case.

An accident attorney can negotiate a settlement that reflects the true value of your injuries. They can calculate the damages you’ve suffered, including medical bills, lost wages, and future medical costs.

They can also negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company and ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

consult with an attorney

If your case goes to court, an attorney can represent you and argue your case in front of a judge and jury. They can present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf.

They will ensure that all legal procedures are followed correctly and that your rights are protected.

In addition, dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, especially after a car accident. Insurance companies are in business to earn an income, and they can attempt to refute your claim or make a low settlement offer to you.

An attorney can assist you in dealing with insurance companies and negotiating a settlement that is fair and just.

Conclusion

Even though being in a car accident can be a frightening event, following the appropriate procedures can help to preserve your safety and legal rights. By taking these actions, you may make sure you are compensated for your damages and get over the accident.

AK Law Firm is here to assist if you need a trusted accident attorney in Houston, TX. Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to assisting you in receiving the compensation you deserve. We only charge when we win your case, so don’t hesitate to call us for help!

Categories
Personal Injury

How to deal with a Slip and Fall Accident Claim in Texas

Slip and fall accidents are a common occurrence across the world, and they can range from minor slips to more serious falls. While some of these accidents may result in minor scrapes and bruises, they can also lead to more serious injuries and even death.

Regardless of the cause, slips and falls can have serious consequences. In many cases, the person may suffer from broken bones, sprains, and other injuries that require medical treatment.

Sometimes, the person may suffer more serious or long-term injuries, such as head trauma or spinal cord injuries. In the most severe cases, a slip-and-fall accident can even be fatal.

In this article, let’s take a closer look at slip-and-fall accidents and how to deal with them in Texas.

Slip and fall accident claim

Navigating a Slip and Fall Claim Accident in Texas

Slip and fall accidents can be incredibly hazardous and can cause serious injuries. If you’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident in Texas, you may be wondering how to navigate the claims process. Understanding the legalities of a slip and fall claim in Texas can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

To start, it’s important to know that Texas is a “fault” state when it comes to personal injury claims. This means that the person liable for your slip and fall accident must be identified and held responsible for your damages. The person or business at fault can be held liable for your damages, such as medical bills and lost wages if it was found that they were negligent in some way.

It is also important to note that Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall claim. This means that you must file your claim within two years of the date of your accident, or you may lose your legal rights to pursue compensation.

How to Prove a Slip and Fall Claim

To prove negligence in a slip and fall claim, you must be able to demonstrate that the property owner or occupier was aware of the hazardous condition that caused your accident and failed to take action to repair it. You must also show that the property owner or occupier should have known about the hazardous condition.

To determine whether or not the property owner or occupier was liable, you must be able to demonstrate that a hazardous condition caused the fall that they had knowledge of or should have had knowledge of. This can include wet floors, ice, objects in walkways, and broken stairs.

It’s also essential to have evidence of your slip and fall accident. This can include photographs, medical records, and witness statements. Additionally, it would be best to keep receipts for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with your accident. This evidence can be invaluable in proving your claim.

Finally, it’s important to speak to an experienced slip-and-fall attorney who can help you assess your case and determine the best course of action. A qualified attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence and help you choose the fair amount of compensation you should pursue in your claim.

slip and fall attorney

Is the Owner Automatically Responsible for Someone’s Injuries When it Happens on their Property?

Unfortunately, when it comes to accidents such as these, it’s important to consider who was at fault and whether the property owner could be held liable.

In many cases, a property owner is responsible for a slip and fall accident that occurs on their property. Property owners must keep their premises safe and free of hazards that could lead to accidents. If a property owner is found to have failed in this duty, then they can be held responsible for any resulting injury.

A property owner may be responsible for common hazards, including wet floors, loose rugs, broken stairs, and other obstacles that can cause a person to trip or slip. To determine if a property owner is responsible for an injury, it’s essential to look at the facts of the case.

For example, was the hazard that caused the accident something the property owner should have known about? If so, the property owner can be held liable for any resulting injury. It’s also important to consider if the property owner took any steps to address the hazard or if they had ample time to do so before the accident occurred.

If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident on someone else’s property, it’s important to seek legal advice to determine if the property owner can be held responsible. An experienced attorney can review the facts of your case and advise you on your rights and legal options.

What are the Common Causes of Slip And Fall Accidents?

Wet or Slippery Surface

One of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents is wet or slippery surfaces. When floors, sidewalks, or any other walking surface becomes wet or slippery, they can become a hazard to people walking on them. This can be caused by various things, such as rain, snow, spilled liquids, or even something as small as a wet spot on the floor.

Uneven Surface

Uneven surfaces are another common cause of slip and fall accidents. When walking surfaces have large cracks or have become uneven over time, they can be dangerous for people walking on them. This can be caused by things such as tree roots, construction, or even the natural wear and tear of the surface.

Clutter and Debris

Clutter and debris on the floor can also be a cause of slip-and-fall accidents. When items such as boxes, cords, or other items are left on the floor, they can become a tripping hazard for people walking on them. This can be especially hazardous in warehouses, office buildings, and retail stores where these items are commonly found.

Poor Lighting

Slip and fall accidents can also be caused by poor lighting. People can easily miss obstacles on the floor or uneven surfaces when walking areas need to be properly lit. Even something as small as a step can become hazardous if it is not properly lit.

Understanding the common causes of slip and fall accidents can help you prevent them from happening in the first place. If you notice any of these hazards, it is important to take action quickly to ensure everyone stays safe.

The Bottom Line

Slip and fall accidents can be serious, and working with lawyers is essential to get what you deserve. An experienced slip-and-fall lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

AK Law Firm helps individuals and their families receive financial compensation for personal injuries and continue forward with their lives. Our personal injury lawyers are committed to helping you receive the compensation you deserve. We only charge when we win the case. If you’re looking for accident lawyers in Houston, we can help you. Contact us today for a consultation.