Car accidents, even those that are seemingly minor, can be traumatic and stressful experiences. You may not understand what to do next or how to protect your best interests. You may also not know that you have certain rights after a crash. This is particularly true if you were not at fault for the accident. 

It is critical to protect your rights after any crash. Knowing the steps to take can help protect your rights, strengthen any personal injury claim you file afterward, and help you claim the full compensation you are entitled to. A Houston personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights after a car accident.

The Right to Remain Silent

Many people associate the right to remain silent with individuals who have been accused of a crime. While alleged offenders have the right to remain silent, accident victims do, as well. It is important that you exercise this right after any crash. You are required to exchange your contact information and insurance details with all other drivers involved in the accident. However, you should not provide any further details than this. 

Do not admit fault, talk about your injuries, or say anything more than necessary after an accident. In the future, your words could be taken out of context and used against you to show that you caused the accident, even if you did not. Before speaking to anyone, including the insurance company, or signing anything, always contact an attorney.

The Right to Contact Police

In Texas, you are required to report any auto accident to the police immediately if it resulted in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. Even if your crash does not meet any of these thresholds, it is still a good idea to call the police so they can visit the scene.

A police report will include the officer’s assessment of the accident scene and it may even indicate admissions of fault by other drivers involved. When filing a claim, the police report is often a useful piece of evidence.

The Right to Document the Crash Scene

You also have the right to document the scene of the crash. This means you can take photos and video footage of the entire crash scene, your injuries, closeups of the damage to any vehicles involved, and pertinent details such as skid marks on the road or a stop sign the other driver ran through. 

You also have the right to locate any witnesses who saw the accident occur and ask them for their names and contact information. Eyewitness statements provide valuable evidence, particularly when there is a dispute regarding who caused the accident or the extent of the injuries involved. Obtaining their information at the scene is critical so your Houston personal injury lawyer can contact them in the future.

The Right to Medical Attention

Protecting your health and well-being is the main priority after any accident. If you were hurt in the crash, you have the right to seek medical treatment for your injuries, and it is critical that you do. This will ensure that your injuries do not become worse. It will also provide medical documentation that proves the nature and extent of your injuries. This also provides strong evidence that can prove your claim, so you obtain the full and fair compensation you are entitled to.

Even if you do not believe that you were hurt during an accident, it is still recommended that you seek medical attention as soon as possible afterward. Many injuries are hidden, meaning that they do not show symptoms right away. Concussions and whiplash are two very common types of hidden injuries. A doctor can examine you and detect these injuries so you obtain the medical treatment you need.

Lastly, if you do not seek medical attention after a car accident, the insurance company will use this against you. They will argue that you could not have been injured as severely as you claimed because you did not see a doctor.

The Right to an Attorney

You also have the right to an attorney after a car accident. Many people think they do not need an attorney because the insurance company will provide them with the compensation they need. Unfortunately, this is not usually true. 

Insurance companies are more interested in protecting their own profits than in paying accident victims the compensation they need to recover. They use many strategies to deny accident victims full damages. For example, they may ask you for a recorded statement so they can use your words against you. Or, they may ask you to sign a medical release so they can look through your medical records for a pre-existing condition they can blame for your injuries instead of the crash.

An attorney will know the tactics insurance companies use and how to combat them. Additionally, studies have shown that accident victims who have legal representation obtain three times the amount of compensation as accident victims who are not represented by a lawyer.

The Right to Compensation

If another driver caused your accident, you should not have to pay for your medical bills out of your own pocket. You also should not have to suffer because you cannot return to work to earn a living. You will also suffer a great deal of pain and suffering, and may not be able to perform the daily tasks you once did, or enjoy the hobbies and activities you once loved. These are all losses you should not have to suffer due to another person’s negligence.

Under Texas law, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to recover the damages you have suffered. A lawyer can accurately value your claim and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf so you obtain the full compensation you deserve.

Call Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston for Help with Your Case

After a car accident, our Houston personal injury lawyer at Integrity Law Group, PLLC, can advise you of your rights and ensure they are upheld so you obtain the full and fair settlement you are entitled to. Call us now at (832) 280-8874 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to get the legal help you need.

When it comes to estate planning, many people believe they only need a will. Although a will is an important component of any estate plan, you should also consider other important documents. A power of attorney is one of these.

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you, known as the principal, to designate someone you trust, known as the agent, to make decisions on your behalf in the event that you are incapacitated or absent and unable to make decisions on your own. There are many different types of power of attorney in Texas, including a durable power of attorney that allows an agent to handle your finances or a medical power of attorney that allows someone to make health care decisions for you. Below, our Houston estate planning lawyer outlines the importance of powers of attorney.

Why Draft a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is critical when ensuring that an entrusted person can manage your affairs if you are ever unable to do so yourself. If one is not in place, your loved ones may have to petition the court for guardianship, which can be an expensive and lengthy process. The many benefits of drafting a power of attorney are as follows:

• Plan for incapacitation: The main reason people draft a power of attorney is so they can be prepared for an unexpected injury, illness, or other incapacitation, such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
• Avoid court intervention: Many people assume that if they suddenly become incapacitated, their family members can immediately start making decisions for them. Sadly, this is not true. The court will need to appoint a guardian who can then make decisions on your behalf. The guardianship process involves background checks, legal fees, and the ongoing supervision of the court. A properly drafted power of attorney can help your family avoid this stressful and lengthy process.
• Ensure your wishes are respected: When the court appoints a guardian, it may not align with your wishes. By drafting a power of attorney, you retain control over who will make decisions on your behalf and can ensure you designate someone you trust implicitly.
• Manage financial affairs: A durable power of attorney allows your agent to make important financial decisions on your behalf. They can pay your bills, manage your bank accounts, file your taxes, and handle real estate transactions and insurance claims. This is helpful if you own investment property and need to travel abroad, and ensures that your mortgage is paid and that your utilities keep running if you become incapacitated.
• Make medical decisions: A medical power of attorney, also known as an advance directive, gives your agent the authority to make healthcare decisions on your behalf when you are unable to communicate your preferences yourself. Your agent can make decisions regarding treatment, surgeries, end-of-life care, and more, and ensure your medical wishes are respected.
• Provide peace of mind: A power of attorney can give you the peace of mind that your wishes will still be respected in the event that you become incapacitated or are absent. These legal documents can also provide your family members with peace of mind, as they will not have the burden of making decisions on their own.

Legal Requirements for Powers of Attorney in Texas

Although drafting a power of attorney has many benefits, you and your loved ones can only realize them if your document is drafted properly. To do this, it is important to work with a Houston estate planning lawyer who can ensure you meet the legal requirements. These are as follows:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have the mental capacity to draft the documents, which means you understand their purpose and potential impacts.
• The document must be in writing.
• You must sign the document in the presence of a notary.
• You must include explicit statements regarding the powers you are granting your agent. General statements are often not sufficient for certain types of authority, such as managing real estate.
• You must include language stating that the document remains effective even if you become incapacitated or disabled.
• If your agent will have the power to manage real estate transactions, the document should be filed with the county clerk in the county where the property is located.

Certain types of powers of attorney, such as medical powers of attorney, must also be signed by two witnesses. These witnesses must both be at least 18 years of age and cannot be the designated agent, a relative or spouse of yours, your primary physician, an employee of your primary physician, your residential care provider, or anyone who has an interest in your estate.

How Can a Houston Estate Planning Lawyer Help with Your Power of Attorney?

You are not required to work with a Houston estate planning lawyer when drafting your power of attorney. However, it is always recommended that you do, as having a knowledgeable attorney on your side has its own benefits. A lawyer can help with your power of attorney in the following ways:

• Provide expert legal advice, ensure your document meets the legal requirements in Texas, and help you determine which power of attorney is right for your situation.
• Ensure the document reflects your wishes in clear language.
• Help you choose the right person as your agent, as well as the fiduciary duty they have to you.
• Protect you against power of attorney abuse.
• Explain the potential legal implications of naming a power of attorney.
• Represent you in court if your power of attorney is challenged.

Call Our Estate Planning Lawyer in Houston Today

If you need to draft a power of attorney or other legal documents, our Houston estate planning lawyer at Integrity Law Group, PLLC, can help. Call us now at (832) 280-9197 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can ensure you have the protection you need today, and in the future.

Personal injury cases are often challenging to navigate, and they can be very complex. A very important element that can drastically change the outcome of your case is the use of expert witnesses. The testimony of expert witnesses is used as evidence, and it can provide critical insights that clarify the facts and strengthen your case. When working with a Houston personal injury lawyer, you will have access to their network of experts who can provide the crucial evidence you need.

Who are Expert Witnesses?

Expert witnesses are professionals who have specialized experience, knowledge, or skills in a specific field that is applicable to the case. The role of an expert witness is to provide the court with an informed opinion that can help judges and juries better understand complicated issues such as financial losses, accident reconstructions, and medical diagnoses.

Expert witnesses differ from eyewitnesses. Eyewitnesses can only testify about what they actually saw happen. Expert witnesses do not have to see the accident or be involved in it at all. Instead, expert witnesses rely on their expertise and professional knowledge to clarify certain facts of a case.

Types of Expert Witnesses

There are a number of different types of expert witnesses used in personal injury cases. Each provides valuable insights into different elements of personal injury claims. Personal injury lawyers have a vast network of expert witnesses they rely on, with some of the most common including:

• Accident reconstruction experts: Accident reconstruction experts are used in personal injury cases to determine how an accident occurred. These professionals analyze evidence such as damage to vehicles, skid marks, witness accounts, and more to provide a detailed explanation of the accident, which helps prove liability and fault.
• Medical experts: Medical experts are often called on in personal injury claims. These professionals can describe the nature and severity of different injuries, the treatments necessary to help patients recover, and the possible impacts on your health now and in the long term. The testimony of a medical expert can also prove the direct link between the act of negligence and the accident, which is critical when proving your case.
• Vocational experts: Vocational experts can testify about how your injuries affect your ability to return to work and perform the tasks related to your employment. They can also outline any future prospects for employment and whether you need additional training, education, or accommodations. This is an important part of valuing the damages you suffered regarding a loss of earning capacity, particularly if you cannot return to the same line of work.
• Economic experts: Economic experts evaluate the financial losses associated with your injuries, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, and your future earning potential. Their evaluation can help determine the total economic losses you have suffered so you can receive the full compensation you deserve.
• Life care planners: Life care planners can testify about the future medical needs you will require, as well as the cost of that care.
• Engineering experts: Engineering experts can provide testimony about how a product was defective and caused injury or the structural failures of a property in a premises liability case, such as a slip and fall claim.
• Mental health experts: Many accidents involve psychological trauma or emotional distress. Mental health experts offer testimony regarding the impact of the accident on your mental and emotional state. This testimony can establish the non-economic losses you have suffered, such as loss of enjoyment of life or pain and suffering.

Your case may require some or all of the above expert witnesses. A Houston personal injury lawyer will be able to advise on which experts will be most helpful after reviewing the facts of your case.

How Can an Expert Witness Help with Your Case?

Expert witnesses can help with your personal injury case in a number of ways. These include:

• Clarifying complicated issues: There are often complex factors involved in accident cases. However, educating juries and insurance companies is critical so they have a better understanding of your injuries and how they are impacting your life. Expert witnesses can simplify these complicated issues and provide context and clarity so your case is stronger and more compelling.
• Calculating damages: It is not always easy to determine the full extent of damages accident victims suffer. An expert witness can help judges, juries, and insurance companies understand the nature of injuries and the economic impact they will have on you. This helps ensure that you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
• Proving causation: An expert witness can clearly show the direct link between the accident and your injuries. This can prove liability and help you secure compensation.
• Providing credibility: Expert witness testimony can boost the credibility of your case. Expert witnesses are objective and will provide insights based on evidence to support your arguments.
• Refute other expert opinions: Expert witnesses are not only used by accident victims and personal injury lawyers. They are also used by the defense. Insurance companies often pay expert witnesses in exchange for providing an opinion that favors the insurer. Having expert witnesses on your side can refute the claims made by professionals on the other side, so you have the best chance of a successful outcome.

Many people do not know where to begin when looking for an expert witness. When working with a Houston personal injury lawyer, they will already have a network of professionals they can reach out to and get the help your case needs.

Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston Can Provide Expert Witnesses

Expert witnesses have a very important role in many personal injury cases. In many cases, their testimony and expertise are the difference between successful and unsuccessful outcomes. At Integrity Law Group, PLLC, our Houston personal injury lawyer, you can reach out to our network of experts so you have even more professional help on your side and a better chance of winning your case. Call us now at (832) 384-5207 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and get the legal help you need.