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 it may forever change your life
Fortunately, you may be entitled to receive significant compensation. Our Tiki Island car accident lawyer at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is ready to provide exceptional legal advocacy to help you get the financial recovery you deserve. Our team helps clients throughout the Tiki Island area, as well as Galveston and neighboring areas.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Tiki Island, 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 after your accident, you will 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 may 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 anything 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 Tiki Island Car Accident Attorney
Consulting with a car accident attorney serving Tiki Island 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.
What Can a Tiki Island Car Accident Lawyer Do For You?
The stress of a car accident can be almost unbearable. The injuries can be much worse, and the expenses can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars if the injuries are life-threatening and hospital stays are extended. After dealing with an accident, the last thing a person wants to deal with is insurance harassment. This is when car accident lawyers serving Tiki Island can become the advocate and the middle person who steps up to the plate for you and fights to get what is owed and deserved.
The good news is that only some cases actually go to court. Most are settled out of court, especially when an experienced personal injury attorney is involved. The insurance companies are in business to make money, though, and will attempt to pay less than full compensation. Let your Tiki Island personal injury lawyer negotiate a comprehensive settlement that will put your interests first.
Having our car accident attorneys in Tiki Island by your side will allow you to focus on your recovery and regain your strength and health. Many health issues after a car accident require the injured person’s complete focus, especially if they need extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation. Additionally, many people suffer PTSD and other mental challenges after a serious car accident. Having a supportive team of personal injury attorneys on your side can relieve some of the stress that comes with injury and loss of income following a car accident.
We Are Highly Familiar with the Tiki Island, Texas, Area
Our attorneys know Tiki Island and neighboring areas of Galveston County. Tiki Island is populated by 1,106 people, and many enjoy the scenery of the marshlands and Port Bolivar. Taking the ferry is a thrill, and a good opportunity for dolphin-watching. Many drivers use the I-45 expansion, which is a dangerous highway for car accidents.
If you suffer an injury because of the negligence of another driver, count on the team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law to understand the nuances of the road system in Tiki Island. This helps us gather the facts in your case efficiently. We have experience representing clients in Tiki Island in many different types of car collision 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. 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.
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 Tiki Island Today
There are a multitude of reasons to consult with a car accident lawyer in the Tiki Island 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 Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law 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 ]