Car accidents happen somewhere 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 Wild Peach Village car accident and workers’ compensation 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 Wild Peach Village and neighboring areas of Brazoria County.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Wild Peach Village, 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 are dispatched 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, even if you do not think you’ve been injured, it is highly recommended that you seek medical care. 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 likely play an important role in your claim, so consulting a medical malpractice lawyer if you suspect any issues with your healthcare during this process is advisable.
Gather Information and Evidence
As soon as possible after your accident, try to gather any information available. 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. If you encounter any issues or believe your insurer is acting in bad faith, it’s advisable to consult with an insurance bad faith lawyer to protect your rights and interests.
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 Wild Peach Village
Consulting with a car accident attorney serving Wild Peach Village 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.
Different Types of Injuries in a Car Accident
Many kinds of injury can occur in a crash, from minor to the point of death. Some injuries manifest up to a year or more after the date of the wreck. That is why it is critical always to get checked out immediately after the accident. Internal injuries are not always noticed at first, because a person’s adrenaline is exceptionally high after the accident. In such cases, consulting with a personal injury lawyer can be invaluable in ensuring that you receive the necessary legal guidance and support during the recovery process.
Whiplash, concussions, spinal injuries, lacerations, and broken bones are among the most common injuries received in a car accident. Some whiplash and lacerations may be minor injuries, while concussions, spinal injuries, and broken bones are the ones that typically take a long time to heal.
Whiplash and Lacerations
Whiplash is a jolting of the head and neck area that leaves the area sore and may cause lingering problems with movement. This injury is hard to detect on X-rays, though the pain it causes is undeniable. Some cases are won with this injury alone, but negligence must be a proven factor in the cause of the accident.
Lacerations are cuts and deep scrapes that cause a tearing away of the skin. Deep cuts call for stitches, and the dangers are primarily in blood loss and infection. Scarring can result in emotional distress, particularly if it is in the facial area.
Concussions and Spinal Injuries
Concussions or any form of brain injury can cause lasting brain damage, coma and/or loss of function. Even seemingly minor concussions should be taken seriously and receive medical evaluation and care.
Spinal injuries, often requiring the expertise of a dedicated spinal injury lawyer, can cause paralysis and result in life-long injuries. These are the cases in which the attorney will seek extensive compensation from the insurance companies. The discomfort, rehab, and therapy can continue for life in certain situations.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are painful and take a long time to heal. Whether the break is simple or compound, pain and disability will complicate the accident victim’s life, for which compensation should be sought.
We Are Highly Familiar with the Wild Peach Village, TX, Area
Our Wild Peach Village attorneys know the area and the dangers of two major highways nearby. Highway 36 and Highway 332 are among the most dangerous for car accidents. We also have experience litigating cases in Brazoria County.
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 Wild Peach Village area. This helps us gather the facts in your case efficiently. We have experience representing clients all over the Houston area, including Brazoria County.
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 costs 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 particular 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 Wild Peach Village Today
There are a multitude of reasons to consult with a car accident lawyer serving the Wild Peach Village area as quickly as you can. Aside from the peace of mind that 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 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 ]