There are various steps that Texas drivers can take shortly after a collision occurs. These steps, first and foremost, help ensure the well-being of those involved. The steps can also help maintain the integrity of any claim against an at-fault party that may arise.
Seek medical care. Medical attention is crucial, even if the injuries are not immediately noticeable. Often, the signs and symptoms of crash injuries occur hours or even days after the incident. Prompt medical care helps establish a solid link between the incident and any injuries that arise in the immediate aftermath and the days following the crash.
Call the police. The police need to come to the scene to conduct an investigation. A police report is needed in order to move forward with an insurance claim, and it is not uncommon for the responding officer to indicate who they think caused the crash. Additionally, if there were any traffic violations that caused the incident, the police will write the citation.
Gather evidence. Evidence wins cases, but we do understand the challenges associated with gathering evidence immediately after a crash. We recommend using a cell phone or another type of camera to document the scene. This can include taking photographs of vehicle damage, causes of the crash, license plate numbers, debris and skid marks, injuries, and more. If there were eyewitnesses or individuals in other vehicles that stopped, try to get their names and contact information written down.
Call an attorney. You should speak to a car accident attorney for help as soon as possible. When you work with a lawyer, you will have an advocate ready to step in and investigate the incident and handle all communication with insurance carriers. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf and even take your case to court if needed. Many attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless the attorney wins your case.
Continue medical care. All car accident victims should continue medical treatment until their doctor releases them. This could take weeks or even months. Discontinuing care before a medical professional recommends doing so could give the insurance claims adjuster or at-fault party legal team a reason to delay or deny the claim.