It is often difficult to think clearly in the aftermath of a car, truck, or motorcycle accident. You’ll likely experience various emotions, including confusion, stress, and anger.
After a car accident in Texas, it is essential to remain calm in order to deal with the entirety of the situation. Your immediate actions after a car accident can significantly affect the outcome and the compensation you may receive. Below are seven things to keep in mind if you ever experience a car accident in the Houston area.
Pull your vehicle over to a safe location on the road and check everyone in your car. If anyone is injured, call 911 and report their injuries. If you are unsure if anyone was injured, assess yourself and everyone else involved to determine if emergency medical care is necessary.
Contacting the police is typically unnecessary when a minor accident results in only mild scratches or dents. However, if you’re dealing with a significant accident that involves substantial physical injuries, property damage, or death, it’s imperative that you inform the police before anything else.
Under Texas law, an operator of a motor vehicle who is involved in a car accident that results in injuries or death is required to immediately:
Ensure that you keep a list of the cops who get to the accident scene, including their badge numbers. You can request a copy of the police report at a later date.
Certain information must be shared and exchanged with the other party involved in a vehicle accident. This includes the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance policy number, vehicle registration number, vehicle make and model, and driver’s license number.
It’s also essential to gather as much data as possible about other accident scene details. Take photos and videos of both cars to document the damage to each vehicle, talk to witnesses and get their contact information, and take notes about what happened.
No matter how adamantly the other party insists that you were at fault, never state that you accept the blame. The other party may use your statements to their advantage during the claim evaluation and police investigation.
If you or the other person is seriously injured, you should first seek medical treatment.
If no one is seriously injured, follow up with your doctor immediately after the accident. Injuries from car accidents are often not apparent until a few days after the collision.
Keep detailed notes and all records from your medical treatment. This will be important for your attorney to review so that he can understand the extent of your injuries. Anything your doctor gives you should be kept in a folder in a safe place.
Regardless of fault, you should notify your insurance company about the car accident as soon as possible. Many insurance policies in Texas require that you promptly report all accidents. You should always contact your insurance company following any accident, as there may be coverage under your policy that can assist with your recovery and medical treatment, even if you were at fault
Even if you think you don’t need an attorney or your insurance company will be on your side, hiring an attorney is almost always in your best interest.
Contact The Furey Law Firm today to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the car accident process.
Furey Law Firm
| (713) 436-1222 
