If you’re injured in a Texas car accident it is essential that you know how to protect your health, your rights, and your opportunity to get fairly compensated for your injuries and damages. Every driver in Texas has certain responsibilities after an accident and it is important that you know the basic steps.
Reading this simple guide can provide you with vital information about what you should do after a crash and what to expect from police at the scene, the insurance company in the days following the crash, and what to do (or not to do) to maximize your opportunity to get fair compensation.
For your convenience, an Accident Information Form is also provided. Print out the form and keep it in your car just in case you are involved in an auto accident.
Immediately After the Crash
- Get you and your vehicle to safety. Sometimes the safest place is to remain in your vehicle until help arrives.
- Call 911: Police will come to the scene in a more serious accident where someone is seriously injured, needs an ambulance or if the vehicle needs to be towed.
Never leave the accident scene. Leaving an accident scene not only makes you look guilty,
but is against the law.
- Stay and render aid to the injured, if necessary.
- Ask for medical evaluation even if “just sore.” Don’t automatically think that you have to go to the ER in an ambulance in order to make an injury claim. Every case is different and assess your own needs and make the decision that is best for you and your health.
At the scene
- Photos/videos:
- Get pictures and/or videos of all the vehicles involved in the accident. Be sure to capture any deployed airbags, broken glass and license plate numbers.
- Witnesses
- Get names and telephone numbers of any witnesses. Sometimes the police will separate you from witnesses at the scene. So, try to get their information before the police arrive.
- Police Investigation:
- Be polite and courteous at all times. Do not be rude or argumentative.
- Answer questions directly and truthfully. State the facts as you know them. DO NOT guess, speculate or try to formulate your own version of the events.
- Provide your driver’s license and insurance information.
- Ask police officer for the report number and instructions on how to obtain a copy of the report in your city
- Towing and Impound Storage:
- Request your vehicle be towed to a location of your choice.
- If your vehicle is impounded, keep track of how to get it out of impound as soon as possible.
0–3 days After:
- Call an Experienced Car Accident Attorney. Knowing your rights is the best way to secure the best and most fair settlement for your injuries and damages.
- Go to the ER, if necessary
- Minor emergency or urgent care centers are good alternatives to major hospital emergency rooms.
- Be prepared for follow-up visits and extended treatment.
- Notify your auto insurance company. Benefits such as “Personal Injury Protection,” “Uninsured Motorist” coverage and “Collision” coverage can provide valuable help especially early on.
- Missed Work. Document the dates and times missed from work.
- DO NOT post on social media. It can be used against you later.
- DO NOT give any recorded statement until you consult with a lawyer.. This is crucial!.
First week
- Get an Attorney. You should have consulted with, and retained, an attorney by this point.
- Get a copy of the police report. They are usually completed within 7 to 10 days.
- Medical Treatment. Be prepared for further medical treatment and physical therapy, if needed.
