What to Do after a Texas Car Accident

Getting involved in a Texas car accident is a stressful experience that no one ever plans on encountering. However, recent government statistics show that an average of 265,000 Texans are injured each year in car accidents. Of those, about 17,500 motorists will be seriously injured and another 3,500 will lose their life. Thus, while no one counts on being involved in a Texas car crash, every motorist should be prepared in the event an accident occurs.

The moments flowing a Texas car accident are often described as a blur. However, there are some very important things that accident victims should keep in mind to preserve their rights during what can be a crucial time.

Remain at the scene: Leaving the scene of an accident, even if it was not one that you caused, could be considered a Texas hit-and-run. Motorists are legally required to provide their information to other motorists involved in the accident and, if necessary, arrange for medical treatment.
Assess injuries: Be sure to check yourself as well as your passengers for any serious injuries.
Call the police: Even if the accident seems to be a minor one, it is important to call the police to obtain a police report. This may later be used as supporting evidence in a Texas personal injury claim.
Do not admit responsibility: Motorists should resist the urge to apologize for their actions or admit to causing the accident. The fact is, motorists have no idea what else was happening in the moments leading up to the accident that may have contributed to the crash. In fact, it is best to limit communication with the other motorists involved in the accident.
Collect information: Obtaining the names and insurance information of all other drivers involved in the accident is crucial. Accident victims should not rely on police officers collecting this information.
Take pictures: If there is visible damage to your vehicle, or skid marks on the road, it is wise to take pictures using your phone. These pictures may be useful in the event one of the other motorists attempts to shift the blame onto you.
Contact the insurance company: Typically, an insurance company will be the one to cover any injuries resulting from a Texas car accident.
Contact an attorney: In some cases, insurance company deny claims or provide an unreasonably low settlement offer. Working with an experienced Texas personal injury attorney can help accident victims get the compensation they deserve.

Of course, remembering each of the above things can be a challenge during the stressful aftermath of a San Antonio car accident. Thus, motorists are encouraged to print out this list, or type it up on their own, keeping it in their glove box for easy reference.

Have You Been Injured in a Texas Car Wreck?

If you or someone you love has recently been injured in a Texas car accident, the attorneys at Carabin Shaw can help. At Carabin Shaw, we represent clients in all types of Texas car accident cases, including rear-end accidents, head-on collisions, drunk driving accidents, and pedestrian accidents. We have a skilled team of attorneys who are eager to meet with you to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. To learn more, call 800-862-1260 to schedule a free consultation today.