Talk to a Lawyer: Learn What to Do and What to Avoid
A young woman was in a serious car accident. She was so shocked by the experience that the day is only a hazy memory. She remembers the ambulance lights and the questions the police asked, but nothing more. Luckily, she was able to turn to the lawyers at the Law Offices of Tyler & Peery to learn what to do — and what not to do.
Our San Antonio, Texas, law firm has been guiding personal injury victims through the Texas legal system for twenty years. We use our in-depth experience to advise our clients, protect their rights and maximize the chances of success in personal injury or wrongful death litigation.
Things You Should Do After an Accident
If you have been involved in an accident, we encourage you to take photographs of the accident scene. Almost every cell phone has a camera in it nowadays, and the more advanced Smart Phones can take pictures of the same quality as a regular digital camera.
The pictures should show the weather conditions at the scene. They should show stop signs, traffic lights and other indicators. Also take pictures of skid marks, debris and other markings on the pavement. These can be analyzed by experts to determine how fast the cars were going and at which angles. Have pictures taken of your own physical injuries and any injuries to passengers. Finally, take pictures of damage to the vehicles.
You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Even if they only heard the accident and did not see it, their testimony may be helpful in court. People often do not know the true extent of the information they have processed.
Contact an attorney who is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization — contact the Law Offices of Tyler & Peery. Our lawyers can help guide you through the stages of a personal injury case and protect your interests.
Things You Should Not Do After an Accident
If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision, it is best not to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. Sometimes insurance companies do not have the injured parties' interests in mind. They are more concerned with the money they may have to pay out because of a negligent driver's actions.
Because of this, insurance companies play on person's emotions at times when they are most vulnerable — when they are recovering from serious accidents. The result? Victims end up accepting offers to have their "medical bills paid," when they are entitled to additional compensation for lost wages, needed accommodations, pain and suffering.
Never settle a claim before you know the full extent of your injuries and are fully healed. After you accept a settlement offer, you will not get a second chance to seek more money if you need it. So, if a small ache develops into a lifetime problem, you may be out of luck.
Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the other driver's insurance company. Contact a lawyer at the Law Offices of Tyler & Peery. Initial consultations are free and confidential. Our law firm represents people throughout Texas, including people in Dallas, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, and beyond.
