Your guide to handling car accidents effectively.
Accidents can be overwhelming, especially on the busy roads of Texas. Knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference for your health, legal standing, and compensation. At the Littleton Law Firm, we're committed to helping you navigate this stressful time with confidence. Below, you'll find a comprehensive guide on what to do after a car accident in Texas.
1. Ensure Safety First
Your safety and the safety of others is the top priority.
Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further collisions.
Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for any injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
Stay Calm: Take deep breaths to maintain a clear head and calm demeanor.
2. Contact Authorities
In Texas, it's crucial to notify the authorities about the accident. In some cases, especially in bigger cities like Houston, Texas authorities may not come to the scene promptly or come at all and ask for you to exchange information with the other driver instead. Either way, calling it in helps establish time and location and in some cases testimony through 911 records (call recordings).
Call 911: Inform them of the accident and provide your location.
File a Police Report: This document will be vital for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
3. Gather Information
Collecting the right information at the scene can be incredibly beneficial for your case.
Exchange Information: Get the names, contact information, driver's license numbers, and insurance details of all parties involved.
Witnesses or Evidence: Look for any potential witnesses or possible video footage from nearby stores or homes.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These images can serve as pivotal evidence later.
4. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, some injuries aren't immediately apparent. In most cases, after an accident your adrenaline is pretty high and can overshadow any pain you might feel. Because everyone is biologically different, some pain could be intense and happen immediately and some take a few days. The most important things is to listen to your body.
Get a Medical Evaluation: A professional assessment ensures all injuries are documented.
Follow Up: Adhere to any treatment plans or follow-up appointments to fully recover and document the extent of your injuries.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Reporting the accident to your insurance provider is necessary for any claims. Even if you were not at fault. In fact, most insurance policies have fine print that require you to report the accident - even if they aren't involved in paying anything.
Provide Accurate Information: Share all relevant details without admitting fault. Stick to the facts. This is crucial - tell what you know, not what you think happened. The human mind loves to connect dots and make sense out of what it just experienced. For example, if someone hit you from the rear while you were stopped at light, all you really know is that you were stopped at the light and someone rear ended you. If you say things like "this guy came out of no where, speeding and hit the back of my car!" that statement is not entirely true. We don't know if he was speeding and because you didn't see the car prior to him colliding with you, we can't say he came from "nowhere".
Understand Your Coverage: Know what your policy covers to manage expectations and plan your next steps. Remember, Texas requires everyone to "mitigate" their damages. Which means you have to take the imitative (despite fault) to limit any potential damages that can be controlled, like storage cost. Using your policy is usually the best practice to mitigating your damages. However, Texas does not require a person to go beyond their means to mitigate damages. We are only expected to do what we can.
6. Consult a Lawyer
Navigating the legal aftermath of a car accident can be complicated.
Seek Legal Advice: Contact a skilled firm who specializes in car accident cases to understand your rights and options. Check out our tips on picking out the right legal team for you here.
The Littleton Law Firm: With our experience in handling car accident cases in Texas, we'll help you get the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Remember, the actions you take immediately following a car accident can significantly impact your recovery and compensation. By following these steps and partnering with an experienced team like the Littleton Law Firm, you can ensure your rights are protected and your future is secure.
Feel free to reach out to us for any legal assistance you may need, or book online by clicking here. We're here to help. It's that simple.
For more information and assistance, visit Littleton Law Firm.