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What Are My Rights If I Was in A Car Accident?

Our experienced Houston car accident lawyers fight for you

Car accidents happen all the time, in Houston and throughout Texas. A car accident can turn your life upside-down in an instant. Suddenly, you are left injured and in need of medical treatment. You can’t work and there is less money coming in. Many people aren’t sure what to do next.

The car accident lawyers at Smith & Hassler know that being hurt in a crash can impact you physically, emotionally, and financially. If your accident was caused by a negligent driver, you have the right to seek financial compensation for the damages you suffered. We help you fight for that right every step of the way throughout the legal process.

Do I have to talk to the other driver’s insurance company?

You are not required to admit fault or make any statements that could be used against you later. If you were involved in a collision, an insurance adjuster may contact you with some questions. If you answer these questions, you could potentially jeopardize your case by inadvertently saying the wrong thing.

The attorneys at Smith & Hassler can handle all communications with the other driver’s insurance company, so they can’t use their tactics on you.

Should I get a lawyer for a car accident if I’m not at fault?

Recovering compensation after a car accident can be complicated. The negligent driver that caused your crash may have been speeding, texting, or driving recklessly. Negligent drivers often deny doing anything wrong and don’t accept responsibility for their actions.

"Smith & Hassler made the process simple and painless after I got into a car accident. Brian Stansell represented me on my case. He was both responsive and helpful throughout the process. Smith & Hassler made the process simple and painless after I got into a car accident. Brian Stansell represented me on my case. He was both responsive and helpful throughout the process." — Hien

Insurance companies are supposed to help after you’ve been hurt in a car accident. The truth is they are not on your side, either. Their main interest is in protecting their bottom line. To keep their profits as high as possible, they will try to pay you as little as possible. They use a wide range of tactics to try to limit your compensation.

That’s why you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. Our firm has an established record of excellence and a long track record of getting results. We want you to focus on recovering from your injuries as much as possible. Our lawyers handle every detail of your claim to fight for your right to financial compensation.

How will a Houston car accident attorney investigate my crash?

The attorneys at Smith & Hassler start by investigating your accident to get the facts. Our legal team gathers evidence and carefully reviews accident reports, medical records, and other documentation. We identify witnesses and interview them. If needed, we consult accident reconstruction experts and other specialists who can help us understand what happened.

If distracted driving was believed to be the cause of your crash, we may subpoena the other driver’s cellphone records to find out if they were texting and driving. We may also request video footage from nearby surveillance cameras, if available.

Can I collect evidence of my own?

If you were involved in a car accident, you can help streamline the claims process by collecting evidence yourself. If you’re able to, take pictures of the crash scene and include vehicle damage, vehicle positions, visible injuries, and other important details. You can also gather unbiased witness statements and contact information.

Additionally, you have the right to obtain the police report from the responding law enforcement agency. You can usually request the report in person, by mail, or, in some cases, online. Each agency might have its own procedure for requesting reports. Be prepared to pay a small fee for the report. The cost can vary depending on the agency.

I was hurt in a car accident. What damages can I recover?

If the other driver is at fault, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. Our lawyers determine the total damages you have suffered because of your car accident. You have the right to recover compensation for all these damages, which may include:

  • Medical expenses for your injuries (current and in the future)
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Property damage (the cost of repairing or replacing your car)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental or emotional pain or anguish
  • Disfigurement
  • Physical impairment
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of enjoyment in life

How does a Texas car accident settlement work?

You have the right to review and accept or reject settlement offers from the other driver’s insurance company. Once our attorneys determine the true value of your claim and gather evidence proving liability, negotiations for your settlement begin. If the initial offer is not satisfactory, our lawyers will advocate tirelessly for a higher amount.

Our law firm builds strong cases that insurance companies must take seriously. Many times, when they see that we are prepared to fight for your rights, they agree to negotiate a settlement that meets your needs. If they won’t negotiate, you have the right to file a lawsuit. Our attorneys will fight for you in court to get the compensation you deserve.

Many people worry that they may not be able to afford a lawyer. We believe cost should not prevent you from seeking justice. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We pay all the costs to move your case forward. And we only get paid if we win.

This helps level the playing field, especially against insurance companies with significant legal resources. Plus, it gives us a greater incentive to get the best possible outcome for your claim.

I was in a car accident, and I need a lawyer. What do I do next?

The attorneys at Smith & Hassler have been fighting for the injured in Houston since our firm’s founding in 1989. From the beginning, we’ve been focusing on fighting for the rights of clients who were hurt through no fault of their own. Every case is different, which is why we take the time to learn more about how your accident has affected your life.

Don’t delay. It’s best to get legal advice as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for taking legal action is two years from the date of your accident, but it can take months to build a strong case. Also, the longer you wait, the more likely it is that evidence will be lost and witnesses will forget important details.

Let us fight for your right to compensation. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Houston lawyers. Contact us today to set up a time that works for you.

Smith & Hassler

1225 N Loop W #525
Houston, TX 77008
Toll Free: (877) 777-1529
Local: (713) 739-1250
Map and Directions

 

10039 Bissonnet St Suite #214
Houston, TX 77036
(713) 804-6863
By appointment only

 

14200 Gulf Fwy Suite #103
Houston, TX 77034
(713) 929-2230
By appointment only

 

15201 E Freeway Service Rd
Suite 203
Channelview, TX 77530
(281) 559-6566
By appointment only

We're located in the Heart of Houston
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