Even if you’re a safe and responsible driver, some car accidents are unavoidable, due to other drivers. A collision can not only leave you with property damage, but also significant injuries and financial stress. After experiencing a car accident, you may be entitled to take legal action to pursue compensation.
Our Roman Forest car accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law are ready to help protect your best interests and fight for justice on your behalf. Our team regularly helps clients throughout the Montgomery County area, including Roman Forest.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Roman Forest, TX
After a car accident, it is common to feel confused and unsure of what to do next. It is worth noting that what you do immediately after the collision and in the days following can impact your future claim.
Assess Injuries
Right after the collision, assess any potential injuries you or your passengers may have suffered. If injuries are severe do not try to move, as it could make the injuries worse.
Call 911
Call 911 and request police and medical assistance. If you’re unable to do so, try to have someone do it for you, whether it be a passenger or a witness.
Law enforcement plays an important role after an accident. Police officers dispatch to the scene of the accident to collect information which is eventually compiled into a police report. Police reports can help strengthen your case.
Seek Medical Care
If you sustain injuries after your accident, you can expect to receive emergency medical assistance. However, even if you believe you have not suffered any injuries, it is highly recommended that you seek medical care.
Accidents are traumatic events, and the body responds by releasing adrenaline, that, among other things, masks any pain you may otherwise feel. Additionally, some injuries take some time to surface. A thorough medical examination can reveal answers regarding your injuries.
Once you are aware of the extent of your injuries, you can begin treatment. Keep in mind that your medical records will likely play a significant part in your claim.
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.
If you’re unable to get the evidence yourself, you can ask someone to help you. Also be sure to document anything you believe may be beneficial and useful for your claim in the days after your accident. For example, keep a pain journal to jot down details of your injuries and the pain you experience.
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. While you do not need to contact them right away after the accident, do not let too much time go by. Contact your insurance company as quickly as possible to inform them of your accident and begin the claims process.
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 Roman Forest
Consulting with a car accident attorney in Roman Forest can help give you the peace of mind you need. Your lawyer will ask all the right questions, address any concerns you may have, and create a legal plan of action.
How a Roman Forest Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
There are several good reasons to hire a car accident attorney for assistance with your claim. Lawyers have the right knowledge and experience to help you seek the best possible outcome. They’re familiar with the law and procedures relevant to your case and know how to tailor their approach to suit your needs and goals.
Having a car accident attorney on your side often yields better results than handling your claim independently.
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 Zealously Handle Your Claim
Your lawyer will have many tasks on the path to getting you the most favorable outcome. Some of these important tasks include:
- Thoroughly investigating your claim
- Compiling relevant evidence
- Calculating your damages
- Interviewing witnesses and experts
- 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.
Your lawyer will go the extra mile to get you the financial compensation you deserve after your accident.
Your Lawyer Will Help Fight for Your Right to Recovery
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 Roman Forest car accident lawyers will work diligently to get you the financial recovery you need while you worry about your physical recovery.
Why You Should Consult with Our Roman Forest Car Accident Attorney
Not all car accident lawyers serving Roman Forest are the same. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we try to set ourselves apart from the competition. We provide you 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 needs to see the inside of a courtroom, you can trust our skilled and determined attorneys to get you the resolution you seek.
We Know the Roman Forest, Texas, Area
Roman Forest is a city in Texas located about 35 miles north of Houston. Residents and visitors enjoy Roman Forest for many reasons, including its nature and wildlife and proximity to one of the biggest cities in the U.S.
The average time residents of Roman Forest spend commuting is about 35 minutes, higher than the national average of approximately 26 minutes. Because so much time is spent driving, the chances of car accidents’ occurring are much higher.
If you suffer an injury because of the negligence of another driver, the legal team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law understands the Roman Forest area and its roads. Our knowledge of the area helps us handle your case more efficiently. We have experience representing clients in the Roman Forest area in many different types of car accident cases.
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, and can be either economic or non-economic.
Economic damages are those directly related to your accident. They include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity.
Non-economic damages are also related to your accident, but may be a little more difficult to quantify, as they can be challenging to prove. These can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss of consortium.
Punitive damages are only available in certain cases. These damages serve to punish defendants for their intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent actions, while also deterring others from acting in such a manner in the future.
Damages can be tough to calculate, and you may be unaware of the value of your case. An experienced car accident attorney will determine the fairest amount of compensation owed to you and pursue financial recovery on your behalf.
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 is 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 value of your car accident claim, and how much compensation you may be able to receive.
Will My Case Go to Court?
Not every car accident case goes to court. As a matter of fact, most personal injury cases settle outside the courtroom.
Your attorney will likely attempt to settle your claim through negotiations. However, if the other party does not cooperate or a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may need to file a lawsuit to help collect maximum compensation for you.
Whether your case settles out of court or goes to trial, you can feel confident knowing your attorney will 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 for 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 Roman Forest Car Accident Attorney Today
There are endless reasons to speak to a car accident lawyer serving Roman Forest as soon as possible after your collision. Aside from the peace of mind you’ll get from having an attorney on your side, it will also give you the best possible chance at receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law today at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for your free and confidential 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 ]