A Guide On What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas
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 a car acccident 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. Here is a guide on what to do after a car accident in Texas.
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 our Houston car accident attorneys 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.