Car accidents happen every single day. After an accident, you may be left injured and experiencing financial difficulty. A car accident can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health, and these impacts may last for an extended period of time.
Fortunately, you may be entitled to receive compensation. Our Katy car accident lawyer at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is ready to provide exceptional legal advocacy to help you receive the financial recovery you deserve. Our team helps clients throughout Harris County, including the Katy area.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Katy, TX
After a collision you may feel shaken and unsure of what to do next. It is important to keep in mind that what you do following your accident can affect your claim.
Call 911
Once you’ve assessed any potential injuries, be sure to call 911 and request police and medical assistance. Police officers dispatch to the scene of the accident to collect information which is eventually compiled into a police report.
Seek Medical Care
If you sustain injuries in your accident, you should receive medical attention right away. However, whether or not you believe you’ve been injured, it is highly recommended that you seek medical care.
You may think you were not injured, but some injuries take time to surface. Medical attention from a healthcare professional may shed light on your injuries and their severity.
Once you are aware of the extent of your injuries, you can begin treatment. Keep in mind that your medical records will likely play an important role in your claim.
Gather Information and Evidence
As soon as possible after your accident, try to gather all possible information. This can include:
- Photos and videos at the scene of the accident
- The other driver’s contact and insurance information
- Witness contact information.
Document everything you believe may be important and useful for your claim.
Report Your Accident to Your Insurance Company
Car insurance companies expect to be made aware of any pertinent information regarding your vehicle, car accidents included. Contact your insurance company as quickly as possible to inform them of your accident.
Avoid Speaking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
After a car accident, you can likely expect the other driver’s insurer to contact you. They will want to ask questions and get your side of the story. You must not speak to them, as they will try to use what you say against you. Insurance companies are always looking for ways to limit their liability and avoid paying—do not give them any information without first talking to your attorney.
Consult with a Car Accident Attorney in Katy
Consulting with a car accident attorney in Katy can help give you the peace of mind you need. Your lawyer will ask all the right questions, answer any questions you may have, and give you an idea of what your ideal next steps should be.
How a Katy Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Your Lawyer Will be Your Best Ally
It is common to feel lost and stressed after a car accident. From beginning to end, your attorney will work with you to provide the best legal representation. You can feel confident knowing your lawyer has your best interests at heart.
Your Attorney Will Competently Handle Your Claim
Your lawyer will have many tasks on the path to getting you the most favorable outcome. Some of these important tasks include:
- Thoroughly investigating your claim
- Compiling relevant evidence
- Communicating with the insurance companies
- Engaging in settlement negotiations on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit, if needed
- Answering your questions and keeping you updated along the way.
Your lawyer will go the extra mile to get you the financial compensation you deserve after your accident.
Your Lawyer Will Help Fight for Your Right to Compensation
Along the way, there will likely be pushback and challenges on the route to compensation. Nonetheless, your attorney is experienced and knows how to handle these scenarios. Your Katy car accident lawyer at Terry Bryant will work diligently to get you the financial recovery you need while you worry about your physical recovery.
Why You Should Consult with Our Katy Car Accident Attorney
Not all car accident lawyers serving Katy are the same. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we try to set ourselves apart from the competition. We provide you with the compassion and understanding needed during a trying time. Our firm also aims to provide top-quality customer service and legal representation, from inception to completion.
Whether your case settles or needs to see the inside of a courtroom, you can trust our skilled and determined attorneys to get you the resolution you seek.
We Are EXTREMELY Familiar with the Katy, TX, Area
The hometown of Hollywood actress Renee Zellweger was originally called Cane Island. Shortly thereafter, the town became a whistle stop on the MKT Railway. Most people called this railway the K-T, and that name eventually became Katy. The area is home to several members of our legal team.
Two major freeways, Interstate 10 and Highway 90, run almost literally through the center of town. Katy is basically a gateway community. It’s one of the largest towns between Houston and San Antonio. So, there are lots of people pulling off these freeways and pulling onto them. All this movement often leads to serious car accidents.
If you suffer an injury because of the negligence of another driver, count on the team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law to understand the nuances of the road system in Katy. This helps us gather the facts in your case efficiently. We have experience representing clients in Katy in many different types of personal injury matters, including motor vehicle accidents.
Commonly Asked Questions After a Car Accident
What Type of Compensation Is Available After a Car Accident?
Generally, there are two main categories of damages for car accident cases: compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages aim to compensate you for your losses. They can be economic or non-economic in nature.
Economic damages are those directly related to your accident. They can include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages.
Non-economic damages are also related to your accident but may be a little more difficult to quantify. These include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of consortium.
Punitive damages are special damages assessed only in certain cases. These damages are used to punish and deter when a defendant’s extremely negligent behavior caused you harm.
Damages can be challenging to calculate, but your experienced car accident attorney will determine the fairest amount of compensation owed to you.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
There is no “average” car accident settlement amount. Because every car accident claim is different, there are certain factors used to determine how much your case would be worth.
These factors can include:
- The severity of injuries sustained
- The total cost of medical expenses
- The amount of property damage
- The total amount of lost wages
- Whether your actions contributed to your accident.
These and other details are weighed to determine the worth of your car accident claim.
Will My Case Go to Court?
Not every car accident case goes to court. Your attorney may initially attempt to settle your claim through negotiations. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may need to file a lawsuit to help collect compensation on your behalf. If your case cannot be settled, then it may go to trial.
Whether your case settles out of court or goes to trial, your attorney will represent you at all stages.
What If I Am Found to Be Partially at Fault?
Texas operates under a modified comparative fault standard. This law dictates that a person who is more than 50% at fault for their accident cannot recover compensation. However, a person less than 50% at fault is still eligible to recover for their accident. A complete investigation will help determine who is truly responsible for the accident and to what degree.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Usually, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. (*Always speak directly to an attorney to understand the exact deadlines that apply to your specific claim(s).) Twenty-four months sounds like a long time. But the months pass quickly, especially since your Katy car accident lawyer thoroughly investigates your claim. And there are usually some informal settlement negotiations with the insurance company before legal paperwork is filed.
Furthermore, evidence deteriorates over time. Since victim/plaintiffs have the burden of proof, it’s important to begin the process as quickly as possible. Any unnecessary delay could be extremely costly for you and your family.
Don’t Delay—Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer Serving Katy Today
There are a multitude of reasons to consult with a car accident lawyer in the Katy area as quickly as you can. Aside from the peace of mind having an attorney will give you, it will also give you the best possible chance at receiving fair compensation.
Contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law today at (713) 973-8888 for your free case review.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
