PERSONAL INJURY
Is a term of art used to describe circumstances where a person is injured by the negligence of another. Injuries can occur suddenly, and without warning, often causing extreme financial hardship for the victim. When a person is engages in negligent or reckless driving, they are liable for any damages resulting from their actions. Almost 60,000 automobile accidents happen everyday on Texas roads. Under the law, the injured person is entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, loss of earning capacity, and medical expenses among others.
When someone is involved in a car accident, suddenly they are faced with a wrecked vehicle, lost wages at work, mounting medical bills along with other expenses. Compounding this problem, is the fact that these driver’s have to deal with insurance companies who have no desire to be fair and properly compensate an accident victim. Insurance companies are “for profit” businesses who exist to make money, not to treat accident victims fairly. Their goal is to pay you the least amount possible for your car accident claim, while collecting as many premiums as possible. Don’t end up receiving nothing or far less than what your car accident claim is worth. People who have skilled accident attorneys who know how to fight against the insurance companies often end up with more in their pockets then those who try to handle their own claims. A fair car accident injury settlement should take into account everything that the injured person has been through, and The Axel Law Firm will do everything possible to make sure that justice is achieved. If you’ve been involved in an automobile, or 18 wheeler accident, let the Axel Law Firm work tirelessly on your behalf, to get you the compensation you deserve to help you in your time of need. We don’t get paid unless you paid, and we charge nothing to evaluate your case.
We understand that being in an automobile accident can be an extremely painful and financial stressful ordeal. That's why we've posted the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below. In addition to the information on this webpage we suggest that you use the convenient "free case evaluation" page on our website to set of free consultation. Not only will you get to find out what we can do for you, but we you will also be added to our mailing list enabling to receive free informational materials that will help answer any additional questions you may have about the car wreck claims and the insurance industry. The Axel Law Firm PLLC is here to help! Contact us right now!
We understand that being in an automobile accident can be an extremely painful and financial stressful ordeal. That's why we've posted the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below. In addition to the information on this webpage we suggest that you use the convenient "free case evaluation" page on our website to set of free consultation. Not only will you get to find out what we can do for you, but we you will also be added to our mailing list enabling to receive free informational materials that will help answer any additional questions you may have about the car wreck claims and the insurance industry. The Axel Law Firm PLLC is here to help! Contact us right now!
Do I really need an attorney for my car accident claim?
The resounding answer is yes. The number one reason why you need a skilled Houston car accident attorney is because we can put more money in your pocket, then you could get on your own. The insurance company is not in business to treat your car accident claim fairly. They’re in business to collect as many premiums as possible, while paying the least on any accident claims. Insurance companies love people who handle their own claim because they know it result in them paying a lot less money. Unless you’ve handled many car accident claims before, you don’t all of the legal traps and maneuvers that insurance adjusters use against you, and you may end up agreeing to take far less than what you should, or worse have your claim outright denied. A skilled accident attorney knows how to properly establish liability, how to properly value and put together a claim, and how to deal with the trained adjusters and lawyers employed by the insurance company. Additionally, a person with a lawyer carries the threat of a lawsuit. When your case is handled by a skilled accident attorney, insurance companies know that getting sued and losing will likely be more costly than if they just pay a fair settlement for your claim. You have nothing to lose by contacting us. We only get paid, if you get paid, so call today, or fill out the case evaluation form to have us look at your claim.
What should I do if I'm in a car accident?
If you are involved in an automobile accident, first check to make sure that everyone is okay and that there are no injuries. If there are serious injuries, then its best to call an ambulance. If none of the injuries appear to be serious or life threatening, then call the police and file an accident report. Keep in mind, that if the accident occurred on private property, then the police may not come since it is purely a civil matter and they cannot enforce traffic laws on private land. While waiting for the police, get the name, license plate, driver’s license number, and insurance information from the other driver(s). Also try to get the name address, and phone number of any potential witnesses. Lastly, if possible use a camera or your cell phone to take pictures of the scene, the damages to both vehicles, and the parties involved. I have encountered situations where a person who was intoxicated and had a suspended license attempted to have the passenger say that they were driving while that person fled the scene. That's why it is very important to document as much as you can photographically.
How soon after the accident should I hire a car accident attorney?
You should hire a Houston car accident attorney as soon as possible especially in accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities. In order to get full compensation for your claim, everything needs to be documented properly including medical records, missed time from work, vehicle damage, as well as evidence establishing liability. Your attorney can also assist you with finding a physician to treat you if you can’t afford one. If you wait too late, certain crucial steps may be missed resulting in you getting less than fair value for your claim.
Since the accident wasn’t my fault, should I notify the other driver's insurance company of the accident?
It’s highly recommended that you hire a car accident attorney and let him handle the communications with the other driver’s insurance company. The insurance companies have paid, trained adjusters whose will record your words so that they can try to twist and misrepresent what you say in an effort to deny you the full and fair value of your accident claim.
Should I speak with the other driver’s insurance company if they contact me?
No you shouldn’t speak with them and you are under no obligation to do so. Politely decline to speak with them and ask that they contact your attorney if they call you. Do not discuss the accident with them as they may try to lead you into saying something makes liability unclear, minimizes your injuries, or otherwise reducing the value of your claim.
I have been asked by the other driver’s insurance to authorize the release of my medical records. Should I agree?
You absolutely should not agree to this. They may try to use the records to highlight prior injuries and conditions, and claim those as the source of your pain and not the accident. Always discuss your case with a Houston car accident attorney and never agree to anything with the other driver’s insurance company.
I don’t think I’m injured, should I still see doctor after being in automobile accident?
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS GO AND SEE A DOCTOR AFTER BEING IN A CAR ACCIDENT, EVEN IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE ONLY SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES OR NONE AT ALL. OFTEN TIMES, INTERNAL INJURIES CAN TAKE SEVERAL DAYS, OR EVEN MONTHS BEFORE SYMPTOMS OCCUR. EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY FEEL FINE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ACCIDENT, YOU STILL MAY HAVE SUSTAINED INTERNAL INJURIES. THIS IS WHY ITS VERY IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. IF YOU WAIT TOO LATE TO GET TREATMENT, THE INSURANCE COMPANY MAY CLAIM THAT YOUR INJURIES DIDN’T RESULT FROM THE ACCIDENT AND OCCURRED LATER. YOU WANT TO GET FULL COMPENSATION FOR YOUR INJURIES, SO ALWAYS GET PROMPT MEDICAL TREATMENT. IF YOU’RE HAVING DIFFICULTY FINDING A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BECAUSE OF COSTS, CALL TODAY AND FIND OUT HOW WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO ASSIST YOU IN BEING TREATED.
The insurance company is arguing about my injuries. What do I do?
A. Insurance companies exist to make money, and they don't stay in business because they pay every victim what the victim believes their claim to be worth. Very often they will refuse to compensate you reasonably for your injuries without having skilled car accident attorney representing you. It's their goal to pay you the least amount possible for your injuries. When you hire an experienced accident injury attorney to pursue your Texas car accident case, your attorney will know how to use medical experts and his legal expertise to establish your injuries in a court of law.
My accident caused me to have to take time off from work. Can I be compensated for this too?
Absolutely. Someone else’s negligence shouldn’t cause you lose out on wages and have to use up your precious time off. If the accident was not your fault, you should be able to get reimbursed for time you missed at work do to your injuries and medical treatment. Be sure to document any time off that you miss from work, and ask your employer to provide any supporting documentation as well. This is a process that we will be more than happy to assist you in.
If I was a passenger, can I still pursue a claim?
Yes you can. If you were a passenger in the at-fault driver’s car, then you can pursue a claim against the insurance company of the driver of the car you were riding in. If the accident was the other driver’s fault, then you can pursue a claim against the other driver’s insurance.
What's my case worth?
A. There are many different factors that have to be evaluated in order to properly place a value an accident claim. These factors can include medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, permanent scarring and or disability, as well as policy limits. If the case looks to be headed towards a trial, then one also has to consider the likelihood of punitive damages, the degree of recklessness of the at-fault driver’s conduct, the county where the suit is filed, and many other factors. A skilled Houston car accident will know how to collect all the necessary facts and information to properly value your claim and present it to the insurance company so that you receive the compensation to which you are justly entitled too.
If you have any questions about your injuries or legal rights following a car accident, please contact The Axel Law Firm PLLC for a free consultation.