When you’re in a car accident on the road, it’s common to clam up and not have a clear idea of what to do next. Emotions get the better of you and before you know it, you’ve missed a crucial step.
It’s no secret that car accidents can completely change your life, causing injuries, damage, and emotional pain. Learning the steps to take will help clarify any questions and help you feel less stressed about the process overall.
You’ll also get a better understanding of your legal right to compensation for any damages you’ve suffered.
Read on to learn what you need to do if you have a car accident in Corpus Christi.
What to Do When You Have a Car Accident on the Road
It’s best to follow a series of steps after you’re in a car accident to ensure you don’t miss anything that can impact your health, or a potential accident case in the future. These steps include:
Assess All Injuries and Seek Medical Attention
The very first thing to do is assess for injuries to see if you need to call an emergency ambulance. If you’re not severely injured and don’t need immediate assistance, then check on the other people involved in the accident.
Anyone with injuries that seem severe must get immediate medical attention, as that is obviously a priority over anything else.
If you don’t need immediate medical attention, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. This is because injuries like whiplash, strains, and concussions don’t always show symptoms right away. They can also cause long-term pain and other medical issues, so you need to be assessed.
You also need to make sure you get to a safe location. Move your vehicle to the side of the road and put on your hazard lights if you’re able to. If you can’t move your car, then get yourself to safety when possible.
Call the Police
You need to call the police or report the accident as soon as possible. Texas law states that you must report a minor motor vehicle accident within ten days. If a police officer doesn’t arrive at the crash scene, then you’ll need to go to the nearest police station to fill out a report.
Remember this is extremely important, and you’d be surprised how many people don’t contact the police after an accident because there are only minor damages. All too often, the damage and injuries can be more serious than initially noted in the accident.
Overall, the longer you delay filing a police report, the more you compromise your claim. Also, depending on the damages and injuries, you can face fines and legal trouble for not filing sooner.
Exchange Contact Information
Your next step is to exchange contact information with the other driver. You’ll want to ensure you get crucial information like:
Full name
Phone number
Insurance company and policy number
Driver’s license number
License plate number
Make and model of the vehicles involved
You should also make note of the location of the accident by documenting street names and landmarks. Remember, once the adrenaline of the accident wears off, you’ll likely feel tired and stressed. Having this information readily available makes things easier for you in the long run.
Document the Accident Scene
To protect yourself from any future issues, you must take steps to document details about the accident scene. First, get the names and badge numbers of all officers who respond to the scene.
You’ll also need to get a copy of the accident report as your insurance company may ask for one. You can ask the officers present where and when you can obtain a copy.
Take as many pictures of the accident scene as you can. This includes photos of your vehicle at various angles clearly showing the damage. Be sure to also take pictures of the other driver’s car, and try to capture the damage details and the license plate number.
Finally, write down the names and contact information of all witnesses to the accident.
Don’t Admit Fault
When you’re talking to the police or the other driver, be very careful not to apologize or take responsibility for the crash. Remember, this is much easier to do than you may realize. Many people immediately begin apologizing for the accident happening in the first place.
Unfortunately, this can be used against you by insurance companies or the other driver.
It’s essential to do your best to keep emotions in check while talking to the police about what happened. Even if the other driver accuses you of being at fault, that doesn’t mean they are correct.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You’ll need to notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. In most cases, you can call your insurance company or report the accident online.
When you report the accident online, you can upload pictures and other documents from the accident scene.
Contact an Auto Accident Attorney
Contacting an experienced auto accident attorney after your accident is wise, even if you think you won’t need one.
Even if the other driver is at fault, they can hire a lawyer and turn the tables on you at any time. In addition, an attorney can help you obtain the compensation you need for damage and injuries long-term.
You can schedule a free consultation to get a good overview of your case, including how long it might take to settle and the steps involved.
Talk to an Experienced Corpus Christi Car Accident Lawyer Today
Having a car accident on the road can be scary and ultimately life-changing, but with the right guidance, you can regain your life step by step.
It’s time to turn to Heil Law Firm to get the professional legal help you need. We began our law firm in 2004 with the goal of providing the highest quality legal representation to all our clients.
We’re committed to helping you understand the actions to take to get the results you need. We have a proven track record of successful case results and will use our experience to get you the compensation you deserve.
Make sure to contact us today to schedule a free consultation so you can better understand your legal options.
