If you have been in a car accident, hiring a Houston car wreck attorney is crucial to your case. Injuries can cause a variety of problems, including broken bones, dislocated bones, and more. In addition, Texas law requires that the negligent driver be held responsible for the accident. If you’re unsure of how to go about retaining a Houston car wreck lawyer, here are 10 important questions to ask before hiring an attorney.
206 bones in the human body can be fractured or damaged in a car crash
There are 206 bones in the adult human body. While all bones can be broken, some types are more likely to break than others. Fractures can occur in different angles. A transverse fracture occurs when a force impacts a bone at the right angle. A compound fracture, on the other hand, occurs when the bone is broken at an unnatural angle. These injuries can cause pain, infection, or a range of other health problems.
Any one of the 206 bones in the human body can be broken in a car crash. While most breaks occur due to the sheer force of the collision, other types can result in broken bones or damage to surrounding tissue. Even a seemingly minor break needs prompt medical attention, as an improperly set bone can lead to long-term pain and a lack of growth in children. Bones are designed to be both flexible and rigid, but the force from a car crash can break them.
When a car accident happens, a number of bones can be broken or fractured. The most common are the collarbone, clavicle, shoulder blade, scapula, proximal humerus, and upper arm bone. A fracture of a bone will typically cause swelling and pain, and limited movement. If a bone is fractured, treatment may involve surgery, depending on the extent of the injury.
Negligent driver is solely responsible for a traffic accident
In a traffic accident involving a negligent driver, the responsible party is the one who fails to follow a traffic signal. An example is when two drivers come to an intersection at a red light. One thinks they can make it through the intersection on a red light, but another driver with a green arrow fails to observe a traffic signal, and so both cars collide. This negligence causes the accident.
In order to be awarded compensation, an injured party must be able to prove that the defendant’s lack of attention caused the accident. For example, a distracted driver may fail to notice an oncoming vehicle. The injured party can also argue that the accident wouldn’t have occurred if the defendant had been more attentive. In order to successfully make a negligent driver claim, the injured party must show a monetary estimate of the damages they have suffered, as well as the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle.
Sometimes, a car accident isn’t entirely the fault of one driver. In some cases, insurers assign responsibility based on percentage. For example, a driver who was speeding and rear-ended another vehicle after making a sudden lane change may be held 40 percent liable for the accident, and the driver may be responsible for the other 60 percent. This proportion will be a key factor in determining the amount of compensation a negligent driver can receive in a traffic accident lawsuit.
10 questions to ask before hiring a car wreck lawyer in Houston
When it comes to filing a personal injury claim after a car accident, the first step is to hire an attorney who specializes in such cases. Typically, the insurance company will offer to settle your case for a certain amount, but an attorney with experience in this field can get you a higher settlement. There are also several factors to consider before hiring a car wreck lawyer. Below are some of the most important things to keep in mind:
Documenting your case. Document the scene of the car accident and make note of any businesses with security cameras. If the insurance company insists on denying fault, a Houston car wreck attorney will be able to uncover evidence of your case. Some people admit fault on the spot, but insurance companies tend to look the other way. The best way to ensure that your Houston car wreck lawyer is on your side is to document the scene.
Experience and track record. The lawyer you hire should have extensive experience with cases like yours. You want someone who has a track record for winning. If the Houston car wreck attorney you are considering has won other cases in the past, ask them for examples. It will give you a better idea of how successful they are. Also, ask how much they’ve recovered in previous cases. This way, you can determine whether they’re worth the money they claim.
Smith and Hassler
At Smith and Hassler, personal injury lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of injured Texans. The Houston law firm has decades of experience representing injured Texans in auto accidents. With free consultations, you can determine whether they can help you with your case. Smith and Hassler is dedicated to helping Houston area accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve. Call today to schedule your free consultation!
The firm specializes in auto accidents and is led by Attorney Albert M. Hassler, III. He has more than 30 years of experience and a track record of success in handling personal injury cases. As a result of his work experience, he has secured settlements worth over $500 million for his clients. Smith and Hassler aims to achieve the best possible results for every client. The firm represents individuals in Houston and surrounding areas.
Free initial consultation
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. You should never negotiate for a settlement alone; the insurance company will try to pressure you into accepting a lowball offer. While it might seem tempting, a lawyer is trained to deal with the insurance company’s antics. You can receive a substantial settlement if your vehicle has suffered a significant amount of damage.
A police report can provide valuable information. If there are witnesses, the report will identify what happened in the accident. It will also detail medical reports and witness statements. These documents can help determine how much of a person’s injuries were severe or mild. A Houston car accident attorney can utilize this information to prove the defendant’s fault and the extent of their damages. Even though you may be able to get some compensation, the insurance company will likely offer a negligible settlement unless they can prove that you were not at fault.
If you are able to identify the other driver or vehicle, take the time to exchange information with them. Be sure to exchange contact information, as well as vital information about the accident. You should also take pictures of the scene. If possible, take photos of all vehicles involved in the accident and document any property damage. This is especially important if there is an injury. You should also contact your insurance company to report the accident.
Umbrella policy
When deciding if you need to buy an umbrella policy, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. The first is that umbrella insurance policies are affordable and offer coverage for most of your assets, including your house and other possessions. Second, umbrella policies also protect you from lawsuits that fall outside of your policy’s limits. Depending on your situation, you may not need an umbrella policy at all.
The primary purpose of an umbrella policy is to protect your assets and property in case of a lawsuit. While the insurance policy you purchased might cover the cost of medical treatment or property damage, the umbrella policy will provide coverage for other damages. This way, if you cause a car wreck and someone is injured, you can be rest assured that your assets and property will be protected if a lawsuit arises. In some cases, you may also have enough protection to cover the cost of an entire lawsuit.
A car accident lawyer Houston can help you protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. While minor auto accidents may only result in minor injuries, you can claim them against your insurer. But you may want to consider obtaining an umbrella insurance policy to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Many people do not account for all of their expenses when filing their insurance claims, which can make future medical expenses impossible to cover.