BEST OF THE BEST Car Accident Lawyer

1. Pull over. If possible, move your vehicle over as far as possible to keep yourself and others safe. Do not flee; it is illegal.
2. Call the police.  They will obtain information that you may not have thought to request or share, and can provide objective documentation.
3. Care for injuries. Assess yourself and others in the vehicle. Care for critical injuries, but follow up with care for discomfort as well. Continue to monitor your health, as it can take days or weeks for symptoms to appear. 
4. Document with notes and photos. Gather as much information as you can, documenting in writing and with pictures, as soon as possible after the accident. Share your information and ask the other driver(s) for their name, address, license plate number, insurance, and the year/make/model and vehicle registration. Ask witnesses for their names, addresses, and phone numbers as well.
5. Inform your insurance company. Report your accident via phone or app as soon as possible. 
6. Keep lists. Keep track of expenses incurred for health or vehicles after the accident, and document health changes and updates.
7. Call us! The Heil Law Firm is here to see that justice is served, and we want to ensure that you and your family are protected from loss. We also strive to help you feel informed throughout the entire process. 

• Avoid speaking to the other driver's  insurance company. They are trying to protect their client, not you, and what you say could be used against you. It is wise to speak with a lawyer before you respond to the other driver's insurance, especially if they are talking about a recorded statement.
• Get healthcare; don't delay treatment. Take care of your health first and foremost. Even if days or weeks have past and you start to experience pain or discomfort, follow up with a health care provider as soon as possible. Go to your follow-up appointments, too. 
• Seek advice from attorneys who focus on personal injury and have trial experience. Often, insurance companies make better settlement offers and are more timely when they realize the matter could go to court.

In Texas, a person involved in a vehicle accident doesn't have to prove anything beyond a shadow of a doubt. They simply have to prove that their version of the facts, damages, and fault is more likely correct than the defendant's.

The Heil Law Firm will focus on establishing:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care – Drivers owe a "duty of care" to everyone on the road, which includes acting reasonably, and being attentive and cautious. 
• The defendant breached that duty of care – Whether by doing the wrong thing or not doing the right thing, the defendant has breached the duty of care if the defendant was involved in reckless driving, distracted driving, driving under the influence, failure to maintain proper attention, failure to observe traffic signs, or failure to maintain safe following distance.
• Cause in fact – This means the defendant’s actions were the actual cause of your injuries. 
• Proximate cause – This means that your injuries were a likely result of the defendant’s behavior. 
• Damages – Your experience was difficult physically, emotionally, and materially. Justice means getting what is right, or deserved. This can include compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, or mental anguish.

It is wise to speak with an experienced

personal injury attorney after being involved

in a motor vehicle accident involving injury

or damage of any amount.

 The Heil Law Firm would be honored to walk with you every step of the way so you can weigh your options and minimize anxiety after you are involved in an automobile accident. 

Although it is best to follow up with a experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible, in most cases, people involved in a car incident can  start an investigation as long as it is less than two years from the date of incident.

 In a general sense, value is based on injury to people and damage to the vehicle.

We work with medical and financial experts

to estimate not only the immediate

and long-term costs

of your accident and injuries. 

We will assess:  

• Medical expenses – This includes fees you have already paid for care after the accident, as well as future expenses.  
• Lost income – We include income lost during recovery as well as potential loss if you are unable to return to work in the same capacity.  
• Damaged property – Or lost property, including damage/loss to your vehicle, clothing, or personal items.
• Pain and suffering – For both physical and emotional discomfort you endured.
• Loss of consortium – This means damages related to the impact your injuries, whether the impact is experienced by yourself or your loved ones (for example, if a parent's injury makes it difficult for them to care for their children).

Texas uses a modified comparative fault standard, which is often referred to as “proportionate responsibility.”

This means that any damages awarded to you could be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault for the auto accident that resulted in your injuries. 

Additionally, Texas follows the 51% bar rule. This means that you may not collect damages for injuries if you are determined to be 51% or more at fault for your injuries.

As an experienced Texas accident attorney, Robert J Heil III will ensure justice is upheld as insurance companies determine who is at fault, and how much responsibility each party has. This will allow you to maximize your claim.