Last updated on 2019-09-13
A car accident is not one of those situations that we can say that everyone is familiar with. Most people are lucky to not have encountered this horrific experience. Car accidents happen at a rapid pace and there are no easier ways of preparing for them. When it happens, it can leave you with emotional and physical scars, some of which may take years to heal. The best thing that can happen to a person is to know what to do when this happens. From seeking medical attention to getting legally prepared, there are quite a number of things you should do after being involved in a car crash. As for the legal part, it is important to note that the required action may vary from one place to the other.
In case you ever find yourself in an accident while driving through the Lone Star State’s capital, here are a few things you should do when involved in a car crash in Houston.
1. Stop and Ensure Your Safety
Whether you bumped into another vehicle or another driver caused the crash, the last thing you want to do is to leave the scene of the accident. The Hit and Run Laws in Texas are specifically stringent and especially if you’re the one at fault, leaving the accident scene can be a huge blunder. Check for any injuries and in case you’re hurt, try to stop any bleeding as you seek to call for help. If you are able to, it’s also advisable to check if there are any other injured victims and try to get them to a safer location from the road.
2. Dial 911
Regardless of the seriousness of the accident, you should always call 911 in Houston. After an accident, you will need to file a police report, which can be used in establishing who was at fault. The same report will also be needed by insurance companies as far as compensation is concerned. A police report is one of the most trusted tools in a court of law as it contains contact information, cause of the accident, witness information, and car detail information.
3. Call an Accident Attorney
A car crash can leave you with injuries that need medical attention, not forgetting vehicle damages that need repair. Depending on who was at fault, such costs will be covered by either the insurance company of the other driver or your own insurance. Terry Bryant, former judge and experienced Houston personal injury attorney from Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law (https://www.terrybryant.com/houston-car-accident-lawyer/), says that auto accident cases can be really difficult to maneuver on your own and to ensure you get a fair compensation for your injuries and damages caused; one of the most important things to do after an accident in Houston is to talk to an expert auto accident attorney. They can investigate the accident thoroughly, assess the damages, and negotiate with the insurance companies involved to get you the most deserving award in compensation for the damages.
4. Maintain Your Cool
Especially for fender benders, it can be quite easy to lose your temper. It can be really upsetting, knowing that you’re not at fault and the other driver keeps insisting that you are to blame for the accident. In addition to this, a car accident can also disrupt your plans and take much of your time. Ensure that you remain calm and make it your responsibility to ensure that anyone involved in the accident gets all the help that they need. If you have an attorney, all the more reasons to maintain your cool as they’ll help negotiate all the legal processes involved on your behalf.
5. Document Everything
Now, depending on the nature of the accident and the severity of your injuries, it’s imperative that before leaving the scene of the accident, you document as much information as possible about the car crash. This will include the other driver’s license and registration, their addresses, car plate number, witness accounts, and insurance information. If you have a camera, take some pictures of the accident and the crime scene. This can be helpful in a court of law when pursuing compensation or when the other party files a lawsuit against you.
6. Do Not Admit Liability
It’s always good, to be honest about the events prior to an accident. But one thing to avoid is to admit fault. Anything you say can and may be used against you later in a court of law by insurance companies or the other driver in trying to avoid liability.
A car accident is the last thing anyone would want to anticipate. However, they do happen, and knowing what to do and how to conduct yourself can be a huge plus. The above pointers may not be able to reverse the occurrence or prevent it from happening, but they sure can go a long way in making your experience after an accident a less frustrating one.
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