4 Steps to Take after a Car Accident in Texas

Car accidents can happen in an instant, but they leave long-lasting consequences for the victim. Medical bills and property damage costs add up quickly. The injured party may even be out of work, only adding to their financial stress. However, when another party’s negligent actions are to blame, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Obtaining the compensation needed to cover accident-related costs can be challenging, but following these four steps may make the process easier.

One crucial step many accident victims fail to make is hiring an injury attorney. An experienced Texas car accident attorney will know the ins and outs of the state’s injury laws and can guide you through the legal process.

Call 911 after a Car Crash in Texas

While the immediate aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, you must call law enforcement. Police officers can write an accident report that details the specific information regarding the accident and identifies the parties involved. The information in the report is crucial if you have to file a claim later.

Furthermore, Texas law requires you to report a car accident if the crash caused a severe injury, death, or damage to a vehicle that makes it unsafe. After you call the police, you must stay at the accident scene. Leaving may result in a criminal hit-and-run charge.

Document the Car Accident

While you wait for police officers to arrive, you should photograph the accident scene. Pictures are an excellent source of evidence. Take photos from multiple locations, but make sure that both vehicles are in the shot. You should also take up-close pictures to show damage. Photographing your injuries at the accident scene may also be helpful.

In addition to taking pictures, you should use this time to gather information from the other driver. You will want their name, contact information, insurance policy number, vehicle registration number, vehicle make and model, and driver’s license number. Your insurer and attorney will need all of this information when filing a claim.

Seek Medical Attention Following a Car Accident

It is best to seek medical attention immediately following a car accident. Even if you feel only minor pain, you should still contact a doctor. Injuries can take time to fully manifest, but a doctor may diagnose and treat such injuries before they worsen. A doctor can also diagnose any internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding.

In addition to your injuries worsening without medical treatment, an insurance company may try to reduce or deny your claim if you do not take this step. Insurers will argue that your injuries were either not as severe as you claimed or that an unrelated accident caused your injuries. Do not risk the compensation needed to cover medical bills; schedule a doctor’s appointment right away.

Notify Your Insurance Company

You should contact your insurance company and notify them of the accident. The agent will likely ask you questions regarding the accident that you should answer honestly. Do not try to mislead the insurer because it may harm your claim later. You may have to file against your insurance if the other motorist is uninsured or your injuries exceed their insurance limit.

While you want to inform your insurance company of the accident, you should not discuss the case with the other driver’s insurer. Their insurer will look out for their best interests, meaning they may employ tactics to reduce or deny your claim. It is crucial that you not speak to them until after you have consulted with a Texas injury attorney.

Skilled Texas Car Accident Attorney to Fight for You

If you were in a car accident in Texas, contact Attorney Dale R. Rose. With nearly 25 years of experience and over 155 jury trials under his belt, Attorney Rose dedicates himself to representing those injured because of another’s negligent actions. Having represented accident victims, small businesses, large corporations, and criminal defendants, he brings a unique perspective to each case he represents.

When you partner with Attorney Rose, you can be confident that he will do everything possible to ensure the responsible party is held accountable for their negligence. To schedule a free consultation, call (972) 634-7673 or complete our contact form today.