Insurance companies are not your friends. If you are injured in an accident, the insurance companies’ main objective is get out while underpaying your claim. If you choose to handle your own claim, the insurance company will try to intimidate you into accepting a minor settlement by repeatedly telling you that: (1) you are not really hurt; (2) the impact was minor; (3) you waited too long to get treatment; and/or (4) your injuries were caused by something other than your accident. The insurance company will go as far as downloading photographs from your social media posts in an attempt to show you are not injured even if you were in visible pain moments after. It may be a photograph showing you carrying your son, daughter, brother, sister, dog, cat, etc.

Hiring an experienced and dedicated personal injury attorney will help you obtain fair compensation for your particular situation and give you peace of mind by properly guiding you through the personal injury claims process. In short, you will be able to focus on getting better while we will focus on the rest.

When a person has been in an accident, it can be difficult to make smart decisions. Whether you have been in a car accident or suffered a severe injury due to a slip and fall, it can be an extremely stressful situation. When that injury is the result of negligence, it is important to file a personal injury claim to recover the proper amount of compensation to pay for your medical bills, damages, lost wages along with your pain and suffering.

Call us at (832) 433-7279 for a free consultation with one of our attorneys and to learn more about your claim, the compensation you may be entitled to receive, and how Hightower | Capellan can be of assistance.

1. If able, move your vehicle to a safe location. If not, turn on your hazard lights, exit the vehicle when it is safe to do so and move to a safe place. If you have an emergency kit, use its contents to warn other drivers.
2. Ask everyone who was in the car with you if they are okay and call for skilled help. Do not assume a person is not hurt just because they say so.
3. Call the police even if it is a minor collision. A police report can help establish liability and avoid a he said/she said situation. If the police do not show, file a citizen’s accident report as soon as able.
4. Exchange information with the other driver. You will want to get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, email, driver’s license number and insurance identification card. Take pictures of any identifying documents with your smart phone.
5. Take plenty of pictures and/or videos. Use the camera on your mobile to document the vehicle damage. The more pictures the better. Keep in mind that you want your photos to show the overall context of the collision. Take pictures from a distance to show the collision in its entirety and, if there are any skid marks, take pictures of those too.
6. If there are witnesses, try to get their information including their name, address, and phone number.
7. Do not post anything to social media regarding the collision.
8. If you are injured, seek medical treatment and consult with an attorney.

Remember, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against the party that caused you harm. Call us at (832) 433-7279 for a free consultation with one of our attorneys and to learn more about your claim, the compensation you may be entitled to receive, and how Hightower | Capellan can be of assistance.

1. Consult with an attorney that can help you determine your rights. DO NOT try to take on the insurance company on your own. Their main objective is get out while underpaying your claim.
2. DO NOT give any recorded or written statements to the insurance company. Consult an attorney prior to agreeing to any type of recorded or written statement. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
3. DO NOT automatically accept the estimate or appraisal given by the insurance company. Insurance companies will often try to get you to accept their estimator’s or contractor’s repair or replacement estimates, which might be a bit low. Under Texas law, you have the right to take your vehicle to the body shop of your choosing.
4. DO NOT sign any releases until you obtain legal advice. Insurance companies try to “swoop and settle” with injured persons in order to get out for pennies on the dollar. You may be inclined to accept a premature, inadequate settlement do to a tough financial situation but, remember, once you sign, your claim is OVER.
5. DO NOT deposit or cash any checks that say “Final Payment”
6. Do not post anything to social media regarding the collision. Insurance companies will use any and all posts against you.

Remember, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against the party that caused you harm. Call us at (832) 433-7279 for a free consultation with one of our attorneys and to learn more about your claim, the compensation you may be entitled to receive, and how Hightower | Capellan can be of assistance.