Auto Accident Lawyer
in Houston, Baytown and Galveston, Texas
10 Common Questions About Auto Accidents
1. I have been in an auto accident. What is the first thing I should do?
First, call the police, by dialing 911. At the scene of the accident, be sure to obtain the name, address, license number, and insurance information from the other drivers involved, as well as all witnesses. If you are injured in an accident, it is important to seek treatment immediately. Sometimes serious injuries do not cause immediate pain. If you experience even minor pain after an auto accident, you should see your doctor immediately.
2. An insurance adjuster for the other driver just called me, and asked me to give a “tape recorded statement” about the accident. Whose side are they on?
Not yours. The other driver’s insurance company has two goals: first, they want to protect the interests of the driver who caused you injury, and second, they want to pay you as little money as possible.
3. Should I give the “tape recorded statement” that the insurance adjuster for the other driver is requesting?
Although the insurance adjuster who calls you may give you the impression that you are obligated to give statement, you are under no obligation to give a statement. If you were injured, or if you are partially or totally at fault in the accident, you should contact an auto accident lawyer prior to deciding whether or not to give a statement to an insurance company.
4. I have been injured. Who will pay my medical bills?
If you have “medical payments” coverage in your auto insurance policy, you will be able to have your bills paid under that coverage. If you have health insurance, the health insurance should pay for your bills. Your health insurance may file a lien on your case, so that you may be required to pay these liens from your settlement. Your auto accident lawyer can help to negotiate these liens.
5. Who will pay for the damage to my car?
Initially, the at fault driver’s insurance should pay if liability is clear and they accept responsibility. If not and you have your own insurance, your insurance company will pay to have your car fixed or will pay you the value of the vehicle as a total loss. If you are not at fault in the accident, your insurance company will seek to be reimbursed by the insurer of the driver at fault. If you do not have collision insurance, and you are not at fault, the insurer of the driver at fault should pay for your property damage.
6. Who will pay for a rental car while my car is being repaired?
Generally, once the insurance adjuster for the other driver has investigated the accident and determined that the other driver is at fault, the insurance company for the other driver will pay for a rental car while your car is being repaired.
7. Can I get money for my pain and suffering?
Upon convincing proof to the insurance company of your pain and suffering, most insurance companies will agree to pay for pain and suffering damages. Proof of pain and suffering is one of the most challenging aspects of an automobile accident claim, and often requires witness statements and doctors reports to support the claim.
8. The auto accident was a short time ago, but the insurance company is offering me money now. Should I take it?
Be very careful. Insurance companies make a profit by keeping money and investing it, not by paying it to injured victims. An early offer may not fully compensate you for your injuries, especially if you do not know yet the full extent of the injuries. Remember that once you accept the offer of the insurance company, they will pay you no further money. This will be true even if you later discover that your injury is worse than you thought.
9. If I hire a lawyer, what will the lawyer do for me?
Your auto accident lawyer should help you to find a doctor who is trained in treating patients with injuries; help you to have your car repaired; interview and obtain statements from all witnesses to the accident; research the law that applies to your case; preserve the evidence of your damages in a way that will be admissible in court if it is necessary to go to trial; advise you as to the value of your claim through research as to settlements and verdicts of other cases similar to your own; prepare a detailed and convincing settlement brochure to present to the insurance company to obtain a fair settlement of your claim; and, take your case to trial if necessary in order to obtain fair compensation for you.
10. I would like to talk to a lawyer, but I cannot afford one. What can I do?
If you have a case and I represent you, you will not have to pay me a legal fee unless and until I recover money for you. It will cost you nothing to meet with me to determine whether I can help you. Call me. My office number is 713-228-8888. I would be glad to talk to you.
Free Auto Accident Consultations in Houston
Providing Comprehensive Legal Representation to Clients in
Houston and Throughout the Texas Gulf Coast
Marc Whitehead & Associates – Attorneys at Law, L.L.P.
5300 Memorial, Suite 725 | Houston, Texas 77007
Houston: (713) 228-8888
Fax: (713) 225-0940
Toll Free: (800) 562-9830
