Houston car accident lawyers committed to justice

When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

Occasionally, people decide not to hire a personal injury attorney. This is often because they think lawyers are too expensive and the legal system is too complex. While you can represent yourself in your claim, it’s important that you realize what you’re up against.

When you don’t hire a personal injury attorney for your car accident case, Houston drivers leave themselves vulnerable to the legal teams representing insurance companies. These teams dedicate themselves to paying out as little as possible. They’ll take advantage of your situation, leaving you without the funds you need to move forward in life. Unfortunately, this is especially true when your case involves a serious injury.

Your Advocates after a Houston Car Wreck

At AP Law Group, we are your advocates in your fight for the future. Our job is to ensure no one takes advantage of you through an inadequate settlement from a manipulative corporation. As Houston auto accident attorneys, we handle the investigation, claims, and negotiations on your behalf. We never settle for less than you deserve. 

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Lowball Initial Settlement Offers

While it may be tempting to accept a settlement offer after your car accident, settlement offers made soon after a crash by insurance companies are usually the lowball offers. These offers are made because the insurance company knows that the injured need the money right then and there.

Hoping that you accept the bare minimum, because once you do, you cannot ask for more, that’s why we want to meet with you and help you review any settlement offers you receive. AP Law Group can advise you on whether we believe you should accept the offer or not.

Benefits of a Consultation with a Car Accident Attorney

Being involved in a car accident can be a terrifying experience, especially if an injury is involved. So much is coinciding that it is difficult to remember and process all the information.

That is why it is beneficial to contact a Houston car accident attorney no matter the severity of the injury. It can be overwhelming trying to decide on a lawyer. Some believe it would be simpler to handle the situation on their own. However, car accident claims can become more complicated than expected. 

When injuries are involved, several unknown factors may not come up until later. Hiring a Houston car accident attorney can assist with those hard-to-handle details of the case.

How an Auto Accident Attorney Can Help

There is a lot of information that goes into a car accident claim, which can be overwhelming. A car accident lawyer will relieve the stress from an already stressful situation by gathering the information needed. Injuries that occurred from a car accident can take days or weeks after a collision to flare up. 

A Houston car accident attorney can help confirm the details of any injury and get you compensated for any treatment that you may need later on that you may not have realized you needed in the beginning.

How to Prepare

When meeting with a Houston car accident attorney for the first time, it is imperative to prepare. Doing so will help save time during the meeting process. There are several things to bring when meeting the lawyer to help expedite the case.

Photo Identification

Be sure to have photo identification for all those involved in the accident. Qualifying identifications are state issues IDs, a driver’s license, Social Security number, or a passport. The Houston car accident attorney will want to be able to identify the parties involved accurately.

License Plates and Vehicle Brand

There are many similar vehicles on the market, making it far too easy to forget unique details. It is crucial to gather all information about all cars involved in the accident. Include the license plate number, the make and model of the vehicle, and the VIN if available.

Insurance Policy Information

Insurance companies take all the member’s information to determine certain factors of an accident such as liability. When meeting with a car accident lawyer, be sure to provide as much information as possible about the policy. Provide the declaration of coverage page, the policy number, and any medical coverage information, including Medicare or Medicaid cards.

Police Report

The report given by the police department is essential because it may have the additional information from the scene of the accident. If a full report is unavailable, make sure to provide the car accident lawyer with the police department that attended the scene and the report or incident number. The lawyer can pull the information and get all of the details.

Scene Photos

Photos taken of the damages to the vehicle or its surroundings will help paint a clearer picture of the accident. If on-the-scene photos are unavailable, images of the damages done are still helpful.

Medical Documents

Provide discharge papers from the hospital, including bills and an explanation of the medical benefits received. Follow-up appointments are often needed, including the contact information for any additional treatment that may occur along with any mediation prescribed.

Compensation Loss

If a loss of compensation occurred, provide the car accident lawyer documentation showcasing the loss of wages. Be sure to include contact information for the company and the hours or wages interrupted.

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Driving While Intoxicated in Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas as the saying goes. Unfortunately, that also applies to drunk driving. Texas leads the country in the number of drunk driving fatalities and in Houston alone the police arrest over 1,000 people monthly for alcohol-related driving offenses.

Drunk drivers cause untold pain and damage to those who are unfortunate enough to cross their paths, and those who are charged with drunk driving are vigorously prosecuted by the government. However, that doesn’t help the victims of their negligence.

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, you need a tough, no-nonsense Houston car accident attorney behind you. When you need help, call the offices of the AP Law Group.

Texas Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits

Under Texas law, a driver with a BAC of .08 percent or more is considered legally intoxicated. If law enforcement has reason to believe a driver is intoxicated, they have three ways of testing drivers. The easiest is by using a breathalyzer, which police carry in their cars. Drivers can also be tested via blood or urine, but this would require transport to a medical facility. 

A driver can refuse to take a breathalyzer test, but he does so at his peril as that refusal triggers a 180-day suspension of his driver’s license. Texas also has a zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21 who are found with any detectable amount of alcohol in their systems.

Texas No Refusal Weekends

Holiday weekends and weekends with major sports events usually result in an uptick in drunk driving incidents and arrests. Chemical sobriety tests are not allowed without a warrant, but on such weekends, Texas authorities conduct “no refusal weekends” where a judge is kept on call to approve automatic electronic warrants.

In these instances, if a driver is suspected of being under the influence, the electronic warrant allows the requesting officer to conduct a “search” of the driver and compel him to take a chemical sobriety test.

Texas Dram Shop Law

A Houston car accident attorney from AP Law Group may also pursue compensation under the Texas dram shop law. The Alcohol Beverage Code in Texas holds liable bars and retailers who served alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons if that person then goes on to cause injury or property damage directly after.

An experienced car accident lawyer with AP Law Group will do the leg work to make sure all parties responsible for your injuries are held accountable.

Why It’s Important to Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been in a serious accident, recovering from your injuries may demand your full attention. Our attorneys are experienced in dealing with many of the tricks that other lawyers use to try to get their clients off.

For example, it is not uncommon for police to videotape a drunk driving accident and arrest, which can provide useful visual evidence. Often their lawyers will ask that the tape be destroyed after the criminal case has been resolved. A car accident lawyer with AP Law Group will demand the tape be preserved.

Call a Houston Car Accident Attorney at AP Law Group

Alcohol consumption negatively impacts a driver’s judgment, coordination, concentration, reaction time, and vision, and no one should get behind the wheel if they have been drinking. And yet too many people do. As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you may suffer serious, long-lasting injuries as well as property damage to your vehicle. 

A professional car accident lawyer can present a complete picture of your losses to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. These losses may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, medications, child care, transportation, lost wages now and estimated in the future, pain, and suffering, and even punitive damages. Your Houston car accident attorney from AP Law Group won’t rest until justice is served.

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Personal Injury Protection in Auto Accident Claims

Personal injury protection is auto insurance coverage that caters to your wage loss, medical expenses, and other costs in case of a car accident. The insurance also covers passengers in your car who get injuries after the crash.

Personal injury protection varies in different states, and in most, it is mandatory to have personal injury protection insurance. If you are unsure of your state recommendations on PIP insurance, conduct a car accident lawyer to help you.

How Does Personal Injury Protection Insurance Work?

The insurance covers your injuries and passengers in your car no matter who is at fault. The insurance coverage applies even if you were not driving. For instance, if you were walking and got hit by a car, the insurance will cover your injuries.

If you are not well informed on the steps to take to get PIP benefits, a Houston car accident attorney will be helpful. PIP also covers:

1. Wage Loss

In case you are involved in an accident that has led to wage loss because you are not working, the insurance covers that. The benefits are also applicable if you were self-employed and have to hire temporary staff to perform your tasks.

2. Medical Expenses

Personal Injury Protection insurance covers all your treatment expenses. On top of that, it protects your health insurance deductions.

3. Essential Services

As the name of the cover suggests, “personal” insurance coverage will cater for the primary services you would perform if you had no injuries like house cleaning and childcare.

4. Survivor’s Loss

If you die in a car accident, personal injury protection insurance benefits will go to your surviving members to replace their lost income source.

5. Funeral Expenses

Personal Injury Protection insurance helps cater for burial or funeral expenses when one dies in a car accident. In many states, personal injury protection insurance for medical bills protects you and anyone else in the insurance coverage.

For other states, the insurance benefits cover you, your entire family, and passengers in your car during the accident, even if they are not part of the policy. 

Personal Injury Protection insurance comes first in your medical bill during an auto accident, while the other health insurance comes second. A car accident lawyer will help if you are unsure of your state PIP insurance requirements and coverage.

What is Not Covered in Personal Injury Protection Insurance?

Your Personal Injury Protection insurance policy is not responsible for:

• Medical expenses of the other driver involved in the car crash
• Property damages
• Any accident injury if you were at a crime scene and trying to flee from the police

While PIP insurance does not cover everything, you will want advice from a Houston car accident attorney on the appropriate insurance policy to cover you on the road.

When and How to File Personal Injury Protection Claim

One is eligible to acquire PIP insurance benefits within three months after the accident. However, it is advisable to report your injury expenses to the insurer as soon as you are out of the hospital bed. During the filing process, ensure you include all payment documentation, bills, receipts, and other useful documents to help in the process.

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Find a Houston car accident attorney to guide you through the entire procedure if you cannot handle it. You will receive compensation according to the level of your injuries and expenses.

• The insurance covers 100% of ambulance services, medical treatments, and funeral expenditures. It is essential to have documentation of these services and their cost and obtain appropriate documents from service providers to connect their services and the car accident.
• PIP covers 80% of wage loss due to a car accident and requires the injured victim’s car accident lawyer to prove their income before the accident and an assurance that their wage loss is due to the accident.

Many people involved in auto accidents do not have the right information on how to go about filing Personal Injury Protection lawsuits. A Houston car accident attorney helps give you the right quote for your accident and learn more about Personal Injury Protection insurance.

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When to Speak to Insurance Adjusters

Whether you are at fault or not, the other insurance company may reach out to you. The institution wants to gather information by talking to you. However, it is unwise to speak to the company yourself as this may jeopardize your compensation privileges depending on the information you give. 

No matter how clear it appears that the other individual was at fault, talking to their insurance company should not be a priority. Be cautious about the information you share when the institution contacts you. Involve your Houston car accident attorney to help you. Read through to understand how to approach such a scenario.

You are not Obligated to Provide any Information to a Secondary Insurance Company

The law does not compel you to speak to the other insurance company after an accident. However, prioritize informing your car accident lawyer or your insurance representative immediately. The situation revolving around the incident may determine the significance of speaking with the other company.

What Should you Do?

If you or any other person gets injured in a car accident, allow the other driver to contact their insurance institution as you do the same for yourself. Contact your Houston car accident attorney to answer any questions that the other company may be having concerning the incident. That way, you avoid making mistakes that may jeopardize your claims.

There are situations where you need to speak to the secondary insurance. However, take precautions, and if possible, allow your insurance representative or lawyer to do it on your behalf.

When Should you Speak to the Other Insurance Institution?

The scenarios under which you may engage the other insurance company are rare. If the other driver was at fault but not willing to cooperate, tell your side of the story to their company. Through your car accident lawyer, provide evidence proving that you were not at fault as the other driver may have claimed.

In such scenarios, it may take you longer to get compensated for any damages if you do not speak to the other insurance institution. Your lawyer or a representative from your insurance company engages the secondary institution on your behalf. However, this may not go well if the accident was not severe.

If the role of communicating with the secondary insurance falls in your hands, do it with complete precaution to avoid sharing sensitive information. Avoid saying things that make you appear guilty. If you were at fault, speaking to your car accident lawyer first is a better option.

What to Keep in Mind When Engaging the Other Insurance Company

Understand that the secondary insurance company will try to reduce the value of compensation to the minimum. That way, the agents will try to find evidence that implicates you. If they succeed in their scheme, your chances of getting the compensation you deserve are futile.

When talking to the company representative, avoid saying anything that may show inconsequential injuries or damages. Car accidents may cause injuries that might not seem severe at first. However, this may become serious later, requiring thorough medical attention. Do not overlook any injuries from a car accident.

Do not give information beyond what the representative asks. Give the account of what transpired in the accident without speculating or guessing. Avoid saying things you cannot prove.

If the other company asks for critical or sensitive information, demand to have your Houston car accident attorney or a representative from your insurance institution.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

It is usual for you to feel confused after a car accident. That may cause you to say things that complicate your compensation process. To avoid such, only talk to the other insurance company if you are confident enough. Do not hesitate to contact your Houston car accident attorney for any advice.

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When You Need Medical Assistance

In today’s society, car accidents happen every day. They are, unfortunately, common. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, you must contact an experienced accident lawyer.

There are a variety of reasons why people injure themselves or other people. It can be because they did not drive properly; it could also be because another driver was not driving carefully.

No matter the reason behind the car accident, you should always contact a lawyer to discuss your case.

Seek Immediate Care

If you are involved in a car accident, you should first get some x-rays to determine the injury to your body. It would help if you had a clear and good picture of the extent of your injuries.

Having this information will help your doctor or surgeon to make the right treatment decisions for your damage. The proper amount of medication should be given to you to recover from your injury.

After the accident, the first thing that you should do is to visit your doctor. You need to tell him or her about the details of the accident, including the names of the people involved in the accident and the names and addresses of all the medical facilities where you went to have your examination. It is important for you to immediately get medical reports after your car accident to avoid any complications. 

Attaining Medical Records

It would help if you also let your doctor know whether you plan to file a claim against the other party involved in the accident. In many states, the party that was at fault can be sued by the injured party or by the dead person’s family.

If you have insurance, you might want to call your insurance company to determine if there are any medical or rehabilitation services available for you. This should always be done, even if you are not sure that you have any insurance. There are many situations where you might be able to use these services after an accident has occurred.

What if I don’t have insurance? 

Even without medical insurance, it is still possible to get the appropriate treatment if you are injured in a car accident. If you can afford to pay for the medical expenses and rehabilitation on your own, then by all means, do so. But if you can’t afford to pay for the medical bills, your best option would be to get a lawyer to represent you. A lawyer would be able to find a way to cover all the expenses that you would incur during the recovery process. It is important to call a Houston car accident attorney soon after the accident if one is needed.

Hiring a Houston Car Accident Lawyer

If you get yourself a good car accident lawyer, then he or she will make sure that you have the maximum coverage possible. Your accident lawyer will make sure that you have the right kind of medical bills, rehabilitation, and so on. Some people think that there is a limit on how much they can get paid for their injuries. But this is not true. The court system will see just how much your pain and suffering actually cost you and will then give you the amount your insurance company should have paid for you.

In fact, the amount of money that your insurance company should have paid for you can be deducted from the bank account of your car accident lawyer. This is especially true if your insurance company had previously settled with your insurance provider and had decided not to fight the case. Your lawyer may negotiate with the company for a sum of money that is significantly higher than what your insurance company had initially paid you.

Of course, another thing you can do when you have an accident is to take the doctor’s minimum amount of medication prescribed. Take more medicine if you have severe injuries. But remember that taking too much medication could also make you prone to certain types of infections.

A car accident lawyer will consider these when determining how much money you should be receiving for your injuries. And because your lawyer knows all about these things, you will be able to focus on getting your total deserved compensation after an accident instead of thinking about what to do with the money you have.

Do You Need a Houston Car Accident Attorney?

If you are in a car accident, it is important to call a Houston car accident attorney immediately. A good Houston car accident attorney will be able to help you with your accident. If you are unsure about calling an attorney due to funds, make sure to call a Houston car accident attorney regardless; you may be able to find one willing to work at you.

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Uninsured Motorist Accidents

In most states, there are penalties for driving without car insurance. The penalties of being involved in an accident without car insurance are severe. Even though several states allow liability car insurance, drivers are operating without car insurance. In an approximation, one out of five drivers does not have liability car insurance.

Even though you are a conscious driver or pedestrian that follows traffic rules, you are vulnerable to accidents with an insured driver. On this occasion, a Houston car accident attorney is the person to contact to guide you on how to go about receiving compensation from the uninsured driver.

What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?

Let’s say you have a quick stop on the highways waiting for the green light, and suddenly you are hit from behind, which causes severe damages to your car and stroke. After packing aside, you get outside to examine your car’s situation and talk to the at-fault driver. You realize you also need a doctor’s visit because of your aching head or neck. You ask the driver for their insurance information, and they do not have one.

That’s disastrous, but as an informed driver, you know what’s best to do in such situations and follow the tips below when involved in an accident with an uninsured driver:

1. Call the Police

When involved in an insured or uninsured driver’s crash, the best idea is to call the police and contact a car accident lawyer. When dealing with an uninsured driver, it is more vital to call the police. Their report will be essential in making your lawsuit easier and getting the right compensation for your injuries.

2. Gather Details

Collect sufficient information as you can from the accident scene. Details and model of the car involved in the accident, the time, badge number, and name of the police officer at the location will be useful. Write all relevant details that will help you when working with an insurance company. Do not forget the details of a car accident lawyer.

3. Exchange Information

There may be no insurance information to collect from them, but getting their contact and vehicle details are essential. In case there were eyewitnesses, do not forget to get their contact information. A Houston car accident attorney would advise you on the same as the information will be useful during the lawsuit process.

4. Do not Accept Money

The driver at fault is not insured and is aware of the hefty fees they will incur. They will try offering you Money to avoid legal penalties. At this point, you are not conversant about what the injuries will cost even, so it is not a good idea. Brush it off and do not accept Money.

5. Take Pictures

Capture clear pictures of your car’s damages and the other vehicle, the driving direction of each car, traffic signs, and the other driver’s driving license. All details will be useful when filing a claim with a Houston car accident attorney.

Insurance Claims against an Uninsured Driver

Now that you have sufficient help from the accident scene, the next step is contacting your insurance company to update them about the accident. Ensure you tell them it was with an uninsured driver as that matters in the insurance process. The information you gathered above will come in handy when making claims in the following ways:

• They will require the location, time, and date the accident happened.
• They will ask for a detailed report of how the accident happened, the picture and information you took will be useful.
• Your Car accident lawyer, a representative in your claim, will ask for the other driver’s insurance information. Since there is none, provide their contact information.

Your car accident lawyer, a representative in your claim, will ask for the other driver’s insurance information. Since there is none, provide their contact information.

Many insurance companies and Houston car accident attorney ensures your claim process is convenient, hassle-free and smooth. They use an in-depth guide in the claim process to understand what happens after you file claims of an accident with an uninsured driver.

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How to File a Car Accident Lawsuit

Getting into a car accident can leave you quite devastated, significantly if there is damaged property or you have sustained severe injuries. Due process is essential to ensure you have all documents recorded and gone through a medical checkup to ensure you didn’t sustain severe injuries, if any, then they are addressed.

At this point, you’re not sure who to hold accountable for the damages caused by the accident. In most cases, motorists get the other drivers’ insurance details and contact them for negotiation, but it’s complicated when faced with a lawsuit.

Determining Fault with Houston Car Accident Lawyers

Various factors are used to determine who should be responsible for the damages. A car accident lawyer will advise you accordingly on the steps to take depending on the extent of the injuries.

Some of the factors used to determine who to sue include state laws, if the other driver has an insurance policy, and their insurance coverage. Get a Houston car accident attorney to guide you through the process to avoid costly mistakes out of ignorance or lack of information.

How to Claim Compensation

It would be best to do these several things once an accident has occurred and wish to claim compensation.

1. Determine Liability

The first thing is to determine who is at Fault; it will be difficult to get compensated for your injuries if you are. However, a car accident lawyer will help you assess your fault percentage and calculate how much you will get as compensation.

If you’re both at fault, then you can agree by involving insurance companies and your lawyers.

2. Contact other Party’s Insurance Company

Once affirmed that the other party was at fault, you have to contact their insurance company and place your compensation claim. This process is tedious, and you will need to hire a lawyer; hence you can get one from a Houston car accident attorney to help you with the process and ensure your rights are protected.

3. Understand their Insurance Coverage

Different insurance policies cover accidents differently depending on the cause; read through the other drivers’ policy or let a car accident lawyer do it. It helps you understand their policy cover since different car accident policies.

Understanding their policy will undoubtedly help you know if the insurance will compensate you if not agreed with the other driver how you will be compensated.

When to Sue the Other Driver

Even after having followed the due process, you may not get compensated; at this point, the wise thing is to file for a lawsuit and have the other driver accountable.

1. What if they Don’t have an Insurance Cover?

If a driver doesn’t have an insurance cover, you can sue them, but there’s no guarantee that you will be compensated since they may lack assets to draw payment funds.

However, you can claim with your insurance company under your uninsured benefits but keep in mind that this can’t exceed your primary cover.

2. What if They are at Fault?

According to a Houston car accident attorney, if an insurance company fails to compensate you even after making an economic recovery claim, you can file a lawsuit against the driver. Exercise your legal right to sue an at-fault driver for compensation of damages incurred and injuries sustained due to the accident.

After a Failed Negotiation with an Insurance Company

Most states don’t allow you to sue an insurance company directly; thus, if you have filed a claim and it’s not honored, you may sue the driver involved. Exhaust all options and file for a lawsuit that will help you recover compensation for damages incurred with a Houston car accident attorney.

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Medical Treatment Without Insurance

It’s not uncommon to require immediate medical treatment if you’ve been involved in a car crash. If the accident is serious enough, you may even be transported to a hospital or trauma center without your even knowing it at the time. 

If, however, you’ve been injured but are still able to get out of your vehicle and move around on your own accord, you should still seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Sometimes the seriousness of an injury does not show itself immediately. 

You’ll also want to have your injuries documented as they relate to the accident in case you need to file a claim later.

What If I Don’t Have Health Insurance?

Texas is an at-fault state. This means that the driver responsible for a crash is also responsible for damages for the injuries sustained. If the other driver in the crash was responsible for your accident, you may expect their insurance company to be billed immediately for the costs of your treatment.

Unfortunately, the wheels of justice don’t turn nearly so quickly. Initially, you will be expected to pay for your own treatment.

If you don’t have health insurance, you may be able to file a claim against your personal injury protection (PIP) policy. All Texas auto insurance policies are required to include PIP coverage, which can only be waived if the policyholder makes the request in writing. 

Additionally, some hospitals and medical providers may agree to hold off collection action for unpaid bills if your Houston car accident attorney makes them aware of the claim they are pursuing.

Faced with incurring heavy medical expenses, you may be reluctant to seek medical care. Despite those concerns, however, it is never a good idea to avoid treatment. Seeking immediate care will give you a better chance to recover fully from your injuries. 

In addition, if you later need to take legal action against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, your car accident lawyer will want documentation of all your treatment.

How Can I Make Sure the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company Pays?

Car crashes can be complicated cases, and there are times when an at-fault driver will deny responsibility. If you want the at-fault driver’s insurance to pay, you will need to first prove the driver was responsible for the accident and that the accident caused your injuries. You’ll also need to prove just how serious your injuries are. 

A Houston car accident attorney with AP Law Group can best negotiate a settlement that gets you the full compensation you need. And if the situation calls for it, a car accident lawyer from our firm will take your case to court and fight on your behalf.

Pursuing Medical Damages

Faced with incurring heavy medical expenses, you may be reluctant to seek medical care. Despite those concerns, however, it is never a good idea to avoid treatment. Seeking immediate care will give you a better chance to recover fully from your injuries. 

In addition, if you later need to take legal action against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, your Houston car accident attorney will want documentation of all your treatment.

I Need to Pay My Medical Bills. Should I Take a Quick Settlement Offer?

When it comes to paying for damages, insurance companies will always try to keep their payout to a minimum. They may also try to take advantage of your financial fears by offering to make a quick settlement. Don’t take it! 

In fact, it is best not to talk to them at all without a car accident lawyer by your side. Most of these offers are low-ball amounts that won’t nearly cover your expenses. If you’ve been injured in a car crash, see a doctor first. Then call an experienced Houston car accident attorney at AP Law Group. 

We’ll get you the full settlement you deserve.

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Questions We Hear from Injured Texans

Car accidents can be jarring, both literally and figuratively. This is especially true if you get injured in an accident. Suddenly, through no fault of your own, you can be left with nagging aches and pains that make it harder for you to do the things you love—or worse. 

If you have been injured in a car accident and need a car accident lawyer, you should contact a Houston car accident attorney right away. A car accident lawyer can help answer all the questions you may have about your case, including many commonly asked questions like:

Should I talk to the responsible party’s insurance company about the accident without a Houston car accident attorney present?

No, you absolutely should not talk to anyone else’s insurance company without your car accident lawyer present. If you do talk to another party’s insurance representative, what you tell them will likely be used against you down the road. You have nothing to gain and an enormous amount to lose. 

When you file a claim with another party’s insurance company, chances are good you will be asked to provide a recorded oral statement. If you agree to provide a statement, make sure your attorney is on the phone with you to control the conversation and to prevent the insurance adjuster from luring you into saying something damaging.

What all can I claim as damages in my personal injury case?

It is essential that you ask your Houston car accident attorney what all you can claim as damages in your personal injury case. You should be able to claim your medical bills, the cost of any medical equipment you have had to purchase, any wages you have lost if your injuries have prevented you from working, and both the past and future value of your pain and suffering. 

Your attorney will need documentation to support your damage claims, though, so be sure to keep copies of all your medical records, medical bills, and wage statements. 

How long will it take for my personal injury case to be resolved and for me to recover compensation for my injuries?

Unfortunately, the civil justice system often moves somewhat slowly. Even when you have a knowledgeable, experienced car accident lawyer on your side to keep your case on track your case could take anywhere from a few months to a few years to be fully resolved. 

Even after a settlement has been reached or a jury verdict has been rendered, there will still be payment-related issues for your attorney to help you sort out on the back end. Just stay calm and patient. 

Your lawyer will do everything possible to maximize your compensation and have it delivered to you promptly. Personal injury law is an arena in which your patience will be rewarded.

How much will all of this time and work cost me?

Incredibly, the representation you get from your Houston car accident attorney will come with no upfront cost. Rather than charging you a large retainer fee at the outset of the engagement or charging you by the hour and sending you a bill every month, your car accident attorney will not charge you a penny unless you ultimately recover compensation from the responsible party. 

After your case has been resolved, your lawyer will be paid out of your settlement proceeds or judgment proceeds. Since how much they make is directly tied to how much you make, this gives them a strong incentive to help you recover maximum compensation.

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Potential Damages in Car Accident Claims

Any responsible Houston car accident attorney will tell you that automobile mishaps carry the potential to inflict serious physical injuries resulting in economic distress and other major hardships.

Fortunately, however, you might be entitled to financial compensation from motorists deemed responsible for causing said incidents through civil actions called lawsuits.

Types Of Damages Car Accident Victims Seek

Your car accident lawyer at AP can tell you that all accidents are not the same. Naturally, severe incidents will likely result in more serious injuries and property damage. That said, vehicular collision damages often fall into categories, such as economic, non-economic, and exemplary.

Economic

A Houston car accident attorney stresses that economic damages are financial losses incurred as a result of the incident. Common examples include past, current, and future medical expenses, in addition to past and future lost income resulting from work-inhibiting disabilities.

Non-Economic

Your car accident lawyer maintains that definitions of this form of compensation, include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and mental turmoil potentially stemming from the inability to work or disfiguring or disabling injuries.

Exemplary

You might receive this type of reward, which is also referred to as punitive damages if you and your Houston car accident attorney can prove the alleged perpetrator deliberately caused the injury-producing incident.

Calculating Damages From a Car Accident

Your car accident lawyer cautions you to understand that involvement in a dust-up does not guarantee you will be compensated. Additionally, you cannot simply sue someone for large sums of money.

Success in a civil suit requires you to clearly document your injuries and demonstrate how you reached specific expected compensation figures. Ergo, a Houston car accident attorney strongly urges you to consult with an experienced legal professional possessing significant experience trying such cases.

As your legal representation, we will first assess your case and determine if your hold a legitimate argument against the accused party or parties. If so, responsible attorneys will formulate a strategy designed to place fault on the defendant.

That said, you play a notable role in this effort. Success in such endeavors often hinges on your ability to clearly explain the events leading up to the incident and providing as much evidence as possible. Credible proof includes photos offering visual evidence of vehicle damage, medical reports connecting your injuries to the accident, law enforcement reports, and eyewitness testimony.

Fault in Texas and How It Impacts Damages

Thorough execution of the preceding tasks is crucial because success in a civil proceeding is typically determined by how much fault you can place on the accused.

Car accidents are a facet of personal injury law. Personal injury law mandates that you demonstrate that the accused party committed some type of negligent action, this behavior resulted in the offending incident, your injuries are related to the accident and no other cause, and the compensation you desire is entirely connected to those injuries.

Moreover, your total compensation can be reduced by the amount of fault a determining authority like a jury or judge maintains you bore. In some cases, you might even be prohibited from collecting damages.

Modified Comparative Fault

Texas adheres to a civil theory known as modified comparative negligence. In other words, you are prohibited from receiving damages if you are ruled to be more than 50 to blame for precipitating the mishap.

Furthermore, your reward decreases for every percent of guilt you bear under 50 percent. For example, if you sued for $100,000 in compensation but were found to be 25 percent liable, your total reward would drop to $75,000.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Automobile incidents can result in serious pain and economic distress. However, when you hire a Houston car accident attorney from AP Law Group, we may be able to help you earn the compensation you need and deserve. For a free consultation, do not hesitate to contact our firm today.

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Attorney Fees and Contingency Fees

When you need to file a car accident injury claim, it’s important to decide whether you want to hire Houston car accident lawyers to represent you.

With a car accident attorney, Houston drivers see a significant difference in how much they’re able to recover for their losses. Numerous factors go into finding the right attorney, but the price might not be as important as you think. 

At AP Law Group, our auto accident lawyers work under a contingency fee agreement. Below, you’ll learn how these agreements work and other important aspects to consider. 

What Is a Contingency Fee? 

When you work with a Houston personal injury lawyer, you’ll find they often work with a contingency fee agreement. By far, this is the most common type of fee arrangement for attorneys who take on personal injury cases. 

Under this agreement, we don’t get paid unless we are able to obtain some form of financial recovery from your case. Typically, when we get paid, it’s a certain percentage of the total that we recover on your behalf. In terms of our industry, Houston car accident lawyers often work for a fee of one-third, or 33%, of the settlement. 

However, this can be subject to change based on the complexity of the case or the duration of the timeline. Oftentimes, the percentage for a contingency fee ranges from 20% to 40%. 

Additional Fees 

Attorney fees can be a complex matter, even once you understand the contingency basis that we work under as car accident attorneys in Houston. This is because we often have to factor in litigation costs and expenses that accrue as we resolve your personal injury claim. 

For car accident lawyers to litigate your case, you might see fees for things such as: 

• Court filings 
• Expert witnesses 
• Court reporters 
• Postage and mailing 
• Records, such as police reports
• Process servers

Over the course of your case, these fees can add up. Typically, they land around a few thousand dollars in simple matters. However, it’s easy for these fees to reach $20,000 or more. This may seem high. However, it’s important to remember that the settlements for these cases are often in the millions. 

Hourly Fee Options 

There are none. Our services are completely based on contingency. If you don’t win, we don’t win. It is that simple.

Retainer and Contingency

This is a hybrid approach in which you pay a retainer at the start of your case. If you win, your car injury attorney then receives a contingency fee. A “retainer” in this case is a lump sum that you pay as an advance of sorts. These range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. 

When the case ends, the attorney then takes the contingency fee, subtracting the retainer so that you aren’t paying twice. 

Contingency Fees and AP Law Group

At AP Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis. We understand the amount of stress that our clients are under. Oftentimes, attorney fees keep people from pursuing the compensation they deserve, and we don’t want more hurdles in your way. 

When you work with our Houston car accident lawyers, we fight to protect your future and help you secure the financial compensation you need to move forward. The damages we earn for you help cover the medical costs. These costs build up in addition to lost wages and other damages. 

To learn more about our fees, schedule a free case evaluation. 

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The Texas Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Lawsuits

Oftentimes, our Houston car accident lawyers encourage people to pursue personal injury claims immediately after an accident. However, people don’t always realize the extent of the damage done until later. How long do you have to file a claim after you are injured in a car wreck? 

Talk to a Lawyer Immediately

The statute of limitations in Texas is two years. However, it’s essential to meet with a car accident attorney in Houston as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder your case becomes. Insurance companies will make claims that your injuries are unrelated to the incident, leaving you in the lurch. 

Statute of Limitations in Texas

Per TEX.CIV. PRAC.&REM.CODE ANN. § 16.003(a) (West Supp. 2012), you must file a lawsuit for a personal injury no later than two years after the date the accident occurs. For car accident cases, there are limited exceptions for accidents that occur on a weekend or a holiday.

According to EX. CIV. PRAC. & 4–REM. CODE ANN. § 16.072 (West 2008), when the last day of a limitations period falls on a weekend or a holiday, the period for filing a lawsuit extends to include the next day county offices are open. 

However, it is essential for your Houston car accident lawyers to exercise due diligence when we serve the adverse party. Missing the date by a day can cause the entire case to be dismissed. Per Texas law, the plaintiff must exercise due diligence in the issuance and service of citation for car accident cases. 

That’s why AP Law Group places so much importance on personalized attention and service. We pay close attention to the details of your case to ensure no missteps are made. 

What if a Government Employee Caused My Car Accident? 

When you are injured or face property damage due to the negligence of a government employee in Texas, any claim you file needs to follow a very specific set of rules. For instance, if a city bus rear-ends your car, you must provide notice within a shorter timeframe, typically 6 months. 

Moreover, you must give the state a chance to respond to your allegations beforehand. Contact our car accident attorneys today to learn your options. 

Personalized Attention, Aggressive Representation 

After a car wreck, you need Houston car accident lawyers on your side. We understand how to get your case started properly and efficiently. At AP Law Group, our personal injury legal team is ready to fight for injured Houston drivers. We use our experience and expertise to ensure we litigate your claim correctly. 

Don’t risk your case with lawyers who don’t understand the process. Our auto accident lawyers are your go-to Houston personal injury law firm if you reside in the Greater Houston Area. We strive for complete client satisfaction and pursue your best interests until your case is closed. 

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation

When you’re unable to come in for your free consultation, we find a way to meet you where you are. If you experienced a car accident recently, don’t wait for the statute of limitations to run out. Our Houston car accident lawyers are ready to help you fight for your future. Call us today so that we can help. 

Our consultations and case evaluations are free and confidential. Moreover, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing until we win for you. 

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Auto Accident Investigations

Car accidents have serious physical, health, and financial consequences. Fortunately, if you are injured in such an incident, you might be entitled to compensation from the negligent driver who caused the accident.

However, any reputable Houston car accident attorney will tell you that accomplishing this sometimes requires an arduous process. Oftentimes, the first leg of this effort is known as an accident investigation.

The Investigatory Process

The first step of the investigation begins immediately with your Houston car accident attorney. To begin, we respond to any law enforcement agency reaching out to you about the accident. Whoever holds jurisdiction over the location of the incident will want to talk to you. We handle them on your behalf to ensure you have the space and time you need to recover. 

For example, if the accident happened on a roadway in a town or village, that municipality’s police force will cover the scene of the accident. However, should the incident occur on a county or state-monitored highway, those regional authorities would answer the call.

Upon arriving at the scene, responding officials perform basic procedures. 

• secure the site
• ensure those needing immediate medical attention receive said care
• commence their investigation.

If your car accident lawyer is on the scene, we help guide you through statements to ensure we avoid any admission of fault. 

What the Officials Do at a Car Accident Scene?

The presiding officials will carefully examine the scene. You might see them capturing photos, obtaining input from the involved parties, documenting eyewitness testimony, and cautiously retrieving and safeguarding any pertinent evidence.

After this initial investigation is complete, the officers will draft a report detailing their findings. This police report contains a considerable amount of data pertaining to the incident in question. It covers the date and time the mishap occurred, damage assessments, written renditions of the scene, underlying weather and roadway conditions, and statements from the involved entities.

Additionally, this report might contain what those officials believe caused the accident, how the collision took place, and which participant bears the most responsibility.

What Houston Car Accident Attorneys Do

When you hire an experienced Houston car accident attorney, they might also request a second, independent investigation. Though police reports are often thorough, they sometimes overlook key bits of information. Alternatively, they might not clearly paint the entire or most accurate picture.

Independent investigations, which are sometimes referred to as accident reconstructions, are executed by specially trained professionals. These individuals apply all of the available information in addition to physics and engineering principles. With this, they recreate the accident down to the smallest detail.

Your Houston car accident attorney uses the testimony offered by accident reconstructionists in your case. It provides a solid indication of what happened and who is to blame for your accident.

Why Are Accident Investigations Important?

Comprehensive investigation reports help juries and judges conclude fault in civil proceedings. Additionally, this evaluation is crucial to helping your car accident lawyer decide whether you have a legitimate chance of earning compensation in court.

As your Houston car accident attorney and legal team, we know that favorable outcomes in such cases hinge on our ability to prove that the negligent motorist acted in a reckless manner. Moreover, it is our job to prove that their actions resulted in the accident, the injuries you sustained could be tied to the collision, and the damages you look to recover are solely related to those injuries.

Furthermore, the level of fault you are assigned is paramount to your ability to recover damages. Texas follows a civil theory called modified comparative negligence. This mandate keeps you from receiving compensation if a judge or jury finds you greater than 50 percent to blame.

Moreover, your total reward is reduced for each percentage of guilt you are handed down. For example, perhaps you sued for $200,000 but were found 10 percent to blame. Your final reward will be lowered to $180,000 or 10 percent of the original figure.

Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation

Though it is often critical, the accident investigation process can be tedious and time-consuming. This is why we strongly urge those injured in a car accident to count on the experience of our attorneys. Let our team bear the weight of your case so that you have time to recover. For a free consultation, please call us today.

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Sobering Statistics

So long as there are cars on the road, there are going to be accidents. Because of this, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, individual State Departments of Transportation, and others will continue to compile statistics on them. 

Although sobering to digest, the data is useful in determining major causes of accidents such as speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and the effects of the weather.

Statistics are also compiled based on the types of crashes and the types and severity of injuries sustained in such crashes. And while there is no set formula for determining car accident settlements to victims, these figures can provide a window for a car accident lawyer when advising their client. 

If you’ve been injured in a car accident as the result of a negligent driver, an experienced Houston car accident attorney with AP Law Group can help you get the maximum compensation you both need and deserve.

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement?

Statistically, the average car accident settlement falls between $14,000 and $28,000, so the median settlement amount is $21,000. However, the more serious the accident, the more likely that number will skew higher.

In addition to factoring in wages lost and costs to repair or replace your vehicle when making a settlement offer, an insurance company will consider the types of injuries sustained, the plan of treatment, and the amount and length of therapy required. If your accident resulted in permanent injury, this should have a significant impact on the settlement also. 

While it is not cast in stone, it is not uncommon for insurance adjusters to multiply the final medical bills by a factor of anywhere between 1 and 5 with 3 being the average to provide a car accident lawyer with a general estimate of what their client can expect.

All that being said, it is impossible to measure your pain and suffering as the result of a serious accident, and a Houston car accident attorney with solid experience, like those at AP Law Group, will not only focus on the statistics of your accident but also on the personal and emotional toll it has taken on both you and those who depend on you.

What If the Settlement Offer Is Insufficient?

While a factor of 3 may be a reasonable settlement for some accidents, the nature and extent of your injuries may require a higher multiplier. Either way, in many cases an insurance adjuster won’t even start at that mid-range, especially if you don’t have good representation from a Houston car accident attorney.

Keep in mind that once you settle your claim, if you find the accident has impacted you far more seriously than you first thought, there is no going back to renegotiate your settlement. 

A car accident lawyer who is well-versed in accident claims can provide you with the guidance you need to determine if the offer made is reasonable and sufficient or whether they should negotiate for a higher payout.

Why You Need a Houston Car Accident Attorney With AP Law Group

Many accident victims are under the misconception that they only need a lawyer if they are going to take their case to court. That is simply not the case. It is in the insurance adjuster’s best interests to offer the lower acceptable settlement. 

It’s in your best interests to maximize your settlement and an experienced car accident lawyer with AP Law Group can best negotiate that for you.

However, if you do need to take matters to court, you’ll be glad you have a Houston car accident attorney with AP Law Group in your corner.