According to a recent National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, there are approximately 29.4 million emergency department visits for unintentional injuries in a given year. If you’ve been in an accident, you may be left in pain and wondering what steps to take next. Your number one priority should be recovery, but you may need to take legal action to recoup the compensation that you deserve.
If you find yourself in this situation, the Law Office Of Joseph Onwuteaka, P.C. can help. As a seasoned personal injury attorney with extensive experience helping clients get back on their feet, I’ll walk you through each step of the legal process. The sooner we get started building your case, the easier it will be to obtain pertinent information and testimony. I proudly represent clients in Houston, Texas, Harris County, and the surrounding area.
Steps to Take After an Accident
The first, and most important, step is to seek medical help immediately. You may feel completely fine and think that you have not sustained any injuries, but many seemingly minor accidents, such as a slip and fall, can result in hidden injuries that you may not know of until you have seen a medical professional.
After you have seen a doctor, you’ll want to notify the police. Reporting your accident to law enforcement will be integral to your case if you take legal action.
Now it’s time to start collecting documentation that can aid in setting the scene where your accident occurred. Depending on the type of accident you were involved in, you may want to collect accounts and information from different parties. For example, if you have been in a car accident, it is important to get the information of any other drivers involved. If you were involved in a slip and fall in a place of business, like a grocery store, you should obtain any available video evidence that may have been taken of your accident, as well as eye-witness accounts of any bystanders. In any case, having your police report and medical documentation will be necessary.
The key to collecting this documentation is that you do so immediately. Video footage from local businesses and eye-witness accounts become harder to obtain as time passes. Even your own account of the incident may lose clarity if you wait to take action. Hiring an attorney early on can help you get ahead of these necessary steps while you focus on recovering.
Once you have collected all of the necessary documentation for your case, you’ll want to notify your insurance, file an insurance claim, and ultimately hire an attorney. A personal injury attorney will fight for you to receive the damages you deserve. Insurance companies will try and settle for the lowest amount possible. Having someone on your side that understands personal injury laws and what you’re entitled to recover, will help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries and any future ramifications.
Potential Pitfalls in a Personal Injury Case
A personal injury case can be a complex matter. There are a myriad of factors and possible pitfalls that you will want to avoid. Hiring an experienced attorney can help you navigate legal landmines that you may not detect if you go at it alone. Here are some examples of unforeseen setbacks you may encounter:
- An uninsured driver
- Unexpected costs
- On-going medical costs
It is important that you confirm with your doctor that your medical costs are final, otherwise you may be met with bills that you are not prepared for. Additionally, if you’ve found yourself in a settlement situation, you may be tempted to accept a lowball offer. As your attorney, I will fight for adequate compensation for your injuries.
The statute of limitations may also be a factor you need to consider while you pursue your personal injury case. In Texas, any lawsuit arising from an accident or injury must be filed within 2 years.
Don’t let any of these potential hurdles keep you from pursuing justice if you’ve suffered an accident. Contact the Law Office Of Joseph Onwuteaka, P.C. today to speak to me about your accident. Waiting to act could lead to a reduced potential to recoup damages.
Don’t Wait. Take Action Today.
Whether you have been in an auto accident, suffered a slip and fall at your local grocery store, or been generally personally injured due partially to the negligence of others, then it is necessary that you reach out now. I have over 30 years of legal experience defending clients just like you in Houston, Texas, Harris County, and the surrounding area. Don’t take on the legal process alone. Schedule a consultation with the Law Office Of Joseph Onwuteaka, P.C.today, and get back on the road to recovery.