What to Do After a Houston Auto Accident
After an auto accident, there are several things you may need to do. By using these post-car accident tips, you can improve your chances of receiving full financial compensation with help from an experienced personal injury attorney. Additionally, taking action on the accident scene can even help your Houston auto accident lawyer build your case later.
Steps to Take After an Auto Accident
Follow these steps provided by an experienced Houston personal injury attorney after a car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, or bus accident in the Houston area:
- Check for injuries: The first step after a car accident is to make sure everyone is okay. Check for injuries on yourself, your passengers, as well as in the other car. If someone is severely injured, call 911 for medical help.
- Notify local law enforcement: In most cases, you need to let the Houston police or the local law enforcement know you were involved in a car accident. If there are no serious injuries, you can call Houston PD’s non-emergency line at (713) 884-3131 to report your accident. The responding police officer will investigate the accident and create an accident report for crashes that cause injury, death, or damage that is more than $1,000.
- Exchange information with the other person: After an auto accident, you will need to exchange information with the other driver. This might include your own auto insurance information, contact information, driver’s license number, and license plate number. Make sure you also get this information from the other driver.
- Get witness contact information: If there are any witnesses to the accident, talk to them and get their contact information. They may be able to provide statements as evidence for your case, which can improve your chances of compensation.
- Take pictures: Try to take photographs of the accident scene. This includes the vehicles involved, injuries, road conditions, nearby traffic signs, and anything else that may be helpful for your accident. If you can, take pictures from different angles and proximities. It’s generally better to have too many pictures than not enough for your case.
- Seek medical care: Seek medical care for your injuries. If you’re severely injured, you may be transported from the accident scene by an ambulance.
- Call your insurance company: Even if the other driver is at fault, you should let your insurance company know about the accident.
- Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance: Don’t speak to the other driver’s insurance company without your own Houston auto accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters often try to take statements from car accident victims and use them out of context to devalue or deny their claims.
- Contact your Houston auto accident attorney: Get in touch with your Houston accident lawyer to discuss your case and get guidance on the next steps.
Additional Tips From Your Houston Car Accident Lawyer
After a car accident, there are also some other things you may need to do to help your case for compensation. Our Houston car accident lawyers can help you navigate the weeks and months following your accident. However, typically, you want to obtain a copy of the accident report made by the police officer at the scene. Generally, the officer has ten days to submit this report.
Also, it’s important to keep receipts, bills, and documentation related to your accident. Keep track of any accident-related expenses, including time missed from work. This information can also be helpful for your car accident lawyers to help build your case and determine the value of your case.
Contact a trusted Houston auto accident lawyer at the Maida Law Firm and receive a free case evaluation from our proven team. Our personal injury attorneys offer experienced legal guidance and representation for victims injured in Houston and Sugar Land car accidents. We work on cases with no up-front fees, and best of all, you owe us nothing if we can’t win your case! Get a head start on full and complete compensation with help from our truly unrivaled car accident lawyers today.
What To Do After a Car Accident FAQs
Yes. In Texas, you are required to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even for seemingly minor accidents, a police report creates an official record that can be valuable evidence for your insurance claim or lawsuit. Always call the police after any car accident.
Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Early legal advice helps you avoid common mistakes, such as giving recorded statements to insurance companies or accepting a low settlement offer. At Maida Law Firm, we offer free case evaluations so you can understand your rights and options right away.
Absolutely. Many injuries, including whiplash, internal bleeding, and concussions, may not show symptoms for hours or even days after an accident. Seeing a doctor promptly creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident, which is critical evidence for your case. Delaying treatment can also be used by insurance companies to minimize your claim.
If you are safely able to, take photos of all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks. Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of all drivers and passengers. Collect contact information from any witnesses. Write down the details of the accident while they are fresh in your memory.
Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney at Maida Law Firm can help determine fault and protect your right to compensation.
Injured in an Accident? We Can Help.
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