Car accidents are a pain—figuratively and literally. Beyond the initial hassle of dealing with the insurance company (and holding back your irritation at the other driver), motor vehicle accidents often cause significant personal injury.
If you have been in a car accident, it’s normal to feel frustration, anger, and annoyance. After an accident, the most important thing you can do is channel these emotions into a positive outcome. If you have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, speak with a Lubbock car accident attorney as soon as possible.
We can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We are a national law firm based in Houston with multiple offices around the country. In most states, We also work with affiliate law firms that share our focus and dedication to excellence. No matter where you are located, we may be able to help you, so call or contact us now. We are open, for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-898-4877, or you may contact us now by clicking here to submit your case for review and talk to a member of our legal team.
Stewart J. Guss, Accident Injury Lawyers: Getting results when it matters the most
Car accidents almost always happen without warning. In just one second, your whole life can get turned upside down. One minute you are driving down the road minding your own business, the next, you’re left stunned, sitting in your vehicle, wondering what just happened.
At Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, we understand the loss that can come from a car accident. When you are in an accident, it doesn't just take a physical toll; it can also affect you emotionally and financially. That's why we use aggressive representation to get what you need to move forward with your life. With over 20 years in the industry, we know the tactics insurance companies use, and we'll proudly tell you we have plenty of experience beating them at their own game.
You’ve been in a car accident. Now what?
Car accidents happen at an unbelievable rate in Texas. A recent report from the Texas Department of Transportation found that one person suffered an injury due to a motor vehicle accident approximately every two and a half minutes! This means you need to know what to do after a motor vehicle collision.
Every accident is different, and you can never truly gauge how you will react when an accident happens to you, but there are a few things we always tell our clients to keep in mind:
- Stay at the scene: If there is anything you get from this, put this one at the top of the list. Never leave the scene of an accident. Not only is it illegal to leave the scene of an accident, but it can hurt your case. Accidents are very much a case of he-said, she-said. If you leave the scene, chances are, your credibility and your case will go straight out the window.
- Check on the other driver and exchange information: This is one of the cases where you need to use your common sense. In almost all cases, the first thing you should do is make sure everyone is okay and exchange information with the other driver. However, if you believe it is unsafe to leave your vehicle (including the other driver's behavior), lock the doors and call the police.
- Gather evidence: After a car accident, your word will only go so far to prove your case. Because chances are, the other party saw the accident entirely differently. The more proof you have, the easier your case is to prove. One of the best things you can do before leaving the scene is to take pictures. Be sure to include both vehicles and any evidence of property damage. It's always a good idea to snap a picture of the other vehicle's license plate while you're at it to prevent the other driver from denying they were even there. The next thing you want to look for is witnesses. If any other drivers stop to offer aid, ask for their contact information. If nearby businesses' employees or security cameras might have seen what happened, we can talk to them. Their testimony can provide an unbiased view of the events that led to the accident and help reconstruct what happened.
- Go to the doctor: This is not a time where you tough it out. When an insurance company looks at your claim, one of the biggest factors they consider is the degree of your injuries. If you downplay your pain or skip the doctor, the insurance company will question if you are hurt. So go to the doctor, get an exam, and disclose all of your symptoms.
- Call an attorney: Sure, you can open a claim on your own and try to fight to get the insurance company to cover the cost. But guess we wouldn’t suggest it. The insurance company doesn’t care about you. They may act like it, but their sole objective is to pay you as little as possible. And far too often, they get away with it. At Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, our job is to stop this from happening.
How to prove fault after a Lubbock car accident
After a car accident, the drivers rarely agree on who caused it. Even if the other driver clearly caused the accident, chances are, they'll try to find some way to pin it on you. And if you're lucky and the driver doesn't try to shift the blame, you can count on the insurance company to come after you.
Remember, insurance companies are in the business of making money. If they can find a way to shift the liability to you, they will. Because in the end, if they can cast enough doubt regarding their client's liability, they don't have to pay.
This is where our experience comes in. At Stewart J. Guss, Accident Injury Lawyers, it’s our job to stop insurance companies from taking advantage of innocent victims. When you work with us, you can have confidence that we have your best interest at heart.
After a car accident, there are several ways to prove fault. A few of our favorites include:
- Witness testimony
- Pictures or video evidence
- Accident reconstruction
- Medical records
- DMV records
- Phone records
- The police report
Who pays for my medical bills after an accident?
Medical bills are expensive. A recent report from the National Safety Council revealed the costs many drivers face after a motor vehicle collision. For accidents with “possible injuries,” the average cost per accident was $23,900. When you look at accidents resulting in disabling injuries, that number skyrockets to over $100,000. Given these numbers, it’s no wonder so many people question if they can afford a doctor.
After a car accident, you should never delay medical treatment for fear of cost. In Texas, there are several avenues available to help you get the care you need. At Stewart J. Guss, Accident Injury Lawyers, we’ll guide you through your options and connect you with providers that can assist you through your recovery.
Available resources may include:
- A letter of protection: Following an accident, it is common for healthcare providers to work with attorneys and their clients to ensure patients don't go without care. Under a letter of protection, the provider will treat you with the promise of payment after the case. Not all providers will accept a letter of protection, and those that do will each require a letter from your attorney. For this reason, keep your attorney involved throughout your care.
- Your health insurance: If you become injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault, your private insurance will pay in the same way they would in any other circumstance. Simply show your insurance card to an in-network provider.
- Your PIP insurance: All auto insurance policies in Texas automatically include personal injury protection unless you opt-out of it. PIP insurance covers your medical bills and lost wages after an accident. You are eligible for this coverage regardless of who was at fault and can use it immediately. In some cases, you may have additional medical care coverage through your auto insurance provider.
Will the insurance company cover any other costs?
Medical costs are typically the largest cost after a car accident. That said, there is so much more that comes with a car accident than medical costs. If you lose time from work, experience pain, or your relationships suffer due to the accident; you deserve compensation for your loss. When you file a suit against the other party, the insurance company has to consider these costs.
Common costs you may see as part of your car accident settlement may include:
- Medical bills: You should never worry about the cost of your care after an accident. The goal of any car accident case is to recover the cost of your medical bills 100 percent. This includes common costs such as doctor visits, medication, hospital stays, and additional treatments such as physical therapy, counseling, and chiropractic care.
- Lost wages: If you have to miss time from work because of your injuries, you should not have to worry about how you will pay your bills. If you cannot return to work, your attorney can help you recoup lost income in your final accident settlement. If the severity of your injuries permanently prevents you from returning to work, you may be entitled to future lost wages.
- Pain and suffering: Car accidents are painful in every way. In addition to physical pain, it is not uncommon for victims of car accidents to suffer from emotional pain and mental distress. Common complaints include physical pain, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. While you can’t put a cost on pain, the insurance company will consider the accident’s effect on your day-to-day quality of life.
How long does a car accident settlement take?
Negotiating a car accident claim is a game of balance. On the one hand, time is money. If you are out of work and don’t have any income coming in, urgency can quickly set in. On the other hand, to secure a fair and reasonable settlement, we have to have time to build a case that helps you obtain the best possible outcome.
Several factors may delay or expedite your case, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The availability of witnesses
- The responsiveness of third parties
- Any disagreements regarding fault
- Each party’s willingness to settle
Our goal is to settle your case out of court. This gives you the most control over the outcome. However, if we have to go to court, it will delay the resolution of your case.
Contact Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, to handle your car accident case
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can feel overwhelming. There will be times when you feel out of control. At Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, our job is to help you regain some of that control. For over 20 years, we have been fighting for our clients’ rights.
We can’t promise a specific outcome, and we can’t promise a certain dollar amount. What we can promise is giving our clients our full attention and aggressively fighting for justice. Our clients always come first, and as such, you’ll have access to a member of our team 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you or someone you love was in an accident, take immediate action and talk to one of our experienced legal professionals.
The legal team of Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, is nationally recognized for protecting the rights of injured victims for more than 20 years. If you suffered any car accident injury in Lubbock, call our office right now for a free consultation!
Because we take all of our car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, you will not owe us a dime unless we win your case. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so call us today at 800-898-4877 or contact us now by clicking here.
See what past clients have to say:
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"We received QUALITY service, reliable guidance and we are VERY satisfied with the outcome. Our treatment was both fair & honest; we highly recommend. If one word sums it up, the word would be Exceptional. “Thank you” for all you did!”
-Jeri B.