Car accidents happen every single day. After an accident, you may be left injured and experiencing financial difficulty. A car accident can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health, and these impacts may last for an extended period.
Fortunately, you may be entitled to receive compensation. Our Crosby car accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law are ready to provide dedicated legal advocacy to help you receive the financial recovery you deserve. Our firm helps clients who have suffered car accidents throughout the Crosby area.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Crosby, TX
After a collision you may feel shaken and unsure of what to do next. It is important to keep in mind that what you do following your accident can affect your claim.
Call 911
Once you’ve assessed any potential injuries, be sure to call 911 and request police and medical assistance. Police officers dispatch to the scene of the accident to collect information which is eventually compiled into a police report.
Seek Medical Care
If you sustain injuries from your accident, you should receive medical attention right away. However, whether or not you believe you’ve been injured, it is highly recommended that you seek medical care.
You may think you were not injured, but some injuries take time to surface. Medical attention from a healthcare professional will shed light on your injuries and their severity.
Once you are aware of the extent of your injuries, you can begin treatment. Keep in mind that your medical records will likely play an important role in your claim.
Gather Information and Evidence
As soon as possible after your accident, try to gather as much information as possible. This can include:
- Photos and videos at the scene of the accident
- The other driver’s contact and insurance information
- Witness contact information.
Report Your Accident to Your Insurance Company
Car insurance companies expect to be made aware of any pertinent information regarding your vehicle, car accidents included. Contact your insurance company as quickly as possible to inform them of your accident.
Avoid Speaking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
After a car accident, you can likely expect the other driver’s insurer to contact you. They will want to ask questions and get your side of the story. You must not speak to them, as they will try to use what you say against you. Insurance companies are always looking for ways to limit their liability and avoid paying—do not give them any information without first talking to your attorney.
Consult with a Car Accident Attorney Serving Crosby
Contact a car accident lawyer with experience in Crosby as soon as possible after your collision. An attorney will be able to answer your questions, gather relevant information, and create a game plan. Time plays an important factor after a car accident – do not hesitate to consult with a Crosby accident lawyer. Our firm, like most other personal injury law firms, offer free consultations. We take pride in our ability to be extremely efficient with your time – and achieving as much as possible during the first conversation with you.
We Know the Crosby, TX, Area
Crosby, TX, is a small town in northeast Harris County that is home to nearly 2,700 people. While it may be a quiet and peaceful community on the surface, Crosby can prove to be quite dangerous when traveling around on its highways.
Some of the major highways that run through Crosby and surrounding areas include Highway 90, Highway 96, and Interstate 10. These roads are constantly busy with traffic, which makes them prone to accidents. Drivers need to remain vigilant while they are on these roads in order to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
The best way to stay safe is by following all traffic laws at all times and staying focused on the road ahead of you. If you find yourself involved in an accident, make sure that you call the police as soon as possible and also seek medical attention.
Injuries That Affect Compensation of a Car Accident Case
Several injuries can occur after an automobile accident. Among the worst are spinal injuries. A victim with a spinal cord injury may face paralysis, loss of sensation, and other impairments. These impairments can be permanent, meaning the victim will never recover fully. The amount of time away from work and everyday normal activities in life will affect the amount sought or received. Experienced car accident attorneys know how to help you with injuries of this magnitude, and to how to handle other complexities, e.g. a drunk driver.
Other serious injuries that may occur in an automobile accident include traumatic brain injuries, which can cause cognitive problems, memory loss, and changes in mood or behavior; neck and back injuries, which can cause pain and limit mobility; and broken bones.
In less serious cases, victims may suffer from whiplash, a neck injury caused by the sudden jolt of an impact. Whiplash symptoms can include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. While most people recover from whiplash within a few weeks to months, some people experience chronic pain and other long-term problems. Whiplash unfortunately does not show up on CAT scans and other X-rays, so it is hard to predict the extent of damage.
It is also important to document all costs associated with your injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses. These costs can be used to support a personal injury claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand the compensation you may be entitled to and fight for the full number of damages you deserve. Documentation will prove a case in court and may grant the victim a substantial amount of reward for their pain and suffering, according to the extent of the injury and how long the recovery process is, especially if the damage is for life.
Commonly Asked Questions After a Car Accident
Our Crosby Accident Lawyer Answers Common Questions
Generally, there are two main categories of damages for car accident cases: compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses. They can be economic or non-economic in nature.
Economic damages are those directly related to your accident. They can include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages.
Non-economic damages are also related to your accident but may be a little more difficult to quantify. These include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of consortium.
Punitive damages are special damages assessed only in certain cases. These damages are used to punish and deter when a defendant’s extremely negligent behavior caused you harm.
Damages can be challenging to calculate, but your experienced Crosby car accident attorney will determine the fairest amount of compensation owed to you.
There is no “average” car accident settlement amount. Because every car accident claim is different, there are certain factors used to determine how much your case would be worth.
These factors can include:
- The severity of injuries sustained
- The total cost of medical expenses
- The amount of property damage
- The total amount of lost wages
- Whether your actions contributed to your accident.
These and other details are weighed to determine the worth of your Crosby car accident claim.
Texas operates under a modified comparative fault standard. This law dictates that a person who is more than 50% at fault for their accident cannot recover compensation. However, a person less than 50% at fault is still eligible to recover for their accident. A complete investigation will help determine who is truly responsible for the accident and to what degree.
There is a statute of limitations for car accident claims. A statute of limitations is a law imposing a strict time limit on a person’s ability to file a lawsuit. In Texas, the general statute of limitations for car accidents is two years from the date of the accident (TX C.P.R.C. §16.003). (*Always speak directly to an attorney to understand the exact deadlines that apply to your specific claim(s).) If you fail to file your lawsuit within the time specified, you will likely lose your right to compensation.
Therefore, the sooner we begin working on your claim, the better.
Don’t Delay—Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers Serving Crosby Today
There are a multitude of reasons to consult with a Crosby car accident lawyer as quickly as you can. Aside from the peace of mind having an attorney will give you, it will also give you the best possible chance at receiving fair compensation.
Contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law today at (713) 973-8888 for your free case review.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]