What to Do After a Car Accident

Harris County Car Wreck Lawyer Providing Legal Help to Injury Victims

A car accident can be incredibly traumatic, leaving a person and their family physically and emotionally devastated and unsure about how they should proceed. However, taking the correct steps after a collision will help a person protect their rights and their ability to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Without getting an attorney, the wrong steps can have negative consequences on the outcome of a person's claim, or the failure to get prompt medical care can affect the outcome of their treatment and create difficulties with the insurance evaluation.

On the other hand, taking the wrong actions can lead to negative effects on a person's health, any claims made through insurance policies, and potential lawsuits against negligent drivers or other parties. By consulting with an experienced attorney, those who have been involved in car wrecks can make sure their rights and interests will be protected.


At the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec, we have over 25 years of personal injury experience. We have assisted clients in a wide variety of complex car accident cases, as well as collisions involving commercial trucks, motorcycles, bicyclists and pedestrians, and trains. We can help you navigate this stressful time as you seek medical treatment, deal with the insurance companies and investigations, address damage to your vehicle, and determine your options for receiving compensation. We will provide the trusted guidance you need, and we will advocate for your interests to ensure that you will be fully compensated for your damages.


6 Steps To Take After a Car Accident

While a motor vehicle collision can be overwhelming, understanding the best ways to proceed in the immediate aftermath will ensure that you will be prepared to address the legal issues that affect you. After a crash, you will want to follow these steps:

1. Remain calm and stay at the scene:

As soon as possible after you collide with another vehicle, pull over to a safe location. Drivers are required to stay at the scene of an accident and provide any necessary assistance to others who were involved. While you will want to attend to your medical needs and any passengers in your vehicle, you will also need to make sure the other driver is okay, and if necessary, you can call 911 and request emergency medical assistance.

2. Do not admit fault:

Out of politeness, drivers may feel that they should apologize for being involved in a collision or make comments about the reasons an accident occurred. However, an apology at the scene of an accident can be interpreted as acceptance of fault. This can significantly impact your ability to recover just compensation. Be sure to avoid any comments that may indicate that you were fully or partially responsible for an accident.

3. Exchange information:

Even if the accident is minor, it is important to exchange information with the other driver. Be sure to get their name, address, phone number, and insurance information. This will ensure that you will be able to file an insurance claim or identify the other driver if further legal action will be necessary. You will also want to get contact information from anyone else involved, including passengers or witnesses.

4. Call the police:

Regardless of the severity of a collision, it is important to have a police officer come to the scene and make a report of the accident. This report can play a significant role in determining who was at fault for the collision.

5. Take photos:

You can document the collision and its surrounding circumstances by taking pictures of your vehicle, any other vehicles involved in the collision, the conditions on the road, and any injuries that you have suffered. These pictures can help demonstrate liability for the accident while also documenting the damages you have experienced.

6. Contact an attorney:

By reaching out to a car accident attorney at the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec as soon as possible after a collision, you can make sure you are taking the correct steps to protect your right to receive compensation. We can act quickly to gather evidence, establish liability, and determine the full extent of your injuries and damages, giving us the best chance for success as we help you pursue financial compensation.

Contact Our Houston Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured because of the negligence of another person or company, our attorneys can help you determine your best options for recovering compensation. Contact us at 281-962-8949281-962-8949 to arrange a free consultation today. We assist with injury cases in Houston, Harris County, Katy, Sugar Land, Bellaire, The Woodlands, West Houston, Memorial, Pearland, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, the Gulf Coast, Brazoria County, Liberty County, Chambers County, Montgomery County, and Waller County.


Contact Us For A Free Consultation

Work with an attorney with a proven record of success. To begin crafting your personal injury case, contact our Houston office online or call us at Free Consultation 281-962-8949281-962-8949.

We offer free personal injury consultations, and most cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. Under this fee structure, you would not owe us attorney fees unless we recovered compensation on your behalf.