What Should I Do After A Car Accident In Texas?
Car accidents can be a frightening experience, leaving victims unsure of what to do next. Taking the proper steps after a car accident can help protect your health, legal rights, and ability to recover compensation for damages.
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Call 911 Immediately After the Car Accident
The first and most critical step after an auto accident is to call 911. Whether or not anyone appears to be injured, notifying authorities is essential. Texas law requires that you report any accident involving injuries or significant property damage to the police.
Once you’ve called 911, emergency responders will arrive to provide medical care and file a police report, which will be important later when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action. Even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, it’s important to have a medical professional assess the situation.
Seek Medical Care After a Car Accident
After an accident, it’s not uncommon to feel fine initially, only to discover injuries later. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent but could develop in the hours or days following the collision. For your safety, it’s critical to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after the car crash.
Prompt medical attention ensures your well-being and creates a medical record that can support your personal injury claim if you need to pursue compensation. Keep copies of all medical records and receipts for any medical care received as they may be necessary for your insurance claim or legal case.
Exchange Insurance Information at the Scene of the Accident
While at the scene of the accident, make sure to exchange insurance information with everyone involved in the accident. You’ll need to get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details. This information will be essential when you report the accident to your insurance company and file any claims.
In addition to exchanging insurance information, try collecting contact information from witnesses. Their statements may be helpful when determining fault or proving your case.
Avoid Admitting Fault at the Accident Scene
It’s natural to want to apologize or discuss the details of the accident with the other driver. Still, it’s important to avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as accepting blame. Determining fault in a car accident is a complex process that involves a thorough investigation by the police and insurance companies.
Even if you believe you may have been partially responsible, it’s best to let the authorities and insurance companies handle the investigation. Simply provide factual information to the police and exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver.
Document the Scene of the Accident
If it’s safe to do so, document the scene of the accident. Take pictures of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, property damage, and visible injuries. This evidence can be valuable when it comes time to file an insurance claim or pursue a personal injury case.
Additionally, make notes about the accident while the details are still fresh in your mind. Include information such as the weather conditions, the direction each vehicle was traveling, and anything you observed leading up to the crash.
Obtain a Copy of the Police Crash Report
The crash report filed by the police is an important document that insurance companies and attorneys will use to determine liability. You’ll want to obtain a copy of this report as soon as it becomes available. The report will contain details about the accident, the parties involved, and any citations issued at the scene.
To obtain a copy, you can usually request it from the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. You may also access the accident report online through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Report Online Purchase System.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
Dealing with insurance companies and the legal system after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with injuries or property damage. This is where an experienced car accident attorney can help. A skilled car accident attorney can guide you through the process of filing an accident claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, pursuing a lawsuit to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Allbee Law Firm, our experienced car accident attorneys are ready to help you navigate the aftermath of a car accident and protect your rights. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or property damage, we’re here to provide expert legal advice. Contact us today at (972) 848-4848 for a free consultation.
Let Our Team Handle the Insurance Companies for You
After the immediate aftermath of the accident has been addressed, our team will set up and manage your insurance claims. We strongly advise against speaking directly with insurance companies, as adjusters often try to minimize the value of your case or push for a quick settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses.
At Allbee Law Firm, we understand the tactics used by insurance companies to reduce their payout. That’s why our experienced staff notifies your insurance company and handles all communications with the insurance company on your behalf. This ensures your rights are protected, and you get the compensation you deserve. You can focus on your recovery while we manage the claims process for you.
File a Claim for Compensation After a Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Filing a claim with your insurance company is the first step, but the process can be complex. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize or deny your claim altogether, which is why having a car accident attorney on your side can make a significant difference.
Your car accident attorney will help gather evidence, communicate with insurance adjusters, and negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation. In cases where a settlement can’t be reached, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit to pursue the full amount you’re entitled to.
What Not to Do Following a Car Accident
There are several common mistakes that people make immediately after a car accident that can jeopardize their ability to recover compensation:
- Giving a statement to the other driver’s insurance company: Avoid providing a statement without first speaking to your attorney.
- Admitting fault: Let the investigation determine fault, even if you think you were partially responsible.
- Waiting too long to seek medical attention: Delaying medical treatment can harm your health and weaken your personal injury claim.
Avoiding these mistakes will help protect your rights and improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
FAQs About What Should I Do After A Car Accident?
Should I Move My Vehicle After An Automobile Accident?
If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, it’s generally advisable to move your vehicle out of traffic if it’s safe to do so. Moving your car to the side of the road can prevent further accidents and injuries. However, if the vehicles are severely damaged, or there are injuries involved, it’s best to leave the cars where they are and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Continually assess the situation carefully and prioritize safety.
How Long Do I Have to File A Car Accident Claim in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally two years from the accident date. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit if you are seeking compensation for injuries or property damage. However, it’s best to consult with a car accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure all necessary steps are taken before this deadline and to preserve evidence that may be critical to your case.
What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage is designed to help in situations where the at-fault driver either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your damages. Our team can help determine if you have this coverage and assist with filing a claim under your policy.
Can I Get a Rental Car After a Car Accident?
Yes, you may be entitled to a rental car after a car accident if your vehicle is undrivable or being repaired. Many insurance policies include rental car coverage, but this can depend on the specifics of your policy or the at-fault driver’s policy.
What Should I Do If I Think My Injuries Aren’t Serious?
Even if you think your injuries are minor, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is important. Some injuries, such as concussions or soft tissue damage, may not present symptoms right away but could become serious if left untreated. Additionally, documenting your medical condition immediately after the accident is crucial for any potential personal injury claim. It’s always better to be cautious and get checked by a medical professional.
Speak With A Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, contact Allbee Law Firm at (972) 848-4848 for a free consultation. We’re here to help you through every step of the process.
