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 of time.
Fortunately, you may be entitled to receive compensation. Our Thompsons car accident lawyer at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is ready to provide exceptional legal advocacy to help you receive the financial recovery you deserve. Our team helps clients throughout Thompsons and surrounding areas of Fort Bend County.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Thompsons, 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 in your accident, you will receive medical attention right away. However, even if you think you have not been injured, it is highly recommended that you seek medical care, because some injuries take time to surface. Medical attention from a healthcare professional will shed some 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 also play an important role 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.
Document everything you believe may be important and useful for your claim.
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 Thompsons
Consulting with a car accident attorney serving Thompsons 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.
The Steps Our Thompsons Car Accident Lawyers Will Take On Your Behalf
Anyone can represent themselves in any case, but the best chance of winning the case is with our car accident attorneys helping injury victims in Thompsons, TX. They will represent you and get the full benefits you deserve for your medical expenses, loss of income, and property damage.
Taking the first step of the consultation is the most critical. Having all the information needed at the time will give the attorney an idea of what needs to be done to win the case. They can answer any questions you might have about what your claim may be worth and the legal process itself.
The Investigation Begins
Investigators will examine the scene of the accident to understand how the accident took place. They will look at the pictures, tire tracks, and road conditions and use the witnesses’ statements and police reports to determine fault and negligence.
Total Up the Expenses
All expenses are tallied – from the cost of damages to the vehicle, personal injuries, loss of wages, and medical expenses. Medical expenses include hospital stays, doctors’ visits, medications, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and therapies required. In the case of catastrophic injury, these can be extensive and long-lasting.
If the injured party must miss work, or is unable to earn at the pre-collision level, the lost wages will be included in the calculation of losses.
The damages to the vehicle are also factored in so the client can purchase another car. The value of personal items that were damaged in the wreck may be included.
The Final Steps
Your personal injury attorney will prepare a demand seeking full and fair compensation from the defendants and their insurance companies. This generally leads to an initial offer and further negotiations, usually ending in settlement without a court trial. A seasoned personal injury lawyer will not hesitate to take your case to trial if that is what it takes to obtain the compensation you deserve.
We Are Highly Familiar with the Thompsons, TX, Area
Thompsons has a population of about 350, but it is in the center of the Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown metro area. The highways in these areas are dangerous, with numerous accidents being recorded on I-45, the 610 Loop, I-10, and I-59. Our attorneys are familiar with all of these dangerous roadways.
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. 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 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.
These and other details are weighed to determine the worth of your car accident claim.
Will My Case Go to Court?
Not every car accident case goes to court. Your attorney will likely 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.
What If I Am Found to Be Partially at Fault?
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 51% 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 Car Accident Lawyer Serving Thompsons Today
There are a multitude of reasons to consult with a car accident lawyer in the Thompsons area 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.
Call the Terry Bryant law firm now 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 ]
