Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel disoriented or unsure of what to do next. However, knowing the right steps to take immediately following an accident can help ensure your safety, preserve evidence for insurance claims, and protect your legal rights. The car accident lawyers at Loncar Lyon Jenkins can help guide you through these processes, but here’s a detailed overview of what you should do at the scene of a car accident in Texas.
Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety
The first priority after any car accident is to check for injuries and ensure that everyone involved is safe.
Prioritize Checking All Passengers
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately obvious, such as whiplash or internal injuries. Make sure to check on all other passengers in your car as well.
If possible, check on the other driver and passengers to see if they are injured.
Move to a Safe Location if Possible
Ensure everyone is safe: If the vehicles are still operational and it is safe to do so, move them to the side of the road to avoid further accidents or blocking traffic.
Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident and reduce the risk of additional collisions.
Call 911
Regardless of the severity of the accident, you should always call 911 to report the incident. Calling law enforcement will help document the situation and ensure that medical assistance is dispatched if needed.
Report Any Injuries Immediately
Inform the dispatcher if anyone is injured, even if the injuries seem minor. Prompt medical attention can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes.
Specify If There Are Hazards on the Road
If there are hazards such as leaking fluids, damaged vehicles blocking lanes, or debris, let the dispatcher know so emergency services can address these issues as well.
Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Exchanging information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident is critical for filing insurance claims and protecting your legal rights.
Include Driver’s License and License Plate Numbers
Driver’s license number: Obtain the driver’s full name, address, and driver’s license number.
License plate numbers: Get the license plate numbers of all involved vehicles.
Share Insurance Company and Policy Numbers
Insurance details: Be sure to exchange insurance company names, policy numbers, and contact information. This will be crucial for processing insurance claims.
Document the Scene
Collecting evidence at the scene can be extremely helpful when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a legal case.
Take Photos from Multiple Angles
Photographs are key: Take detailed photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, damage to the vehicles, license plates, and any visible injuries. If there are skid marks, traffic signals, or road conditions that contributed to the accident, photograph those as well.
Capture the bigger picture: Get photos of the surrounding area, including the road conditions and weather at the time of the accident.
Gather Witness Statements and Contact Information
Eyewitness accounts: If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask them for their contact information and if they are willing to provide a statement. Their testimony could support your claim if there is a dispute over fault.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve taken the necessary steps at the scene, it’s important to report the accident to your insurance company.
Provide a Detailed Account of the Incident
Be honest and thorough: Give a clear and concise account of the accident, including how it occurred, the other party involved, and any injuries sustained.
Timely reporting: Most insurance policies require you to report an accident within a specific time frame, so don’t delay.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured immediately after the accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Visit the ER or Your Doctor Promptly
Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. It’s crucial to see a doctor, even if you feel fine, to rule out hidden injuries.
Visit an emergency room or your primary care physician to ensure that you receive appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.
Keep Records of All Medical Evaluations and Treatments
Document everything: Keep track of all medical visits, evaluations, treatments, and expenses related to your injuries. These records will be essential if you need to file a claim for medical costs or pursue a lawsuit for damages.
Follow Up on the Police Report
After the accident, you should follow up with the police to ensure that an official report has been filed, especially if injuries or significant damage occurred.
Request the Report Number at the Scene
Police report details: When the police arrive, ask for the report number and know how to obtain a copy of the accident report later.
Contact the Local Police Department If Necessary
If you don’t receive the report or if there are issues accessing it, contact the local police department for assistance. The report is often necessary for insurance claimsand legal actions.
Consult with an Attorney
If you’ve been involved in an accident that results in significant damages or injuries, consulting with an attorney is crucial to understanding your rights and pursuing potential compensation.
If There Are Significant Damages or Injuries
Legal support: If the accident involves substantial property damage or severe injuries, it’s essential to consult with a lawyer to discuss your options. Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, and having legal representation ensures your rights are protected.
To Understand Your Rights and Potential Compensation
Navigating the claims process: The process of filing claims, negotiating settlements, and dealing with legalities can be complicated. An attorney can help you navigate this process, ensuring that you don’t miss important deadlines or overlook valuable compensation opportunities.
Maximizing compensation: If the accident was caused by another party’s negligence, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
How the car accident lawyers at Loncar Lyon Jenkins Can Help
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, our team of experienced auto accident attorneys is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. From navigating complex insurance claims to representing you in legal disputes, we can guide you through every step of the process.
We’re on Your Side – Call Now for a 100% Free Consultation!
We offer free consultations to discuss your case, assess your legal options, and provide expert advice on how to move forward. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let our legal team fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you need to recover. Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today to schedule your free consultation.
