What To Do After a Houston Car Accident

According to the Houston Chronicle, more than 640 people a year die on Houston-area roads, and more the 2,800 are seriously injured. After a crash, see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out unseen injuries and to protect potential insurance settlements or court awards. Here are additional steps to take following a car wreck:

1. Get to Safety

First, move your vehicle to a safe location out of the way of traffic and contact law enforcement. Stop your vehicle as close to the accident as possible without obstructing traffic or parking in a dangerous spot. Failure to do so could result in a ticket or even jail time depending on the circumstances. Then, report the collision so police can protect you and other victims from further injury.

2. Call the Police

Getting law enforcement like the police and emergency responders like ambulances to the crash scene is essential. Police officers can direct traffic to keep you safe, and a police report will serve as valuable evidence to establish liability in your insurance claim and potential car accident lawsuit. You should also obtain the names and badge numbers of any officers at the scene, as well as the police report number.

3. Check for Injuries

While still in your car, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If you’re seriously injured, alert other road users and wait for their help. Unnecessary movements can cause additional pain and injury, complicating the recovery process. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO RIDE IN THE AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL! An emergency room physician is the best person to evaluate and treat your personal injuries. Do not worry about the cost, you will not be required to pay any bills until we resolve your lawsuit. We handle negotiating with hospitals and doctors to lower and cut their bills as part of our legal representation. We will not recommend any settlement that results in you owing any money for any of your medical bills.

4. Obtain the Other Involved Party’s Insurance Information

Texas is a fault-based state for car accident and insurance purposes, so you must file a claim with the liable party’s insurance provider. At the crash scene, swap insurance information so you can file your claim promptly. Additionally, exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance details with any other drivers involved. Don’t forget to get the names and contact information of any witnesses, including passengers, but avoid discussing the details of the accident, such as who was at fault.

5. Take Photos and Video

After exchanging information, take photographs of the car accident scene and write notes about what happened while it is fresh in your mind. You can use the notes section of your phone if you don’t have paper handy. Do not show or give your notes to anyone at the car accident scene – just save them for later. Gather as much information as possible. If available, get a copy of the accident report from the police, or ask how you can procure a copy as soon as possible. Put down the name and phone number of any witnesses to the car wreck. Many times witness information is NOT included in the police report. Witnesses can be a crucial piece of evidence in your car accident claim or lawsuit.

6. Report the Car Accident to Your Insurer

Contacting your insurer promptly after a car accident is one of the essential steps to guarantee insurance compensation in a car accident lawsuit or claim. Reporting an accident should feel like a responsibility, not an obligation. Failure to report a car accident can lead to heavy penalties or denial of coverage, especially if the other driver is uninsured.

7. Understand the Complexity of Car Accident Injuries

A car accident may appear minor at first glance, but both car damage and personal injuries can be more complex upon thorough examination. A proper assessment following a car wreck might take several days. If you delay alerting your insurer after a car accident, they may refuse coverage, leaving you to bear the costs.

8. Contact our Office to Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer

After a car accident, the insurance company and their lawyers are working behind your back to either deny or minimize your legal claim. You need someone working for you as soon as possible so your car accident case does not lose out on critical evidence and early investigation. The sooner you contact our office for a free car wreck claim consultation, the sooner we can start the gathering of evidence, help with the car accident repair process, the medical care process, and the legal process to make sure you get the car wreck compensation you deserve from the insurance companies or the parties involved. Contacting us quickly is crucial, call us today.