In many cases, car accidents are inevitable. After a crash, it is common to face a long road to physical recovery and mounting medical bills, among other losses. You may feel stressed and overwhelmed, unsure of what to do.
Fortunately, you may have legal options, allowing you to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Our Porter Heights car accident lawyer at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is ready to hear your story and create a plan of action to help you get the financial recovery you deserve. Our team helps clients throughout the Porter Heights area.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Porter Heights, TX
Victims frequently feel shaken up and anxious after an accident. It is important to note that what you do immediately following and in the days after your accident can impact your case. Keep these steps in mind in case of a collision.
Call 911
Once you’ve assessed any potential injuries, be sure to call 911 and request police and emergency medical services if needed.
Police officers not only help with safety, but also compile the information they collect into a police report. These reports often play a vital role in car accident cases.
Seek Medical Care
If you sustain injuries after your accident, you will receive medical attention right away. However, even if you do not you believe you’ve been injured, it is highly recommended that you seek medical care.
You may think you did not sustain any injuries, but some injuries take time to surface. Medical attention from a healthcare professional may shed some light on your injuries and their severity.
Once you are aware of the extent of your injuries, you can begin treatment.
Follow Through with Medical Treatment
Not only is seeking medical attention important, but so is fully completing your medical treatment. Your medical records quickly become important to your case. Quitting your medical treatment without completion can possibly communicate to the opposing party that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, and this could negatively impact your ability to recover monetarily.
Gather Information and Evidence
As soon as possible after your accident, try to gather any information possible. This can include:
- Photos and videos at the scene of the accident
- The other driver’s contact and insurance information
- Witness contact information.
Document anything you believe may be important and useful for your claim, as it can help your car accident attorney build your case.
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 expect the other driver’s insurer to contact you. They will want to ask questions and get your side of the story. It’s important to avoiding speaking to them, as they will attempt to use your words 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 in Porter Heights
Consulting with a car accident attorney in Porter Heights can help give you the peace of mind you need. Your lawyer will ask all the right questions, answer any questions you may have, and give you an idea of what your ideal next steps should be.
How a Porter Heights Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Your Lawyer Will be Your Best Ally
It is common to feel lost and stressed after a car accident. From beginning to end, your attorney will work with you to provide the best legal representation. You can feel confident knowing your lawyer has your best interests at heart.
Your Attorney Will Handle All Tasks Associated with Your Claim
When handling a car accident claim, there are many tasks to complete on the way to financial recovery. Some of the most critical tasks include:
- Thoroughly investigating your claim
- Drafting letters and court documents
- Compiling relevant evidence
- Calculating your damages
- Communicating with the insurance companies
- Engaging in settlement negotiations on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit, if needed
- Answering your questions and keeping you updated along the way.
Having an experienced car accident lawyer manage your claim can yield more favorable results and help ensure your case is handled properly and timely.
Your Lawyer Will Help Fight for Your Right to Compensation
Along the way, there will likely be pushback and challenges on the route to compensation. Nonetheless, your attorney is experienced and knows how to handle these scenarios. Your Porter Heights car accident lawyer will work diligently to get you the financial recovery you need while you worry about your physical recovery.
Why You Should Consult with Our Porter Heights Car Accident Attorney
Not all car accident lawyers serving Porter Heights are the same. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we try to set ourselves apart from the competition. We treat clients with the compassion and understanding needed during a trying time. Our firm also aims to provide top-quality customer service and legal representation, from inception to completion.
Whether your case settles or goes to trial, you can trust our skilled and determined attorneys to get you the resolution you seek.
We Know the Porter Heights, Texas, Area
Porter Heights is a community located near the city of Houston. The community was established in the 1970s and named after the town of Porter. Residents of Porter Heights enjoy the suburban feel while still living near a major city.
With so much traffic heading in and out of the Houston area, car accidents are bound to occur in Porter Heights – whether on FM 1314, the Grand Parkway (SH 99), or Old Houston Road. When you experience a car accident, it’s important to have a car accident attorney that is familiar with the area.
The team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law understands the roads in and around the Porter Heights area. This unique knowledge and understanding gives us an advantage when handling your case. We have experience representing clients in Porter Heights.
Commonly Asked Questions After a Car Accident
What Type of Compensation Is Available After a Car Accident?
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 and are typically easy to calculate and prove. They include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential.
Non-economic damages are also related to your accident but may be a little more difficult to quantify, as they represent intangible losses. These can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive damages are special damages only available in certain cases. These damages are used to punish defendants for their wrongdoings when their actions go beyond negligence.
Damages can be challenging to calculate, but your experienced car accident attorney will determine the fairest amount of compensation owed to you.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
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.
Your car accident lawyer can use these and other relevant details to determine the value of your car accident claim.
Will My Case Go to Court?
Not every car accident case goes to court. Your attorney will typically attempt to settle your claim through negotiations. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may need to file a lawsuit to help collect compensation on your behalf. If your case cannot be settled, then it may go to trial.
Whether your case settles out of court or goes to trial, you can trust your attorney to represent you at all stages.
What If I Was Partially At Fault for My Accident?
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.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
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 learn the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims.) If you fail to file your lawsuit within the time specified, you will likely lose your right to compensation.
Therefore, the sooner you begin working on your claim, the better.
Don’t Delay—Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer Serving Porter Heights Today
There are a multitude of reasons to consult with a car accident lawyer serving the Porter Heights area as quickly as you can. Having a qualified attorney on your side will give you invaluable peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your physical recovery while your lawyer does the heavy lifting.
Contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law today at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 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 ]
