10 Steps To Take After Being In A Vehicle Collision
Car accidents occur more often than not. They can happen in the blink of an eye, and the outcome can be extremely stressful and daunting. It is important to remain calm and collected in order to properly assess the situation and produce a positive outcome.
If you’ve been in a car accident, here’s a step-by-step guide on what you should consider doing:
Check for Injuries and Safety
First and foremost, check yourself and passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents.
According to The Texas Department of Transportation, in 2022,
- 1 person was killed every 1 hour 57 minutes
- 1 person was injured every 2 minutes 9 seconds
- 1 reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds
Call the Police
Regardless of the severity of the accident, it’s a good idea to call the police and report the accident. They will create an official report which can be crucial for insurance claims and legal matters.
Exchange Information
Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with the other driver(s) involved. This includes names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance company names and policy numbers, and license plate numbers.
Document the Scene
If it’s safe, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the damage to vehicles, license plates, the location, road conditions, traffic signs, and any relevant details. This documentation can be helpful for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
Collect Witness Information
If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Their statements could be valuable if there are disputes about what happened.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with the information you gathered and follow their instructions for filing a claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, it’s a good idea to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries might not manifest until later. Document any medical evaluations or treatments related to the accident.
Follow the Law
Depending on your jurisdiction, you might have legal obligations to report the accident to the local Department of Motor Vehicles or other relevant authorities.
Preserve Evidence
If you plan to pursue a legal claim or if there are disputes about liability, preserve evidence such as vehicle damage, medical records, and other relevant documents.
Consult Legal Advice
If the accident involved injuries, substantial property damage, or complex liability issues, you might want to consult with a lawyer to understand your rights and options. That is where we come in.
Injured in a Collision? Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Corpus Christi
Were you injured in a motor vehicle collision in the state of Texas? Our auto accident lawyers in Corpus Christi are available 24/7 to help you and provide you with a free consultation. We will start work on your case right away, offering sound legal advice, speaking to the insurance companies on your behalf, gathering evidence for your case, and even helping with property damage and medical bills on qualified cases. We handle all negotiations, depositions, mediations, litigation, settlements, court appearances, and everything in between to ensure you get a fair settlement or outcome for your family. Contact Thomas J. Henry Law today for more information about the services we provide to clients in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Our Corpus Christi Personal Injury Law Offices
- Phone number: 361-254-7873 (attorneys available 24/7 to assist you)
- Address: 521 Starr Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401 (walk-in Monday through Friday)
