Houston Car Accident Lawyer Guide
Jul 30, 2022 | Read Time: 9 minutesIf you’ve suffered an injury in a car accident, you likely have significant medical bills and expensive repairs to your car. You should be focused on healing, not on fighting the insurance company for the compensation you’re rightfully owed. At Milano Law Group, we know how important it is for you to get just compensation, and we want to advocate zealously on your behalf. Types of Accidents We Handle Our legal team is experienced in handling many different types of accident claims. While you focus on resting and recovering, our attorneys will deal with the insurance company to get you a top-dollar settlement. We’ve handled many types of cases, including: Rear-end collisions T-bone and side-impact collisions Head-on collisions Sideswipe accidents Rollover accidents Single-vehicle accidents Multi-vehicle accidents Commercial car accidents Common Causes of Car Accidents We never mean for accidents to happen, but they do. There are a few common behaviors that lead to car accidents: Distracted driving – Distracted driving is the top cause of car accidents. Most often, people think of texting and driving when distracted driving is brought up. Texting and driving is a major cause of distracted driving accidents, but there are other ways that a driver can become distracted, such as eating, talking to passengers, or changing the radio. Speeding – Many people drive over the speed limit, but doing so drastically increases your odds of being in an accident. By speeding, you cut down the time you have to react, which means you’re more likely to get in an accident. Driving under the influence – Operating a vehicle when you are under the influence of any drugs or alcohol may cause impaired judgment and slower reaction times, which can lead to accidents. Failure to follow the rules of the road – Accidents are often caused by drivers who don’t follow posted road signs or traffic lights. Always be alert to the signs around you and make sure to always stop, yield, and go the right way in traffic, especially at busy intersections. Tailgating – When you fail to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, you run the risk of getting in a rear-end collision. Common Injuries From Car Accidents Unfortunately, car accidents often lead to serious injuries. These injuries may involve hospital visits, surgeries, and multiple follow-up doctor visits, all of which can be expensive. Some of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents are: Brain injuries – Traumatic brain injuries, also called TBI, occur when the brain is damaged by an impact to the head. Car accidents are the leading cause of these types of injuries. Spinal injuries – The impact from a car accident can cause injuries to your spine. Unfortunately, spinal injuries can be incredibly severe and can lead to paralysis, either partial or total. Neck injuries – Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from car accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. Whiplash can happen at speeds as low as 15 mph, which is part of the reason it is so common. Internal injuries – Internal injuries, like internal bleeding, can be caused by car accidents and frequently need emergency treatment. Burns – Vehicles contain gas, oil, and hot surfaces. After accidents, it is common for the victims to suffer severe burns, some of which may require surgeries or skin grafts. Breaks and fractures – From collar bones to ribs to legs, breaks are all too common in car accidents. Some breaks or fractures may simply require a cast, while others require surgery and have lengthy recovery times. PTSD – PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) can also occur from severe car accidents. Accident victims may require mental health treatment after the accident to help with PTSD. No matter what your injury is, you deserve compensation. Let us help you get top-dollar compensation to cover all of the medical expenses associated with your injury. Steps to Take After a Car Accident If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, there are a few things you can do to ensure your safety and make sure you have the evidence you may need to get compensation for your injury. Step 1 – Seek medical attention. Remember, your health and safety are both number one. Make sure you seek appropriate medical attention. Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, you should be evaluated by a medical professional. Many injuries, like whiplash, take time to show symptoms. Step 2 – Call 9-1-1. Let the dispatcher know you’ve been in an accident and stay at the scene until the officer arrives. Even if the accident is minor, you should still call the police and get an accident report. You may not know the full extent of your injuries or the damage to your vehicle on the scene, and an accident report will be critical if you need to pursue legal action. Step 3 – Exchange information. If you’re able, get the information of anyone involved in the accident. From the other driver(s), you’ll want to get their name, license plate number, contact information, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their contact information as well. Your attorney may need to speak with them about what they saw. Step 4 – Collect evidence. Make sure to take photos of the damage to your car, the other cars, and any visible injuries. If you can, leave the vehicles where they are until the police arrive. If it is unsafe to leave the vehicles, try to snap a few photos before you move them, so there is photographic evidence of the scene. You should also write down everything as you remember it. Your memory will fade over time, and you want to have the most accurate details written down. Step 5 – Don’t talk about the accident. Accidents are traumatizing experiences. You may be frustrated at the other driver or upset about your injuries. That’s understandable, but try to avoid talking about the...
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