Car accidents are unfortunately very common in Houston, TX. Whether you were at fault for the accident or not, a car accident can lead to a range of consequences, from injuries to property damage to the problem of replacing a wrecked car. If you’ve been in an accident and believe you are entitled to compensation, it’s generally a good idea to contact an auto accident injury attorney.
Five Ways an Auto Accident Injury Attorney Can Help You Get Full Compensation for a Wrecked Car
So, what can an auto accident injury attorney do for you? The first thing you need to know about a personal injury lawyer is that your legal team has a vested interest in looking out for your rights to fair compensation for all damages related to the accident. This means you will likely be seeking compensation for injuries related to the accident, as well as compensation for personal damages like a totaled car. A few ways an attorney can help you include:
1. Knowledge of Houston, TX Road Rules
The rules of the road are integral to the success of your case. Which driver was most responsible for the accident? There are several circumstances that may contribute to a car accident, but by far the most relevant is a violation of any legal rules of the road. For example, accidents that happen because a driver was operating a vehicle while intoxicated are a major violation of road laws.
Cell Phones
One of the most common causes of an auto accident is distracted driving, and by far the most common cause of distraction while operating a vehicle is the use of a cell phone or smart device. Texting while driving is illegal in all areas of Texas and some areas may ban the use of phones at all. Talking on the phone, texting, using certain apps, or even using a GPS have all been known to cause car accidents.
Intersection
Intersection collisions can happen due to traffic light errors, confusion about the right of way at stop signs, and even unsafe roads. Collisions that happen at intersections can be very dangerous and can involve more than two vehicles. Collisions that happen at intersections can be caused by speeding, running red lights, unsafe weather conditions, and vehicle malfunctions. Motorcycles are at particular risk for this type of car accident.
Reckless Driving
Reckless or dangerous driving is another common cause of car accidents. Reckless drivers may go over the speed limit or willfully violate common rules of the road due to haste, road rage, or other recklessness. Reckless driving can lead to catastrophic accidents, including wrecking a vehicle.
Other Violations
Even driving without functioning headlights is considered dangerous, particularly if the accident occurred during nighttime hours or in an area where there weren’t many street lights. Operating a vehicle safely requires all parts of the vehicle to work properly, including the headlights and tail lights. Not only are broken lights on a vehicle a traffic violation, but they can be a cause for serious accidents.
2. Gather Evidence
Gathering evidence is a crucial component of building your case. Evidence for a car accident can refer to a variety of things, such as photographic evidence, video evidence, witness testimony, forensic vehicle analysis, accident reconstruction, expert testimony, medical records, and more. The evidence relevant to your case will paint an accurate picture of how the accident occurred, who was most at fault for the accident, and how injuries were sustained related to the accident.
A wrecked car can be very convincing evidence. In a car accident, the vehicle will show the obvious signs of damage that occurred because of the collision. When a car is wrecked, it will either need to be scrapped due to severe damage or it will be taken in for various repairs. Not only should you have compensation for the damage to your property, but you should receive compensation that will allow you to replace a wrecked vehicle.
3. Organize Records
Your medical records, particularly the treatments you had and any ongoing treatments you may need, are compelling testimony for your suffering related to the accident. Extensive medical records prove the seriousness of your injury and lend credibility to how much your injury has negatively impacted your life, particularly if your injury led to temporary disability, permanent disability, loss of job, or loss of wages.
Furthermore, medical treatment is inherently expensive. When you receive treatment for injuries related to a car accident, you should not be responsible for paying exorbitant medical bills – especially if you will have ongoing treatment, such as physical therapy. When your attorney files your case for you, they will seek compensation for these bills.
4. Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are often very reluctant to offer a fair settlement in car accidents, especially if one driver argues that they are not at fault for the accident. If an insurance company contacts you with a settlement offer, you should immediately contact a legal representative to determine whether or not this offer was fair for the damages you suffered as a result of the accident.
If your legal team believes the insurance company gave you a low-ball offer, they will negotiate for a higher settlement on your behalf. If the insurance company refuses these negotiations, your case will be taken to court so the evidence can speak for itself and so you can get the compensation you deserve.
5. File Legal Documents
There are several legal documents that may be involved in a car accident claim, particularly when the case needs to be settled in court. Your legal team will file the relevant motions and other documents that are necessary to keep your case moving forward. Legal documents need to be filed correctly and on time so your case is not dismissed from the court.
Your auto accident injury attorney will also advocate on your behalf during court proceedings. The evidence for your case will be used to support your claim and secure the most appropriate compensation for your injuries and personal property damage. Your lawyer will also fight for compensation for factors such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity
- Permanent or temporary disability
- Loss of life
Can Compensation Replace a Car?
If your vehicle was wrecked by a car accident, then you may want to know whether or not the driver or an insurance company will replace your car. The answer is a little tricky. In general, your settlement will be calculated to only provide compensation for your damages if they were repaired or the value of the vehicle if it was totaled. Because vehicles depreciate in value, you may not be able to buy a brand new vehicle with your compensation.
If you’ve been in a car accident, then hiring an auto accident injury attorney is the best move you can make for your financial recovery. A lawyer will put your personal interests first so you can secure fair compensation for your injuries and property damage, including compensation for a wrecked car. For more information about getting the compensation you deserve after an accident, please contact Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in Houston, TX for a consultation today.