What steps should you take after a car accident in Texas? Directly after a car accident, call 911, document the scene if possible, exchange details with other drivers, and seek medical attention. Consider hiring a lawyer as soon as possible if you were injured.
Comply with your treatment schedule, and be cautious about sharing unnecessary details about your accident and injuries. For legal advice after being involved in a car accident in Texas, contact our Corpus Christi car accident lawyer.
When to Call 911 After a Car Accident in Texas
You must report a car accident to law enforcement if any person was injured or killed, or if a vehicle cannot be safely operated. In many cases, this is done by calling 911. You should also contact the police if you suspect a driver is intoxicated or if a driver involved in the crash leaves the scene.
When first responders arrive, they will assist the injured, and police may document the accident scene and prepare a report. This initial documentation may provide useful information if you later seek compensation for your damages.
If nobody was hurt and both vehicles are still drivable, you may not be required to report the accident to the police. However, you should report it to your insurance company. Because minor accidents can prove more serious than they first appear, it may still be wise to contact law enforcement, gather evidence, and exchange details.
We have offices in Houston, Corpus Christi, and Victoria; and will travel to any corner of Texas if we are capable of preventing an injustice.
Documenting the Scene and Exchanging Details With Other Drivers
Reason dictates that you should not take this step after a car accident in Texas if you are severely injured or may endanger yourself in the process. If you can, determine whether you can assist any injured people first. If it is safe to do so, gather evidence. It may prove useful if disputes arise due to inconsistent or missing evidence.
Photos of vehicle damage, license plates, traffic signs, the road, and its surroundings may help. The police will collect witness information, but if you act soon after the accident, you may be able to identify additional witnesses. As a final step, carefully note the date, time, and exact location of the accident.
In accordance with Tex. Transp. Code § 550.023, you are required to exchange information with other drivers who were involved in the accident. Again, this only applies if you are physically able to do so safely. Share names, addresses, registration numbers, and insurance information, and show your driver’s license upon request.
Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible, Even if You Think You Are Uninjured
You should seek medical attention or evaluation as soon as possible after any car accident, even if you think you were not seriously hurt. For example, it can be difficult to tell if a car accident head injury is mild or severe, or if you may have other internal injuries. By prioritizing medical attention, you safeguard your health and create a direct link between your accident and any injuries you sustained.
This may be important if you later find that you were injured and hope to seek compensation. If you delay medical attention, a defendant may claim that you were not injured in the car accident or that you aggravated your injuries by failing to work with doctors. Remember, accident-related injuries do not always present symptoms right away.
In addition to checking for injuries, your doctors can also advise you on any delayed symptoms you may experience and what to do next. Follow their advice carefully. Your health may depend on it.
Representing the injured in all areas of Texas that extends back over 40 years
Reasons to Hire a Lawyer as Soon as Possible After a Car Accident in Texas
If you were injured or there is any chance that fault may be disputed, consider hiring a lawyer as one of the steps you should take after a car accident in Texas. Although you may still be unsure of your damages and not yet ready to claim, there are several things a lawyer may help you with. The following are among the most important.
Gathering and Preserving Additional Evidence
A lawyer may intervene to preserve time-sensitive evidence that could be destroyed soon after a crash. They may be able to do so even when the evidence is in the hands of possible defendants. Evidence they may gather could include:
- “Black box” data from vehicles
- Surveillance camera or dashcam footage held by other parties
- Skid marks or remaining accident debris
- Witness testimony while memories are still fresh
You may wonder why a lawyer’s investigations may help your case when police have already investigated your accident. The intentions behind investigations may explain this.
Police seek evidence to establish whether a crime occurred and to determine immediate actions. Lawyers may seek evidence to establish civil liability and build a case for their clients.
Representation in Dealings With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies sometimes contact victims soon after an accident, offering low settlements or seeking statements. Although you may not experience this, having a lawyer allows you to refer any such overtures to your legal representative, who may be better-qualified to handle them effectively.
Legal Acumen That May Protect Your Right to Compensation
Because Texas is not a no-fault state, you can recover compensation from at-fault drivers. However, under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 33.001, you cannot recover any compensation if you are more than 50% at fault. This may incentivize disputes about fault, and the average person may not know how to handle them effectively.
You need a skilled advocate to protect your legal rights and present your claim in such a way as to maximize your recovery.
Being Cautious About Sharing Accident and Injury Information
Being careful about whom you share information about your accident and injuries with is a key step to take after a car accident in Texas. Although your insurance company likely requires you to report your accident to them, provide accurate information as required by your policy, but avoid speculation.
Ideally, refer any approaches from other drivers’ insurance companies to your attorney, and be cautious about publishing any information about your accident or injuries on social media. A misstatement or reassuring comment could weaken your case.
Contact Us About Your Car Accident in Texas
Beyond the immediate steps you should take after a car accident in Texas, you are likely to have a multitude of additional concerns and questions.
Feel free to discuss your accident case with a lawyer from Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC. We handle cases from across Texas, yet remain dedicated to individual service and accessibility. Call us for a free case consultation.
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC we can talk to you about your options and rights.
