After the whiplash of a car accident, you’re likely in pain and still spinning from the horror of it all. You are injured, your vehicle sustained damage, and devastatingly, life feels like it’s in pieces on the pavement, likely mirroring your car after the accident. After a car accident injures you, contact Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC’s personal injury attorneys for your free consultation. Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC’s car accident attorneys have the professional experience to help you pick up the pieces and put your life back together so that you can look forward.
What to do immediately after a car accident
First and foremost, hopefully, you got to safety after the accident by getting off the road. Someone contacted law enforcement to aid you, whether by getting you medical help, calling for a tow truck, or providing a statement for the police accident report.Limit conversation with the other driver and passengers
Stay calm and collected when getting the other driver’s information and limit the conversation. Gather driver and passenger names, contact information, and an insurance provider if they have insurance information to provide to you. If they don’t have insurance, don’t worry, you may still recover compensation.Gather photographic and textual documentation.
Make detailed notes of what happened. Include who was involved, how it occurred, where it happened, what time and day the accident happened, and any other details you can add. Be as specific as possible and complete documentation while the accident is still fresh in your mind if your injury allows, or dictate your recollections to someone else who can write or record them. Take pictures of your vehicle or have someone you trust to do it for you. Take exterior and interior photos of all damaged property. Take photos of all injuries.Get medical care
Even if you feel fine after the accident, go to your family doctor, the emergency room, or a clinic. By receiving medical care after your accident, you can ensure you haven’t suffered non-visible injuries such as internal bleeding or brain trauma. These injuries can cause more serious concerns if left untreated.Contact insurance companies and file a claim
Get the process started with the insurance companies. Likely, if you were in an accident, it damaged your vehicle or other property. Begin the process to file a claim. If you need to file a medical claim, you can begin the process but don’t give any information about your medical care/records until speaking with a lawyer first. Often, insurance companies will try to twist what you say to avoid paying. Let a lawyer review your case before giving out too much information. Tell the insurance company you will discuss medical details after speaking with your attorney.Don’t discuss details of your accident or medical care with others
You can eventually discuss the details with others, but until then, only speak to a lawyer about the accident. By not speaking about the accident to others, you will protect your claim.The more documentation, the better!
Keep a file with all the documentation you collected since the accident. Your file should include a detailed copy of the accident report obtained from your local law enforcement office. Include all documentation describing medical care you’ve received due to the accident. Records can build a case so you may receive financial compensation. Place all documentation you compiled in one central location. Include medical statements, police reports, insurance claim information, any driver and witness information obtained, medical receipts, and personal entries documenting the incident, and its effects on you, your health, and your day-to-day life.Revisit medical providers for follow-up appointments
To heal properly, return to the doctor for all follow-up appointments and document each appointment. Track expenses accrued for medical treatments, and retain all receipts or bills from office visits such as co-pay fees. Keep pharmacy receipts and notes on your recovery. Many involved in accidents worry about medical costs. It’s easier said than done but try to focus on the big picture -- remember, your health could be at risk, and medical compensation could pay these costs. Make it clear that your health is your priority after the accident.Talk with a personal injury lawyer about your case
Our lawyers offer free consultations over the phone. Texas’s statute of limitations for car accident claims is two years from the injury. Don’t wait this long to hire a car accident lawyer. Complete a consultation with us. If possible, have all documentation ready for review.Understand different types of compensation
You may recover many types of compensation after your accident. All car accident and injury cases are different, so let the car accident attorneys at Lorenz & Lorenz review your case to determine what financial compensation you may recover after the accident.
- Medical expenses from the past, present, and future include medications, hospital visits, medical devices, surgeries, therapies, follow-up appointments, and all other health costs that aid in your recovery medically, mentally, and physically.
- Property Damage can include your vehicle, phone, or other items that suffered damage from the accident. You can claim compensation for everything damaged or lost.
- Lost Wages: If you had to take time off from work for healing, appointments, or other reasons relating to your accident, this compensation may apply to your case.
- Pain and Suffering can affect your daily life in many ways. Compensation is a possibility.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Financial help is available to those who’ve lost the ability to enjoy life because of an accident.
- Scarring and Disfigurement are physical reminders of an accident, and they have a lasting effect physically and emotionally. You have the right to compensation.
- If you’ve experienced any form of Humiliation or Embarrassment, these forms of mental anguish may garner some compensation.
Understand why people hire car accident lawyers
- To gather evidence. Your car accident attorney knows the evidence that will strengthen your case and how to organize this evidence for a clear case.
- To create a compelling argument. A car accident lawyer knows how to use your evidence to create a compelling argument, creating a positive outcome for their clients.
- To negotiate with insurance companies. Car accident lawyers know how to negotiate on your behalf. and they understand the language of insurance company claims and settlements. They will get you the best possible outcome for your case.
- To manage court dates and legalities. If it must be settled in court, your car accident lawyer will be able to represent you by guiding you through the process required by law.
Know how working with a car accident lawyer can help your situation
Although every accident and every injury is unique, working as a car accident lawyer should be able to assist you in your situation by offering help in the following ways.Injuries and damages can be costly
Call a lawyer to determine if you have a case. Paying for injuries and damages out of pocket can hurt one’s finances. Medical bills add up quickly when severe injuries occur.Insurance companies are notorious for not wanting to pay
Insurance companies often find loopholes or ways to avoid paying damages after a car accident. Don’t fall for their arguments against your claims. Don’t let them take advantage of you. A lawyer understands how to advocate for clients with insurance companies to get insurance claims pushed through to help clients receive their deserved compensation.A focus on healing is key
By giving your case to someone with experience in managing, our team will care for your legal concerns while you heal your body and mind.Get the best compensation package possible based on your case
The personal injury lawyers at Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC have experience working with thousands of car and truck accident victims and injured clients throughout Texas.Determine when you should hire a car accident lawyer
- If you suffered a physical injury due to a car accident, hire a car accident lawyer to help you get compensation to assist with the costs associated with your injuries, and medical bills.
- If you are handling a dispute involving a liability with the insurance company.
- If you experience push-back with an insurance company involving a medical claim, hiring a lawyer to deal with insurance negotiations is easier than doing so yourself.
- If you’ve experienced any type of emotional distress that you’ve never experienced before your accident, it may be time to hire a lawyer.
Common Reasons for Accidents in Texas
The most common accident types include distracted driving, speeding and reckless driving, impaired driving, roadway damage, auto part defects, and fatigued driving.- Distracted Driving: As smart technology takes over in vehicles as our navigators, DJs, and personal assistants, distracted driving accidents become more commonplace. Although these technologies help, they can cause accidents if drivers aren’t aware of their surroundings or how to use these technologies with care. It only takes a second to have an accident.
- Speeding and reckless driving can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
- Impaired driving causes accidents due to the impaired driver suffering from reduced brain function, impaired thinking, unclear reasoning, and slowed muscle reaction times. Impaired driving includes using substances such as marijuana, illicit drugs, some prescription or over-the-counter medicines, and/or alcohol while operating a vehicle.
- Roadway damage can cause drivers to lose control due to poorly maintained roads, signs, etc.
- Auto part defects, such as faulty brake systems, electrical systems, and steering systems, malfunctions with windshield wipers, accelerators going out at the wrong moment, and faulty airbags all can cause accidents that lead to injuries.
- Fatigued driving leads to reduced attention to the road and surrounding conditions and creates slower reaction times in drivers. If a driver falls asleep at the wheel, the resulting accidents and injuries can be devastating.
What are the most common car accident injuries?
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) can range from concussions to severe brain damage with lasting effects.
- Spinal cord injuries can often lead to paralysis or other long-term mobility issues.
- Broken bones are common in high-impact collisions, often requiring surgeries, follow-up appointments, and physical therapy, all lending to a lengthy recovery.
- Internal Organ Damage requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal depending on the severity, specific organ damage, and access to medical care.
- Lacerations and bruises are common and lacerations can cause lasting scars. These injuries are most often the result of debris, glass, and the force from the accident.
- Emotional Trauma includes PTSD, anxiety, and depression following the traumatic event. Emotional trauma shouldn’t be taken lightly as it can negatively affect your day-to-day life after the accident.
Hire an attorney
A Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC car accident lawyer will assist you in negotiations, settlements, and managing expectations with insurance companies. It can be time-consuming and frustrating to deal with insurance companies, so allow a Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC car accident lawyer to handle the details.What’s the next step? Contact Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC Injury Attorneys for Your Free Consultation
Why Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer at Lorenz & Lorenz Accident & Injury Lawyers PLLC means you can rest easy knowing that our legal team will give you the support and resources needed so you can focus on healing. While healing, you’ll know our team will get you the compensation you deserve after your car accident. We only focus on accident victims so we are well versed in the latest laws and trends of injury litigation.
